Ward Choirs


Every ward should make an effort to have an active ward choir that sings in sacrament meeting at least once a month. Ward members may participate voluntarily in the choir, or the bishopric may invite or call them to participate.

The bishop and his counselors support a ward choir by encouraging members to participate and by making available a rehearsal time that is free of other ward conflicts.

In a very small branch, a choir might consist of the entire congregation. In a large ward with many resources, the bishopric may call choir officers, such as a president, a secretary, a librarian, and section leaders.

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 Handbook 2, 14.4.2).

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, pages 73–83.

Auditions are not held when organizing ward and stake choirs. Rehearsals usually do not exceed one hour.

Other Choirs



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

Stake and Multistake Choirs


With priesthood leaders’ approval, stake and multistake choirs may be organized for stake conferences, regional conferences, and 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.

Standing community choirs directed by and consisting primarily of Church members are not sponsored by the Church. These choirs should not use references to the Church such as “LDS,” “Latter-day Saint,” or “Mormon” in their names. If stake priesthood leaders approve, community choirs may use Church buildings for rehearsals and performances, provided they follow Church standards and policies related to activities and finances.

(The foregoing information was taken from "Music," chapter 14 of Handbook 2: Administering the Church.)

The Church Music Website and Choirs

The Church Music website 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.

  Listen