Secrets of General Conference from a Former Member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

My mother was a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for over fifteen years, retiring seven years ago. As most people know, Choir Members are called and set apart as Musical Missionaries. Just like full-time missionaries, choir members must apply and meet religious standards. There is also a rigorous audition process.

People often ask, “Do you have to be a fabulous, professional musician in order to become a member of this choir?” Yes, you must meet certain criteria. However, just being a professional musician does not guarantee a spot; it’s a calling, so the spiritual aspect must fit. Some amazing singers have not gotten in for whatever reason—maybe it wasn’t their time, perhaps the Lord needed their talents in other ways.”

In her nearly two decades as a part of “America’s Choir,” my mom sang in 30 General Conferences, never missing one. She remembers, “Conference was a highlight of my time in the choir.” Thus, each April and October she becomes nostalgic, recalling memories of singing and preparing for some of her most favorite performances. Although she now enjoys watching General Conference from home, she shares some memories and behind-the-scenes secrets from “MoTab.”

The Non Baptism Day

This post was originally published on The Liahona Project by Sarah Sargent. We post this with her permission.

A high pitched squeal of laughter pierces the otherwise reverent sacrament meeting as my son, Cohen, races at full speed towards the stand. My husband’s feet are heavy and loud as he sprints after him. Besides a few suppressed smiles, barely anyone reacts; maybe they don’t even notice anymore as this is a normal occurrence several times each and every week.

Why Mormons Are Different

I have been a Mormon my whole life. My father converted as a young man, and my grandparents on my mother’s side welcomed the missionaries into their home to try and “prove them wrong,” only to find that the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ was what they had been missing. For 22 years I have benefitted from the dedicated examples of my parents, enjoyed the atmosphere and culture of the church, and I have loved the teachings of Jesus Christ. As I have grown, I have noticed that Mormons can sometimes be considered social anomalies. Certain commonalities amongst members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are not quite “normal.” Here are of some of my experiences with these so called “abnormalities.”

Abnormality #1: Serving Full-time Missions

The young men and women of the LDS Church are invited and encouraged to serve full-time missions. This means dedicating 1 ½ -2 years completely to inviting others to come unto Christ. Most young men leave right after high school at the age of 18, and the young women can leave at age 19. Some missionaries stay in the United States, while others travel across the world and learn an entirely new language and culture. For all missionaries, communication with family and friends back home is limited to weekly emails and calls only on Christmas and Mother’s Day, in an effort to maintain focus and dedication to the Lord’s work. (Mark 16:15, D&C 20:59) There are also strict expectations of obedience and responsibility.

10 Quotes about the Temple That Will Inspire You

I See More Clearly My Place

“The mighty perspective of eternity is unraveled before us in the holy temples; we see time from its infinite beginning to its endless end; and the drama of eternal life is unfolded before us. Then I see more clearly my place amidst the things of the universe, my place among the purposes of God; I am better able to place myself where I belong, and I am better able to value and to weigh, to separate and to organize the common, ordinary duties of my life, so that the little things shall not oppress me or take away my vision of the greater things that God has given us.” (Elder John A. Widtsoe, Conference Report, Apr. 1922, pp. 97–98)

Temples Are Places of Personal Revelation

“I testify that temples are places of personal revelation. There have been times when I have been weighed down by problems or difficulties and have gone to the house of the Lord with a prayer in my heart for answers. These answers have come in clear and unmistakable ways. Now, by virtue of the sacred priesthood in me vested, I promise you that, with increased attendance in the temples of our God, you shall receive increased personal revelation to bless your lives as you bless those who have died.” (President Ezra Taft Benson, Frankfurt Germany Temple Dedication, Cornerstone: August 28, 1987; “The Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants,” Ensign, May 1987, 85) 

How Cancer Changed My Outlook on Family History

After being challenged with completing 2,016 minutes of family history work throughout the year, I set out to meet that goal. I tried; I really did! 

I easily registered on all the sites.

I found my own records, along with those of my children. 

I searched for my parents and began to follow their lines back to further generations. 

It was going so well that I was excited to do more. Once I simply merged my information with my parents’, my genealogy would also be completed several generations back. Easy, peasy!

But, I couldn't get it to work. Was I really going to have to reenter information that was already correct in another place? Shouldn’t I be able to link to my mother and have all of her ancestors’ names linked to me, as well? Isn’t that what computers do? Suddenly, my well-intentioned goals turned into the mandatory shutting down of my laptop before I threw it across the room in frustration.