Ward choir questions

[Guest]

1. When do you start practicing Christmas music?

2. Does your choir typically do most or all of the sacrament meeting Christmas program?

[Traveler]

1. When do you start practicing Christmas music?

2 weeks ago last Sunday

2. Does your choir typically do most or all of the sacrament meeting Christmas program?

All.

The Traveler

[Guest]

1.) The Sunday after October General Conference.

2.) No. We usually have a contribution from the Primary or the Youth. Sometimes the Primary or Youth or both sing the Sunday prior depending on how many are on vacation. But usually, they sing on the Christmas Program. Also, we have some volunteers for solos, duets, quartets, etc from members. Like last year, the bishop's 4 boys had a quartet. It was awesome.

[Guest]

*sigh*

Choir accompanist can sure be a frustrating calling.

Next week is November. No sign of a Christmas program, and the choir director (who was put in about a month ago) doesn't seem too stressed about it. We've been asked to do the whole thing. That's a lot of load on me, and not much practice time.

[skippy740]

Been there, done that.

I was once called as a ward choir director and given 3 weeks to put together the Ward Christmas program. We found some good accompaniment that matched the hymn books and worked with traditional Christmas hymns... as well as a Men's Quartet that sang "O Holy Night". Overall, not bad... but I wouldn't want to ever do that again.

[Guest]

I've been here, too. I told the music chairman yesterday that I'm going to have to clear the music that's chosen. I need more time than that to prepare anything too elaborate, when you're talking about an entire program.

[Smudge]

My Choir will starting Christmas music as soon as I can afford to print out the music for the piece we are going to sing - but we are fledging choir - so will be sing one piece at our Christmas carol service - hopefully!

[Sali]

*Sigh* We're not allowed to do a Christmas Program . Our Bishop only allows songs by the Choir from the Hymn Book, not even allowing Hymn arrangements. Is it a common thing to have a Christmas Program? Do you have speakers also? I'm so excited for you, although I would be stressed too if nothing seemed to be getting done about it.

[Guest]

We have a program with narration and songs that all go together. It's always very nice. The bishopric gets to go sit with their families, too. It takes a lot of prep but it is definitely worth it. I just wish I'd have more time. I like to start preparing in September.

[Sali]

You would be the Pianist, right? My daughter is a pianist, and would freak in this situation too lol. I feel for you. The Program sounds lovely, and we did ask last year but received a definite no. Such a shame, as Christmas Programs can really bring the Spirit of Christmas in.