Ward chorister?

[Guest]

I got a new calling. Ward chorister. Supposedly, I get to stand infront of the congregation at sacrament meeting and wave my hands in time to the music. Somebody else picks the music, somebody else plays the organ (playing at the opposite side of the podium which is not in direct view of the ward chorister... wierd).

Okay, I've been a member for 8 years and I've never really paid attention to the ward chorister. I came from a Catholic church where the choir is led/directed by a paid professional and he is very important. I was an alto, a guitarist, and even a cantor at the Catholic mass. It was a big performance every Sunday. This doesn't seem to be the same as the ward chorister. There could be no chorister and the ward would be none the wiser.

Okay, so, how do I magnify this calling?

P.S. There is a choir director in our ward too. The choir don't sing at sacrament except for special occassions - like Christmas.

[beefche]

Magnify it? No clue. Who picks the music and why? Can you ask to take over that task? I was chorister for a while. My difficulty was in getting themes for Sacrament talks to pick appropriate hymns. I usually just had to go by inspiration (meaning I chose songs I wanted to sing).

BTW, I call it the Official Arm Flapper instead of chorister. Best part of that calling was watching all the little kids imitate me--I often began laughing while in front of everyone and people would ask me afterwards what was so funny. Or I would get really touched by the words and start boo-hooing and bawling and have people ask me why the tears. I was often embarrassed with that calling.

[Wingnut]

To start with, talk to your bishopric counselor and ask if there is any objection to moving to music podium into better view of the organ. There shouldn't be a problem with this.

Second, with your musical background, I assume you already are familiar with time signatures and conducting music. If you aren't, there is a section in the back of the hymnbook that has a tutorial on that.

Third, you don't wave your hands in time to the music -- the music follows you. You set the tempo and the mood of the hymn. The organist accompanies you, not the other way around.

Honestly, I think it's a hard calling to magnify. A little over two months ago I was released from the calling of Ward Music Director, which I had had for over a year. I was really upset when I first received the calling. There were some extenuating circumstances that I won't go into, but suffice it to say that it didn't feel inspired to me. I wondered how I could possibly magnify such a cut-and-dry "Sunday calling." My calling consisted of choosing the music, arranging the special musical numbers, scheduling the choir to sing, choosing a choir director, and conducting the music in Sacrament. We have a medium-sized ward here, so we didn't call a separate person just to conduct. One thing I did that I felt really helped make a difference in our meetings was a very simple thing. Our ward sang a rest hymn between speakers nearly every week (unless there was a special number arranged), but we never stood up. I'd never been in a ward before that didn't stand for the rest hymn. Isn't that part of the point? To wake people up and get the blood flowing again? Well, I asked my Bishopric counselor if there was a particular reason that we don't stand in our ward, and he told me that there wasn't. So I started doing it. My bishop thought it was the greatest thing since chocolate chip cookies. Another thing I learned was that the chorister sets the feel of the hymn. If s/he is smiling, others will feel happier. It s/he is reverent, others will be, too.

By the time I was released, I was sad. I had grown to really enjoy the calling. I've mentioned before that I live in the Kirtland, OH Stake (though not ward). My favorite experience as Ward Music Director was one sacrament meeting when I led the ward in singing The Spirit of God. It's a whole different experience singing here than anywhere else.

Good luck!

[Guest]

To start with, talk to your bishopric counselor and ask if there is any objection to moving to music podium into better view of the organ. There shouldn't be a problem with this.

Second, with your musical background, I assume you already are familiar with time signatures and conducting music. If you aren't, there is a section in the back of the hymnbook that has a tutorial on that.

Third, you don't wave your hands in time to the music -- the music follows you. You set the tempo and the mood of the hymn. The organist accompanies you, not the other way around.

