Questions On The Tabernacle Choir

[cdowis]

I have watched the choir for many years, but I always saw it as a group. Just a "bunch" of people singing

A couple of months ago I was watching the choir on TV in General Conference, and suddenly something struck me. There was one sister with flaming red hair, who stood out from the rest.

It was fascinating. I then began to look at other individuals, rather than the group.

I wonder who that is. How long has she been in the choir. Does she have a family. How often does she have to go to practice.

So, can someone here tell me about some of the individual members of the choir.

What is the typical length of time do they stay?

How much practicing do they do -- is it always all together, or do they break up in groups.

How difficult is it to join -- do they have hundreds applying. Do they have a certain limited time that they remain with the choir or is it their choice.

Can you tell me the story of some individuals. Can anyone tell me about that sister who stands out from the rest of the choir (no names, please).

Thanks.

Edited July 19, 2012 by cdowis

[Scott Lloyd]

Lots of fun facts and background at the choir's official website here.

I'll be at a news conference tomorrow morning with the choir president Mac Christensen, choir director Mack Wilberg and the guest artist at the Pioneer Day Concert this Friday and Saturday. Anything in particular you want me to ask?

FYI, HiJolly on this board is a member of the choir -- or he was last I heard.

[rpn]

I read they are currently auditioning. A family friend (who otherwise taught high school music) served the 20 years you are able to in the choir. She said it was marvelous, but it makes it hard to have a church home and make friends in the real world because so much time is spent with the choir.

[Traela]

Lots of fun facts and background at the choir's official website here.

I'll be at a news conference tomorrow morning with the choir president Mac Christensen, choir director Mack Wilberg and the guest artist at the Pioneer Day Concert this Friday and Saturday. Anything in particular you want me to ask?

FYI, HiJolly on this board is a member of the choir -- or he was last I heard.

When are they going to release a bagpipe CD? (Yes, I have a weakness for choir with bagpipes.)

[volgadon]

I heard tell of a pillow fight on an airplane.

[cdowis]

I will look at their web site, but I am especially interested in how they started to use non-traditional music -- drums, clapping hands, moving in unison, African beat, etc. I bet there is a story behind that, especially Boye (spelling?).

Edited July 19, 2012 by cdowis

[ERMD]

I look for HiJolly every conference broadcast. He's usually up near the top row, typically a little stage left of center.

[Duncan]

^{There is one guy I also notice most every conference, he looks so 1980's and I think I have been seeing him since then-he doesn't age like at all. I would love to know who that fella is! Helloks like a young Ron Howard with a kinda curly brown hair and a moustache}

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

FYI, HiJolly on this board is a member of the choir -- or he was last I heard.

Yes but his hair is white.

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

When are they going to release a bagpipe CD? (Yes, I have a weakness for choir with bagpipes.)

I thought "Praise to the man" had bagpipes.

[Moon Quaker]

When are they going to release a bagpipe CD? (Yes, I have a weakness for choir with bagpipes.)

[derail]

It's not MoTab, but here's Lex de Azevedo's "Fantasy on a Scottish Tune" featuring The Millennium Choir (the choir doesn't make their entrance until just after the 4-minute mark.)

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[/derail]

[cinepro]

Meridian Magazine had a really good series of articles a few years ago on the audition process:

http://www.ldsmag.com/article/1/10161

The application itself asks about your church and family background, occupation, educational background, and musical experience. Application requirements are as follows:

1. Membership in the Church.

2. Age between 25 and 55. [Mandatory retirement from the Choir is at age 60 or 20 years of service - whichever comes first. A minimum period of 5 years service is requested].

3. Good health.

4. Body size that can be accommodated by the Choir's wardrobe (exceptionally small or large sizes are limited).

5. Ability to receive a bishop's recommendation indicating temple worthiness (though a temple recommend is not required).

Applicants are asked to prepare an audition tape to be returned with the application. The tape consists of the following:

1. Choose one of three hymns (Abide With Me, O My Father, or I Need Thee Every Hour).

2. Play and announce the beginning pitch in a comfortable key.

3. Sing one verse of the hymn (without accompaniment).

4. Play and announce the ending pitch (which, of course, should be in the same key in which you began!).

5. Sing a few bars of the hymn with a straight tone.

6. Sing a few measures sotto voce (with a quiet undertone quality).

7. Sing a few measures loudly.

8. Perform three short vocal exercises (which are included with the application materials). These will help determine your natural voice range.

Edited July 23, 2012 by cinepro