Ward choirs and other special choirs can teach and inspire Church members. Choirs are encouraged to use the hymnbook as their basic resource because the hymns teach the truths of the restored gospel. Hymn arrangements and other appropriate choral works may also be used. (See "Appropriate Music for Church Meetings.")

Information about using the hymns for choirs is also provided in Hymns, pages 381–83. Additional information about conducting choirs is in the Conducting Course manual (item no. 33619), pages 73–83.

Auditions are not usually conducted when organizing Church choirs.

Ward Choirs

Every ward should have an active ward choir. Priesthood leaders establish a time for choir rehearsals that is free from scheduling conflicts. Rehearsals usually do not exceed one hour.

The ward choir should sing in sacrament meeting at least once or twice a month. Choirs can be used to help members become more familiar with the hymns and to introduce them to lesser-known hymns.

Other Choirs

In addition to the ward choir, other choirs from the ward, including Relief Society, priesthood, youth, children's, and family choirs, may be invited to sing hymns and other appropriate musical selections in Church meetings.

Stake and Multistake Choirs

Stake and multistake choirs may be organized with priesthood leaders' approval for stake and regional conferences and for other occasions such as community events. After the performance, the choir is disbanded until other occasions arise. These choirs should not interfere with members' participation in ward choirs.

(The foregoing information was taken from "Music," section 14 of the Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders [1998], 291 [click here for online version].)

The Church Music Web Site and Choirs

The Church Music Web site can help choir members learn to sing their part of a hymn.

The site can help choir directors choose hymns by topic, use the hymnbook, conduct music, and find hymns that can be sung to other hymn tunes.