Ward Choir

"I hope they make another one. We can do the same [thing] over and over again, with nothing new in it. Eventually people will say 'oh dear goodness, do you think they'll make another one?' "
-Bat Thumb cast interviews

The same thing could be said of ward choirs. Why do they keep forming them every year? Every year it's the same thing, at Christmas they get a bunch of people to join and somehow manage to pull off a program. After the program, the Bishopric asks that the choir sing every month in Sacrament meeting. However, as soon as Christmas is over, all but 5 members of the choir leave (everyone left is related) and anyone who can actually sing is too embarrassed to even consider joining that horrible excuse for a choir. The poor choir director does the best he/she can to keep bringing variety to the meetings, and while he/she does succeed, it's not exactly the kind of variety any member of the ward enjoys. Instead, it's "oh dear goodness, here we go again..." Just like the doctrine of the church, it's the same wherever you go.

Here's my thing: I think ward choirs could be a great thing! There is no faster way to get the spirit into a room than with good music. I know that there are plenty of people out there that do have the talent to sing. But somehow, most of those people have 'better things to do' during choir practice time. (These people then have no right to complain when the ward choir sounds terrible.) Bless the hearts of the people who do sacrifice their time and come to practice, with or without singing talents, and even with their crazy kids. And hey, even if the ward choir doesn't do the greatest job of giving everyone goosebumps in sacrament meeting, practices can be an awesome experience for choir members. Even if we go over the same part over and over again and can't quite get it, we make friendships with people we might not see much otherwise. (like nursery leaders and heaven forbid, that poor choir director, who everyone avoids so as to not be invited to join the choir.)

Of all people, I know it sucks to have to go back to church on Sunday afternoon. But if enough people would do it, ward choir would be a great thing! Even if you get a bunch of people together who "can't sing" (EVERYONE can learn), if the parts are gone over enough and people try, it will actually sound good! The Lord blesses those who try.

To all of you who are in your ward choir, bless your hearts!

Oh, and one more thing: You make fun of the ward choir or complain about their singing, I can pretty much promise you'll be next in line for that choir director calling. The Lord works in mysterious ways :p