Although the world health situation has caused The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square to pause its rehearsals and performances, the organization is looking toward the future. The Choir has announced that they are holding auditions to fill spots in the 360-member volunteer ensemble. Earning a spot with this choir, however, is a bit more intense than showing up for ward choir practice.
“It is a rigorous process that yields marvelous results,” said music director Mack Wilberg in a recent press release. “Each year we continue to be pleased with the high level of musical expertise displayed by Choir applicants and look forward to meeting them during the audition process.”
The digital application guide will be posted on June 1, 2020—one month earlier than usual to give applicants plenty of time to submit their applications before the due date on August 15, 2020.
The entire application process stretches across nine months and includes four phases: an online application, a musical skills assessment, an interview and in-person audition, and participation in Choir School and Temple Square Chorale.
While that process may seem arduous, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square encourages interested persons to seriously consider auditioning.
“Many people dream of singing with The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square but think it is out of their reach. The truth is that many people each year fulfill their dreams of becoming a part of the Choir,” according to The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square’s official website.
Those hoping to audition must meet three requirements: be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in good standing, be between 25 and 55 years of age on April 30, 2021, and currently reside within 100 miles of the Salt Lake Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, Utah.
As long as those requirements can be met, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square urges people to not let fear hold them back. A story on the Choir's website shares that when composer Janice Kapp Perry’s husband suggested she audition for the Choir, she was so afraid she had to be dragged to the in-person audition.
“My fears almost kept me from five and a half years of the most glorious musical experience on this earth,” said Perry.
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For those interested in learning more details about the audition process, see Church News and thetabernaclechoir.org.
