Beginning in the summer of 1999, the
Temple Square Chorale was established as a training organization for prospective
and current members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The chorale is conducted
by Associate Tabernacle Choir Conductor Mack Wilberg, whose superb conducting
and composing talents make for an unparalleled learning experience.
Training also includes classroom instruction in music theory and vocal technique,
taught by such eminent musicians as former Tabernacle Choir Director Jerold Ottley,
Soprano JoAnne Ottley and Associate Tabernacle Organists Bonnie Goodliffe and Linda
Margetts.
The Chorale does not have a permanent membership; it is formed every six
months from a mix of prospective and current Tabernacle Choir members. Choir members
take a leave of absence from the Tabernacle Choir during this time. It is anticipated
that members of the Choir will serve in the Chorale approximately once every six years.
Each session of the Chorale lasts for three months at which time a formal concert
is given. The Chorale also participates in at least one broadcast
of the Tabernacle Choir's "Music and the Spoken Word". Rehearsals are
held every Tuesday night in the Assembly Hall (pictured above) on Temple Square. Classroom
instruction is held across the street in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building on Thursdays.
A theory examination is given at the beginning of the session. Those who are unable to
achieve an 80% score will be required to take the exam again after instruction is complete and
must achieve 80% in order to be eligible to participate in the Tabernacle Choir.
At the conclusion of a chorale session current Tabernacle Choir members rejoin the choir
and prospective members begin their service, providing they have demonstrated the necessary
skills.
