Inviting the Ward to Sing in the Choir | A How I Lead Interview with ToriAnn Perkey

Leading Saints

ToriAnn Perkey has served as ward or stake choir director, as well as ward or stake music coordinator for most of her adult life in the Church. She has also served as a Primary counselor and a Young Women secretary.

ToriAnn earned a bachelor’s degree in Classical Studies with History and Editing minors from Brigham Young University. In addition to raising four kids and homeschooling them for their entire education, she has also owned an online recruiting company and worked as an online business manager. She is now the executive director and English program director for a private educational company that provides a la carte classes for secondary homeschool students. ToriAnn has been happily married to her husband for 27 years and lives in Orem, Utah.

Links

SacredSheetMusic.org (not sacredsheetmusic.com)
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Highlights

ToriAnn shares her insights and experiences in leading ward and stake choirs and emphasizes the need for effective leadership in choir settings, particularly in revitalizing choirs that may have dwindled in participation.

Throughout the episode, she outlines several key principles for successfully leading a choir. She stresses the importance of asking questions and gathering feedback from potential participants to understand their hesitations and preferences. This approach not only helps in addressing concerns but also fosters a sense of community and involvement. She advocates for proactive marketing strategies to ensure that choir activities are well-publicized and that members feel invited and excited to participate. ToriAnn also emphasizes the necessity of making participation easy and straightforward, ensuring that logistical details are well-organized to minimize barriers to attendance.

Moreover, she discusses the significance of making choir practices spiritually enriching, suggesting that each session should include moments of reflection and testimony sharing to enhance the overall experience. ToriAnn shares personal anecdotes that illustrate the profound impact choir participation can have on individuals, including fostering connections and providing a sense of belonging. The episode concludes with ToriAnn encouraging choir directors to seek inspiration and guidance from their leadership, ensuring that the choir aligns with the broader goals of the ward or stake. Overall, this episode serves as a valuable resource for choir directors and leaders, offering practical advice and heartfelt insights into the transformative power of music and community within the church.

05:37 – Tori Ann’s Background in Choir Directing
06:55 – Demographics and Dynamics of Choir in Different Areas
09:02 – Initial Challenges and Leadership Expectations
11:34 – Principle 1: Ask Questions and Get Feedback
14:10 – Importance of Feedback in Leadership
15:37 – Principle 2: Market Like Crazy
18:32 – Engaging New Members and Building Interest
20:03 – Principle 3: Make It Easy and Simple to Participate
23:14 – Reducing Barriers to Participation
23:45 – Principle 4: Make It Worth Their Time
28:15 – Creating a Spiritual Experience in Choir
30:11 – Building Relationships Through Choir
30:29 – Working with the Bishopric and Stake Presidency
35:42 – Practical Tools and Resources for Choir Directors
39:11 – The Impact of Choir Leadership
41:04 – Reflection on Leadership and Following Christ

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