Random Acts is a new heartwarming hidden-camera show that centers around doing good things for others in unexpected ways and will inspire viewers to pay it forward. The show airs Mondays at 8:30 p.m. mountain time on BYUtv, and episodes can be viewed on randomactstv.com after they air.

In the fourth episode of the series, which involves the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, a guest is surprised with the opportunity of a lifetime. Shelby Ward arrived early to the March 13, 2016, broadcast of Music & the Spoken Word, thinking she was there to see a special guest. She was completely surprised when the host, Lloyd Newell, announced to the audience that she would be performing with the Orchestra. She was quickly escorted downstairs and treated to *makeup, hair, and wardrobe.

During the show, Ward, a gifted musician, fulfilled a lifelong dream of sitting in with the Orchestra at Temple Square. Ward had been practicing the viola part for “His Yoke Is Easy and His Burden Is Light,” from Handel’s Messiah, with the understanding that she would be performing the piece for some students at her local church. She performed the Messiah piece brilliantly, along with sight-reading many others that she hadn’t previously practiced.

A few years ago, while Ward was going to school on a music scholarship, she suffered an overwhelming health crisis that has kept her in and out of the hospital, leaving her unable to attain her dream or keep her scholarship. It was her friend Martha who nominated her for this episode of Random Acts. Watch the full episode here.

Shelby Ward is surrounded by family, friends, stylists and Random Acts hosts.

Ward has previously performed with the Timpanogos Symphony Orchestra, Alpine Community Theater, Utah Valley University Orchestra, All-State Orchestra, Lyceum Music Festival, American Fork Symphony and more.

*Stylists who took part in the program were:

Abby Smith: https://www.youtube.com/user/twistmepretty
Leanne Barlow: https://www.instagram.com/leannebarlow/    
Brittany Watson Jepson: https://www.instagram.com/houselarsbuilt/    

Here is a behind the scenes video of the making of the episode: