Auditioning for The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square
Choir auditions are held each summer. This year, the audition application period will open on June 1, 2024 and remain open until August 15, 2024. More information will be released over the coming weeks as the time for auditions approaches.
The Choir is a place to be surrounded by people that love music, perform for audiences across the world and be a missionary by spreading the gospel through music. If this sounds like you, please review the preliminary information below and continue to check back between now and June as this page will continue to be updated as auditions get closer. We hope to hear from you this summer!
SERVICE AS A MUSICAL MISSIONARY
Members of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square are set apart as musical missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This special privilege of singing in the Choir requires the enthusiasm of a volunteer and the discipline and responsibility of a professional. Although it is an all-volunteer ensemble, the Choir performs on a regular basis in the professional arenas of broadcasting, recording, and concertizing. It is also heard by a worldwide audience that has come to expect a consistently excellent performance.
To perform at such a high level with a limited amount of rehearsal time requires intense effort. Consequently, each member of the Choir is asked to commit a significant amount of time to Choir membership. This will be your principal Church calling and will often take you away from your family and home ward. The decision to apply for membership in the Choir should be a thoughtful and prayerful one. It is essential that you have the cooperation and support of family members regarding this decision. Be sure to consider this critical aspect of Choir service before you begin the audition process.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
To satisfactorily meet the requirements determined by the Choir, a candidate must:
1. Be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in good standing and hold a temple recommend.
2. Be between 25 and 55 years of age on April 30, 2025, when Choir service would begin. Mandatory release occurs at age 60 or after 20 years of service.
3. Currently reside within 100 miles of Temple Square. Applications will not be accepted from anyone not currently residing within the required area, regardless of current or future plans to move to the area. We strongly discourage applicants from moving to the area for the sole purpose of auditioning for the Choir.
4. Be willing to commit to maintaining the required levels of attendance while still being able to take care of all family and work responsibilities. Choir membership will mean 10 to 20 hours of participation per week, depending on projects and schedules. Please consider current as well as future family and employment needs.
5. Be in good health to permit consistent participation in long rehearsals, demanding travel, and other performance-related requirements. Please be realistic about any chronic health conditions currently experienced, such as heart or lung health, joint health, or weight-related issues that would impact your ability to walk long distances, stand for extended periods, be accommodated in available performance attire, or travel in standard seating.
6. Have auditioned not more than two times in the past. Applicants are limited to a total of three applications over their years of age eligibility.
MEMBERSHIP EVALUATION CRITERIA
Applicants will be evaluated on several criteria, including:
1. Spiritual fitness, as demonstrated by their qualification for a temple recommend.
2. Vocal and musical ability, as demonstrated in auditions and examinations.
3. Commitment to attendance and participation in rehearsals, broadcasts, concerts, recording sessions, and other regular assignments given to the Choir, as demonstrated during the training period.
4. Social, emotional, and physical fitness to serve as part of a demanding performance ensemble and to contribute positively to the overall morale of the group, as demonstrated during the training period.
AUDITION PROCESS AND THE CHORALE AT TEMPLE SQUARE/CHOIR SCHOOL
The audition process has four phases:
1. Application, Bishop’s Recommendation, and Recorded Audition
2. Music Skills Assessment
3. In-Person Audition
4. Chorale at Temple Square and Choir School
All applicants, including former members and those who have previously passed any phase of the audition, are required to complete all four phases of the current audition, including the Music Skills Assessment.
Recorded auditions and applications are reviewed by the music director and the associate music director. Those moving to the next phase will be invited to take the music skills assessment. Those scoring 80 percent or better on the assessment will be invited to participate in the in-person vocal audition. Those who successfully complete the first three phases move to phase 4, the Chorale at Temple Square and Choir School. Those who successfully complete the Choir School, with its final exam, as well as the final Chorale performances, will become members of The Tabernacle Choir. New Choir members are required to also participate in the Chorale at Temple Square the following year.
Additional information about each phase of the audition process will be released soon. Please continue to check back for more details.