Honestly, I think it's a hard calling to magnify. A little over two months ago I was released from the calling of Ward Music Director, which I had had for over a year. I was really upset when I first received the calling. There were some extenuating circumstances that I won't go into, but suffice it to say that it didn't feel inspired to me. I wondered how I could possibly magnify such a cut-and-dry "Sunday calling." My calling consisted of choosing the music, arranging the special musical numbers, scheduling the choir to sing, choosing a choir director, and conducting the music in Sacrament. We have a medium-sized ward here, so we didn't call a separate person just to conduct. One thing I did that I felt really helped make a difference in our meetings was a very simple thing. Our ward sang a rest hymn between speakers nearly every week (unless there was a special number arranged), but we never stood up. I'd never been in a ward before that didn't stand for the rest hymn. Isn't that part of the point? To wake people up and get the blood flowing again? Well, I asked my Bishopric counselor if there was a particular reason that we don't stand in our ward, and he told me that there wasn't. So I started doing it. My bishop thought it was the greatest thing since chocolate chip cookies. Another thing I learned was that the chorister sets the feel of the hymn. If s/he is smiling, others will feel happier. It s/he is reverent, others will be, too.

By the time I was released, I was sad. I had grown to really enjoy the calling. I've mentioned before that I live in the Kirtland, OH Stake (though not ward). My favorite experience as Ward Music Director was one sacrament meeting when I led the ward in singing The Spirit of God. It's a whole different experience singing here than anywhere else.

Good luck!

Oh man, this is going to be interesting. Because, I always thought the sacrament meeting songs are too flat and boring... it needs to be livelier at times and more solemn at times. Hmm... you mean, I can actually change all that?

I don't know if we have a music director. I was just told when I got my calling that I don't have to worry about picking the music. I'm gonna have to ask now who actually picks the music.

Yes, I have formal music background. I come from a musical family - my sister sang at the opera, her husband is a composer/arranger/maestro, several aunts and uncles and cousins in bands... all that. I have directed a choir before as well. I have talent but not enough to make a good living out of, so I didn't pursue it as a career.

It just seems like LDS sacrament meetings have a rigid music program. It's like they try too hard to make the music boring so that it won't become the focal point of the meeting. I understand that, but at the same time, I'm not sure what the limits should be.

By the way, I gained part of my testimony in Kirtland, Ohio. I used to pass by that big temple (RLDS now, I guess) on the way to Lakeland Community College. I was always awed by that sight - especially after I skidded on that snow-covered hill coming from school headed towards the temple and rolled backwards onto somebody's hood and I sat there looking at that big white building with the sun glinting off of it while I was waiting for the cop to show up.

[Wingnut]

Oh man, this is going to be interesting. Because, I always thought the sacrament meeting songs are too flat and boring... it needs to be livelier at times and more solemn at times. Hmm... you mean, I can actually change all that?

Have you ever watched the Tabernacle Choir sing Come, Come, Ye Saints? Granted, they practice, so they know what's coming, but if you pay attention, you'll notice they crescendo in certain parts, and they become really quiet and slower in other parts. As a ward chorister, it can be difficult to direct volume, but if you have a good organist who really follows your lead, you can control the tempo and feel. The problem is, the congregation will follow the organ, so you need to get the organist to follow you.

But yes, you can absolutely change it!

[Guest]

Have you ever watched the Tabernacle Choir sing Come, Come, Ye Saints? Granted, they practice, so they know what's coming, but if you pay attention, you'll notice they crescendo in certain parts, and they become really quiet and slower in other parts. As a ward chorister, it can be difficult to direct volume, but if you have a good organist who really follows your lead, you can control the tempo and feel. The problem is, the congregation will follow the organ, so you need to get the organist to follow you.

But yes, you can absolutely change it!

YES, YES! I know exactly what you're talking about! Hey, this is going to be exciting! The organist is a good friend of mine, we can see what we can come up with. Maybe I can get him to use the piano on certain pieces. I think the sacrament song can be made very solemn with the piano instead of the organ...

[Guest mormonmusic]

I'm not sure who the Ward Choirister reports to, so these are ideas may be ones to bounce off whoever you report to, in case you can't make these decisions unilaterally.

1. Check out the rear of the hymnbook. There are songs there which are "crossovers". For example, you can sing the words to one hymn using the melody of another. That will jazz things up a bit, but you'll have to figure out how to let the Ward know you're doing this so you don't get mayhem. I've seen choiristers just tell everybody before the hymn starts.

You could consider asking anyone interested in learning to do it stay after Church one day and do a quick run-through for a hymn you're doing next week. It'll help to have these people interspersed throughout the congregation so others can catch on quickly.

2. Figure out some ways to cheer up the front of the chapel with flowers or other adornments, if this falls under your purview.

