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

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) Share your thoughts
in the Leading Saints community Read the transcript of this podcast
Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library 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
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