Frequently Asked Questions about the Orchestra at Temple Square: What are the requirements for membership in the OTS? Why is there a Six-Month Probationary Period? What is the general procedure for audition and admission to membership in the OTS? When and where are auditions held? What will be expected of me in an audition? How will I be notified of the results of the audition? What are the service expectations of members of the OTS? How do OTS members receive schedule and playing roster information? What is the policy on required services? What is the policy on seating or service rotations? What is the organizational structure of the OTS? What are the requirements for membership in the OTS? All prospective members of the OTS are required to be temple-worthy adult members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, generally of age 18 or older, have technical and lyrical skill on their instrument and extensive orchestral playing experience. Upon the successful completion of an in-person audition, a letter from the applicant’s bishop confirming the applicant’s worthiness to be set-apart as a musical missionary is requested. The calling as a musical missionary is considered to be an OTS member’s primary Church calling. All members of the OTS are required to have an e-mail account and to check it daily.   Return to Top Why is there a Six-Month Probationary Period? The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square work in a professional arena with demands that are unusual for an all-volunteer organization. The necessary commitment and discipline in the giving of such time and energy may not work for everyone. Because of this, prior to being set apart as a Musical missionary, each incoming member of the Orchestra is initially called to a six-month trial period in which they, as well as the Orchestra’s musical and management staff may evaluate whether they are able to adequately fulfill the responsibility of the calling.   Return to Top What is the general procedure for audition and admission to membership in the OTS? Typically individuals desiring to audition for the OTS will be e-mailed an Audition Application form and musical materials appropriate to their instrument. The Application is to be returned to the Choir office along with a pre-audition recording (CD, tape, DVD, etc) of the applicant’s playing of literature specified by the OTS Audition Committee. All the recorded performances are to be non-edited. Following a review of the application and recording by the Audition Committee, and with the approval of the Music Director, the applicant will be contacted and a date and time will be set for an in-person audition.   Return to Top When and where are auditions held? Auditions are scheduled primarily when positions in the OTS are either existing or are anticipated. Most auditions are generally announced exclusively on the Mormon Tabernacle Choir organization’s website: www.mormontabernaclechoir.org, although certain occasions may also be announced in the LDS Church News and/or other Church publications. Auditions may also be scheduled as specific needs arise or based upon recommendations and contacts regarding individual players. Auditions are held in the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Thursday evenings between 5:00 and 6:00 PM.   Return to Top What will be expected of me in an audition? OTS auditions are intended for you to demonstrate your ability as a lyric performer with advanced technical proficiency. You will be expected to play selections from the standard orchestral repertoire for your instrument from materials sent to you. The materials may also include excerpts from the solo or other repertoire for your particular instrument that was included on the pre-audition recording you submitted. In addition you may choose to play a portion of a piece of your choice that has been previously performed or prepared for other occasions, (recital, etc.)   Return to Top How will I be notified of the results of the audition? Depending upon the number of those auditioning for open or alternate positions, every effort will be made to notify you of the status of your audition within a few days either by mail, e-mail or telephone.   Return to Top What are the service expectations of members of the OTS? The rehearsal, performing and recording schedule is rigorous and constantly changing. Typically, the OTS performs at least two times per month on the Sunday morning Music and the Spoken Word broadcast. Depending upon the season, performance frequency may be up to three or occasionally four times per month. The services leading up to the broadcast require the OTS to be at the Thursday evening rehearsal prior to the broadcast as well as the pre-broadcast rehearsals on Sunday morning. Services leading up to a major concert by the Choir and Orchestra or the Orchestra’s own twice-yearly concerts may include the Saturday of the week prior to the concert as well as Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday the week of a concert or performance. Recording sessions typically necessitate additional rehearsals including, at times, following the Sunday morning broadcast. All extra rehearsals are announced by the Administrative Manager well in advance of the event. Players must check their e-mail constantly to keep informed. Due to space limitations the OTS does not perform at General Conference sessions.   Return to Top How do OTS members receive schedule and playing roster information? Communication to the members and staff of the OTS is primarily by e-mail sent weekly by the Administrative Manager, Barry Anderson. It is mandatory for OTS members to have e-mail access, and that it is read daily.   Return to Top What is the policy on required services? Due to the variation in instrumental requirements, no hard and fast attendance policy is articulated for the OTS. The ideal expectation is for OTS members to adhere to similar standards as those required of members of the Choir, i.e. a minimum participation in 80% of all scheduled performances and the rehearsals thereof measured over each span of three months. Individual situations that arise at times are generally accommodated but must be arranged in advance with the Administrative Manager. The important factor to be considered is that once a player is committed to a performance, they follow through.   Return to Top What is the policy on seating or service rotations? Being a volunteer organization the OTS maintains overall rosters in each section of alternate players in realization that practically no can do it all. Accordingly, rotations of players within the roster itself is an ongoing policy and procedure so that all remain familiar with the various requirements and protocols necessary in rehearsal and performance. In other words, rotations are carried out so that all get to play. String sections rotate player seating assignments on a regular and programmed basis.   Return to Top What is the organizational structure of the OTS? Music Director: Mack Wilberg (contact is via the Administrative Manager) Associate Music Director: Ryan Murphy (contact is via the Administrative Manager) Conductor: Igor Gruppman (contact is via the Administrative Manager) Concertmaster: Meredith Campbell Administrative Manager: Barry Anderson: AndersonBar@lds.org. Audition Coordinators: Ed and JoanneThompson: EdThompson_OTS_Aud@comcast.net Mormon Tabernacle Choir office; 801-240-3221 Mailing address: 50 North West Temple Street Salt Lake City UT 84150-5510   Return to Top