3. Try watching great conductors of various choirs or orchestras over the years -- maybe the conductor of the Motab choir, and see if you can do more than keep time up there. I like earlier suggestions about getting tight with the organist/pianist and leading everyone in volume, as well as pauses and other things that make the hymn more interesting. Figure out how to use your body language.

4. I've seen people use a baton. It sure does make you look professional and adds to your overall personna.

4. Get a manual for your calling from the distribution center, and read up on what you should be doing.

Edited December 15, 2009 by mormonmusic

[john doe]

I would guess that if you are not the one picking the music then the organist is picking songs they want to/can play without too much trouble. While it is true that the Chorister is supposed to lead the music tempo and volume, if the organist can't/won't follow your lead it becomes a moot point, and you end up singing how they play.

[MarginOfError]

I'm not sure who the Ward Choirister reports to

The ward chorister reports to the ward music director. Not all ward leaders know the difference though, so they may or may not have a ward music director.

Just for the record, the ward music director coordinates sacrament music, oversees the choir, and trains music leaders in Relief Society, Primary, young women and priesthood (although they report to their quorum and auxiliary presidencies).

[pam]

I would guess that if you are not the one picking the music then the organist is picking songs they want to/can play without too much trouble. While it is true that the Chorister is supposed to lead the music tempo and volume, if the organist can't/won't follow your lead it becomes a moot point, and you end up singing how they play.

That is so true. I've sat in numerous sacrament meetings and watched the chorister and the organist interraction. Having grown up musically inclined and having directed the music in sacrament meetings more times than I can count I pay attention to this.

I've seen so many where the organist doesn't even look at the chorister. Not once. So basically the chorister is following the organist when it should be the other way around.

Good luck anatess. But I do agree with JD, that perhaps the organist is choosing songs that they are comfortable playing. I don't know if you are in a ward where there is a lack of people who can play the organ or not..if you are..just something you will have to work with.

[OneEternalSonata]

Great posts! My current ward has a very kind chorister, but she has the tendency to slow fast hymns down and make slow hymns almost funereal. Now Let Us Rejoice should not take more time than all seven verses of A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief. Perhaps, she knows more of reverence than I do, but I'm not sure on that.

[Wingnut]

1. Check out the rear of the hymnbook. There are songs there which are "crossovers". For example, you can sing the words to one hymn using the melody of another. That will jazz things up a bit, but you'll have to figure out how to let the Ward know you're doing this so you don't get mayhem. I've seen choiristers just tell everybody before the hymn starts.

I love doing this, and I think it's great to do for choir numbers or the Relief Society practice hymn occasionally, but I think it would have disastrous results if done in Sacrament meeting. Taking the time to explain it from the pulpit before singing the song also disrupts the Spirit of the meeting.

[Guest]

Great advice everyone! Thank you very much.

Didn't even think to check for a book at the distribution center. Also, didn't know if we have a ward music director. We have a choir director - maybe she's one and the same? She's my visiting teacher too, so that's convenient. I can talk to her on her visit tomorrow!

[pam]

I love doing this, and I think it's great to do for choir numbers or the Relief Society practice hymn occasionally, but I think it would have disastrous results if done in Sacrament meeting. Taking the time to explain it from the pulpit before singing the song also disrupts the Spirit of the meeting.

I've done it in Relief Society. Basically I did it to provide some FHE ideas in how to use the hymn book in some fun ways.

[Wingnut]

Great advice everyone! Thank you very much.

Didn't even think to check for a book at the distribution center. Also, didn't know if we have a ward music director. We have a choir director - maybe she's one and the same? She's my visiting teacher too, so that's convenient. I can talk to her on her visit tomorrow!

You shouldn't have to get your manual from the distribution center. It's only about 14 pages -- your ward clerk should have a copy of the music section for you, and if not, let him order it.

[Nursemom]

I know I am dredging up and old thread, but I did an internet search and this is where it sent me. I was released last week as 1st counselor in Relief Society. Our presidency had been together for 3 years and we all loved it. I got the shock of my life when I was called today to be ward chorister. I can barely read music, being a piano lesson dropout in 5th grade. I have been in many choirs but never really paid much attention to how the ward chorister did their job.

Our chorister has been doing that job since the ward was formed several decades ago, so I was very shocked at this calling. I know they are suppose to be inspired, but I think they must have gotten their signals crossed. Of course, I accepted (aren't we suppose to) but I am terrified. The only thing that makes it bearable is knowing I have a wonderful, supportive ward and they will all be pulling for me. Within the past 2 weeks there have been a large number of releases and new callings so everyone is learning something new.

