Ward Choir-Best Experienced from the Inside

This is basically a repeat of a post I wrote on my personal blog, but I think it's an appropriate way to start this blog out, so if you've already read it, good for you.  If not, it's a good little ward choir pep-talk.

I love music, and I feel like the Lord has blessed me with talents in that area that I'm grateful to be able to use for His purposes.  But I'll be honest, I sometimes question the importance of the ward choir.  Sometimes it seems like it doesn't do very much good--not like a calling as a primary teacher or a youth  leader where you feel like your efforts are foundation-building.  Ward Choir feels rather inessential.

So, why do we have ward choirs?  Anyone who's ever been a ward choir director can tell you that many times it's like pulling teeth to get people to come.  It's pretty much the first thing on everybody's chopping block. I never know who might show up to rehearsals and performances, and the people who do come are often the busiest people in the ward, with heavy ward or stake leadership responsibilities.  What does ward choir do for them besides adding another meeting to their already busy Sundays?  And what does ward choir do for the people in the congregation who sit by passively and listen?  Is it worth people's time to come and rehearse each week? Is it worth the time and energy I put into it? 

I know in my head that it's important because the church handbook instructs that every ward should  have a functioning ward choir to sing at least once or more a month. In fact, a past prophet, Spencer W. Kimball has said, "Every congregation should have a choir.  If you don't have a ward choir, you are not organized fully any more than if you do not have a Relief Society" (Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 518).

I guess I am trying to figure out why it is important and verbalize it's value somehow.  And honestly, I don't know if you can verbalize the value of a ward choir, or any choir.

But as I've thought about the purpose of ward choir and how it blesses the ward, these are some thoughts that I've had about it:

The biggest reason I feel we have ward choirs, is because sacred music, excellently expressed, (sometimes with the help of unseen angel voices) has the ability to quickly invite the spirit in an easily recognizable way.  It crosses language barriers, social and cultural differences, and idealogical divisions.  Children and youth and adults are equally responsive to it.  (In fact, sometimes I think it's the only way to get kids to be still enough to recognize the spirit.)  It can penetrate hearts that might not otherwise be penetrated.

Through beautiful sacred music, I have felt God's love for me and all of His children.  I have been comforted.  I have felt truth witnessed powerfully to me.  I have been inspired to do good, and be good, sometimes even with very specific thoughts about an action I can take.   I have felt encouraged and uplifted in the face of challenges.  My testimony has been strengthened.

I can only hope that everyone in the congregation feels so uplifted by the music offered by the ward choir, but I can assure you that those feelings are so much more far-reaching and have a deeper impact on the choir members who are singing the music.  Because we repeat the words over and over and work on making the music expressive in choir, there is more opportunity to ponder on the words, and more opportunity for the spirit to bear witness of their truth.  And because we sacrifice our time to be there, we get to be the recipients of the blessings of heaven.  ("Praise to the Man," Hymn #27, verse 4).  :)

The choir is meant to uplift and edify the congregation, but I'll just say it plain: 

The people who get the most out of ward choir,
are the people who sing in the ward choir. 

Ward Choir is best experienced from the inside. 

I am, of course, not perfect at meeting these goals, but as I've thought about it, here's what I hope my ward choir members are getting from their participation:

1.  Coming closer to Christ

Of course, that is the end-all goal of everything we do in the church.  I hope that by learning and performing sacred music the ward choir is strengthening testimonies by providing extra opportunities to learn from the spirit. In rehearsals, as we fix different things, we repeat the text over and over--often we need that repetition for the message to really sink in and become internalized.  Ward choir provides opportunities to worship and praise God through song, and helps to create an environment in Sacrament Meeting where the spirit can be more readily felt.

2.  Fellowship and Unity

I don't know how choir members can help but be friends--Choirs are so unique in that there is just absolutely no competition.  Instead of trying to see who can finish the phrase first, we work on finishing all at the same time.  Instead of trying to sing louder than everyone else, we try to blend our voices.  We work on  pronouncing the words the same way, and interpreting the text sensitively as a group.   We crescendo and diminuendo together. With that much teamwork, you'd be hardpressed to find a more unified group than a choir.

3.  Developing Talents

Covenant Latter-Day Saints have made promises to give our talents to the Lord.  I can attest to the fact, that when you do this, the Lord magnifies those talents he has given you and helps you become better and better at those things.  Seriously, if you wish you could sing better, join the ward choir--You'll improve.  Besides, when it comes down to it, you don't need a good voice to sing--all you need is a willing heart.

Finally, for me, music is a way for my soul to express things that I cannot find the words for. I love this thought from Ammon in the Book of Mormon: "There are not words to express my joy."   I am grateful for sacred music sung by ward choirs and stake choirs and primary children's choirs that picks up where the words run out in expressing feelings that run too deep.

When I think of all the wonders of the earth, the miracle of the human body, the vastness of the universe, of the goodness and love I feel in the relationships I enjoy with my family and friends and most importantly, "When I think that God, His Son not sparing, sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in.  That on the cross, my burdens gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sins.  Then sings my soul, . . . . my God how Great Thou Art!"  ("How Great Thou Art," Hymn #86).

I am thankful for the music that helps me express the love I have for my Heavenly Father and my Savior, that wells up inside me and spills out in song.  Truly, how can I, or anyone, keep from singing?