Why Ward Choir?

I have pondered answers to this question for many years. Certainly ward choir adds to the substance and spirit of Sacrament meetings. But a greater benefit comes to the choir participants. A choir director in California has articulated many of my thoughts, and if you have a few minutes can be read here. For those who don't, I reprint the main points below:

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.