In a 6 month period we will have released and called a new Bishopric, Primary, Young Women and Relief Society as well as several other callings. Somebody is cleaning house.

I appreciate this thread and the information I have gotten from it, but can always use new advice. I am new to this forum, but am looking forward to being a part of it. I love the LDS hymns, but being from a Southern Baptist background I found them a bit slow after my conversion. Someone on this thread mentioned that the organist was suppose to follow the chorister (which I don't see happening), but if she did, the music might just be a bit liveilier!

[Wingnut]

I appreciate this thread and the information I have gotten from it, but can always use new advice. I am new to this forum, but am looking forward to being a part of it. I love the LDS hymns, but being from a Southern Baptist background I found them a bit slow after my conversion. Someone on this thread mentioned that the organist was suppose to follow the chorister (which I don't see happening), but if she did, the music might just be a bit liveilier!

Another way to change it up is in your hymn selection itself. When I was ward chorister, I had a kind of formula:

Opening hymn = usually something lively and upbeat, cheerful

Sacrament hymn = from the Sacrament section of the book

Rest hymn = always a livelier one, it needs to wake people up

Closing hymn = quieter, more reverent, to carry the Spirit into other meetings

If you have no musical background, getting the organist to follow you will be tricky at first. I suggest you study the back of the hymnbook where it has the time signature tutorials. Also practice each of your hymns, either singing out loud yourself, or playing the music and leading along. This will help you get more familiar with them, and will also prepare you in case of any mid-song time signature changes. The organist won't follow you if you don't have the confidence to take charge.

Oh, and one other thing I checked when choosing hymns was the time signature itself. I'm not very good with 6/8 or 6/4 timing at all, so I avoided hymns in those signatures, unless I knew I'd be out of town and getting a sub. I wasn't confident enough with them, so I didn't put myself in the awkward position.

[pam]

Oh, and one other thing I checked when choosing hymns was the time signature itself. I'm not very good with 6/8 or 6/4 timing at all,

You can do these as a 2 beat direction instead of trying to do the whole 6 thing.

[zoolaine]

Just write your name in cursive in the air with your arm!

[Nursemom]

Just write your name in cursive in the air with your arm!

I like your thought process! My calling had not been announced to the ward yet, but tonight we had a fireside and they asked me to lead the music (inspired or a plot??). We did not have a piano player so someone who doesn't play particularly well volunteered, and I was grateful for what she did do! My ineptness was covered by her trying to get thru the song, so it worked out well for a trial run.

I told the "old" choirister I was going to move in with her for the week to pick her brain! I am meeting with her Friday to try to get a handle on what my responsibilities are. I always put my all into my callings, but this one came out of left field and I feel well underqualified.

I also will talk to the regular organist and we can work out a routine. She is a great lady and will be glad to cover for me!

Keep the suggestions coming, I need all the help I can get!

Edited September 6, 2010 by Nursemom

[Wingnut]

You can do these as a 2 beat direction instead of trying to do the whole 6 thing.

Depending on the mood and tempo of the song, some can be done with a 2 beat, and some with a 3 beat, but some still required a 6 beat. Even with simplified direction, it still requires a lot more concentration to conduct a modified pattern. I had a hard enough time keeping my arm going and getting the words right while making sure to still look at the congregation instead of just the book in front of me.

[Nursemom]

You can do these as a 2 beat direction instead of trying to do the whole 6 thing.

I think I am going to be choosing VERY familiar songs for a while, and staying well within my comfort zone. I told the Bishop to just leave the song numbers up from this week, and we will sing the same songs every Sunday for a while. I doubt he will listen to my suggestion though.

[pam]

Always a good thing to start out with what you feel comfortable. Just don't get into a rut over time. Break out of your comfort zone at some point.

[pam]

Depending on the mood and tempo of the song, some can be done with a 2 beat, and some with a 3 beat, but some still required a 6 beat. Even with simplified direction, it still requires a lot more concentration to conduct a modified pattern. I had a hard enough time keeping my arm going and getting the words right while making sure to still look at the congregation instead of just the book in front of me.

I conducted music for years and was a ward choir director for a time. I guess I've never run across a song that I actually had to do all six beats.