Messages from the Music Committee

r MESSAGES FROM THE MUSIC COMMITTEE 1155 Successful choristers agree that, when once the singers have been selected by the chorister, they should be called to the choir work by proper authority, namely, the bishop, just as others are called to various positions in the ward. This adds dignity to the position of choir-member, and lessens the danger of a duplication of offices. Singers so called by the bishop should be re- leased from such other positions as might interfere with the free and pleasant fulfilment of responsibilities as choir-members. In the choice of singers the chorister will find many desirable voices whose possessors are unable to read music. He will do well to establish classes in sight-reading where these may be taught how to read. This is greatly to be desired in a choir with experienced and trained singers, who might lose interest and enthusiasm from the constant repetition of passages, and the consequent slow progress of inexperienced singers who must be taught by ear. This condition exists frequently in localities where, owing to lack of music-supervision in the schools, boys and girls are not taught to read music. If prospective members could be made to see that service in the choir would really benefit them by offering them an avenue to service in the Church, the choir would feel a new stimulus in their desire to join. It is not enough to impose upon them a duty of membership; this service can and ought to be made pleasurable and profitable. As to what tests should be submitted to new members depends largely upon local conditions and persons. A musical community, and a trained and ex- perienced chorister, will justify more exacting requirements than a com- munity where opportunity for musical training has been meager, and where only poorly equipped talent is obtainable for chorister. One hope of the Music Committee, in projecting these lessons, is that the study of them will result in higher standards in all these matters. Any good voice, backed by an owner who is willing to give his best to choir work, should be taken in, and when once a member, he should recognize the leadership of the chorister. Assisting agencies will depend on local conditions. It is desirable to keep a record of choir activity, such as attendance at rehearsals and services, a list of selections, as sung, so as to avoid repetition and monotony, business transacted at choir meetings, etc. For this work a secretary ought to be chosen, who may be of valuable service to a director, if he is tactful, wise, and sympathetic. A librarian may be a help, if taught to function properly. He should keep the music in good order, distribute it and col- lect it, as determined upon before the rehearsal or service, so that harmony may be maintained at all times. Cooperation and agreement between the chorister and the organist is one of the greatest helps in maintaining an efficient choir. This subject will be treated later. If a choir committee is chosen, it should be with the complete sanction of the chorister, and its members should be persons with whom he can work agreeably. A committee chosen in any other way becomes "a society for the prevention of the peace and efficiency of choir directors." There can be no objection to such a committee handling social affairs and concerts of the choir, but they should not attempt to be other than assistants to the chorister in carrying out his plans. In the choir's work, after the vocal material is in, the great need to insure musical results, is the balance and arrangement of parts. This will be treated in a later lesson, but it should be mentioned here under organi- zation, so we quote from Evan Stephens, the veteran conductor, as follows: jij r "I should aim to have my choir made up of a well-balanced body of singers, representing a male choir and a female choir, each of four parts — first and seconds of each of the soprano, alto, tenor and bass. When I say well balanced, I do not mean it in the numerical sense, but in the general

1156 IMPROVEMENT ERA harmonious balance of all. Often six good altos, three first and three second, or lower, will fairly balance double the number of light sopranos, sufficiently at least to chord well. Also three first tenors and a similar number of seconds will serve for a choir of twice the number of bassos, although a nearer number in each part is advisable and should be aimed at." The business of the choir is to sing, and any organization must look to the realizaton of this mission — only such will be efficient. Upper: The Arizona Temple, Mesa, September 5, Looking Northeast Lower: The Temple at Mesa, September 5, East and North Sides