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Scott Hawes ReportingThis weekend is the 176th semi-annual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And sitting prominently behind Church leadership will be The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It's an exclusive club for even the most notable of Saints.
It's exclusive because of its prominence, and its longevity has a lot to do with it, too. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir held its first broadcast of the Spoken Word in 1929, and on April 30th will air its 4000th consecutive live broadcast.
It is one of, if not the, premiere choir in the world. Once you're in, you can stay up to 20 years. It used to be longer. But getting in is the tricky part, and one definitely worth noting.
Richard Harkness/Choir Hopeful: "This is just completely nerve racking." "It's kind of like standing there totally on display. There's no place to hide."
No, it's not American Idol. But for thousands of Latter-Day Saints around the world-- members like Glen Morrell and Richard Harkness-- it's a life-long dream to be a member of the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
But make no mistake...the road to this 360 voice ensemble is paved with plenty of sharps and flats. It's a road that starts and all too often ends right here in this room.
After an initial audition tape is sent in and screened, potential members are brought in for a written exam.
Nerves are visible, silent prayers are offered, blank stares not uncommon. If they make it past here, they're invited to a live audition in front of the men who make it all happen-- Craig Jessop and Mack Wilberg.
Glen is trying out for the first time and, barring a catastrophe in the live audition, he's well on his way.
"You should know that you scored the highest scores I've ever seen on everything." "I'm happy to hear that."
Glen Morrell/Choir Hopeful: "You're nervous beforehand, but when you're there it's not that bad."
Richard Harkness/Choir Hopeful: "I'll have bruises on my knees because they were knocking so hard."
For Richard, there's good reason to feel the nerves. You see, three weeks after this audition Richard turns 55. And once you're 55, you can no longer try out for the choir.
"I've talked to other people who have gotten in the choir and they say you'll totally butcher the sight reading and I did that. And they got in. So hopefully that won't be held too much against me."
"We're really in a position that we can take the cream of the cream."
But music director Craig Jessop is also in a tough position. He and choir president Mack Wilburg have to decide who's in and who's out. And then there's added pressure from the ultimate critic.
Craig Jessop/Music Director: "President Hinckley said the choir is good, it's great, and it needs to be better."
Four months later we got word that 27 new members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir would be making their debut during the 3,993 broadcast of the Spoken Word. So, did Glenn and Richard make the cut?
Richard Harkness/Choir Member: "This is a choir like no other and it felt like no other."
Glen Morrell/Choir Member: "Since being involved in the choir for this short time, I've begun to understand a little bit more what the mission of the choir is and the sense of oneness and a sense of the purpose of the choir."
"It's an amazing tradition. I'm just happy to be here."
So Richard and Glenn will be performing with the choir this weekend at the Conference Center for General Conference. But the rules for the choir have changed over the years.
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Rules
- Must be a Member of LDS Church
- Must live with 100 miles of Temple Square
- Minimum age is 25
- Must be in by 55
- Can stay up to 20 years or age 60
You have to be a member of the LDS Church and recommended by your bishop-- nothing new there. You have to live within 100 miles of Temple Square. The minimum age is 25 and you have to be in by age 55. Once you're in, you can stay up to 20 years or age 60, whichever comes first.
And the number of openings varies. For example, this year there were 30 spots for men but none for women.
