The Temple Square Chorale

n response to the call of President Gordon B. Hinckley for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to "get better and better," the Temple Square Chorale was organized in 1999 as an in-service program for present Choir members as well as a training venue for applicants to the Choir.

The first session of the Temple Square Chorale began in July 1999 with Mack Wilberg as Music Director and Jerold Ottley, along with his wife, soloist and renowned teacher JoAnn Ottley, co- directing the training school.

Mormon Tabernacle Choir Associate Music Director Ryan Murphy directs the Chorale. However, singing is only part of the experience. Cherilyn Worthen is director of the training school which provides instruction in areas such as vocal technique, sight reading skills, and music theory. Worthen is assisted by Choir Vocal Coach Rebecca Wilberg and Temple Square Organists Bonnie Goodliffe and Linda Margetts.

Under the leadership of Murphy and Worthen the Chorale conducts two 12-week sessions each year. Each session allows the Chorale the opportunity to focus on major choral works—a luxury not often afforded within the rigorous schedule of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. In the past, the Chorale has performed such works as the St. Matthew Passion by Bach, King David by Arthur Honegger, Requiem by Mozart and Saul by Handel.

The membership of the Temple Square Chorale changes with each new three-month session. Each session includes a number of new applicants who have passed the rigorous audition requirements for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, which include taped and in person vocal auditions as well as a detailed music aptitude exam. To round out the membership for a given session, Murphy works with Mack Wilberg, Music Director of the Choir, to identify current Mormon Tabernacle Choir members who complete in-service training with the Chorale to hone and improve their musical skills. Total membership of the Chorale varies with each session, but it usually numbers between 70 and 80 members.

The culmination of each three-month session is the performance of a major choral piece. The Chorale is accompanied in these performances by members of the Orchestra at Temple Square.

The preparation of new Choir members and the further training of present members is continuing to be an effective step in fulfilling President Hinckley’s charge to improve the Choir’s performance and reputation.