Audition Call for The Bells on Temple Square By Brittany Karford, Church Magazines Tryouts for The Bells on Temple Square will take place Saturday, January 14 and are open to all, but applications must be submitted by Monday, January 9. Early registration aside, the only other requirement may be the ability to hold a bell larger than an extra-large pizza. That's how David Gardner, a current ringer in the bell choir, describes the size of his G2: a large bell, but not the largest used by the choir. Although he had no ringing experience prior to last year' s tryout and was initially accepted as an alternate, Brother Gardner now holds one of 28 permanent positions on the choir. Yes, the 28 positions on the all-volunteer choir are solidified, but they are still looking for an ample number of seasoned substitutes at this year' s tryout. And this time, ringing experience is preferred. Last year' s tryout posting stated no bell-ringing experience was necessary, which was what prompted Brother Gardner to audition. But with the growth of the group, conductor Thomas M. Waldron said they are now primarily looking for ringers with experience. However, he still welcomes all out to audition, particularly those who can handle the larger, heavier bells. “I would listen to anybody as long as they were musicians,” Brother Waldron said. “You never know who you might run into.” The essential qualification, he said, is advanced musical knowledge and the ability to read music at a performance level. Under those premises last year, Brother Waldron selected 28 from the 204 who auditioned to form the first Bells on Temple Square troupe under the patronage of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and its director, Craig Jessop. Now, almost one year later, Brother Waldron couldn't be more pleased with the growth of the group. With the close of its inaugural season, the bell choir progressed to the point that those who make it this year must work their way up to a permanent position. “They must go through a pecking order, so to speak,” Brother Waldron said. “To become an actual ringer you must start as a substitute.” The group regularly rehearses for a minimum of two hours a week, but Brother Gardner said the Christmas season is especially busy. However, he said the job has a few perks. For instance, all of the bell choir members are set apart as musical missionaries—a blessing for which Brother Gardner is thankful. “It' s fun being involved in music and in missionary work,” he said. This year' s performance schedule includes three perfomances so far, the first occuring at the Utah State Mass Bell Ring on March 11. Other planned performances will take place in June and December, but the choir is frequently requested to accompany the Tabernacle Choir, the Orchestra on Temple Square, and other organizations. To audition, one must first apply online by following the links at www.mormontabernaclechoir.org. Applications will only be accepted through Monday, January 9.