Advanced Institute Choir (Religion 190)

The primary purpose of Advanced Institute Choir (Religion 190) is to fulfill the Objective of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion. As institute choirs rehearse music, students should learn the doctrine and principles of the gospel as found in the scriptures and the words of the prophets, supported by the lyrics in the songs. Hymn arrangements and other sacred music are the primary musical resource for institute choirs; occasionally, other uplifting music may also be appropriate. Choir directors prepare students to share principles of the gospel with others through singing, narration, or bearing testimony. (See also Seminaries and Institutes of Religion Policy Manual [2018], 5-18.)

Students may repeat institute choir courses as often as they desire. However, only one term of a completed choir course may apply toward institute graduation. As with other institute courses, a student must attend at least 75 percent of classes, complete at least 75 percent of the assigned readings, and participate in an Elevate Learning Experience to receive credit toward institute graduation.

Institute choir students will be expected to:

• Participate in rehearsals and performances.

• Study, and sometimes memorize, the words and musical parts of assigned songs.

• Study assigned scripture passages and statements from modern prophets and other Church leaders.

• Explain, share, and testify of gospel truths through their participation in rehearsals and performances.

The following guidelines will assist institute choir directors as they prepare for the course.

Step 1: Plan the Course and Performance Content

To plan for the course and the performance, institute choirs should:

• IDENTIFY a gospel-centered theme. Obtain approval for the theme from the institute director or institute coordinator. Some examples of appropriate themes include “Jesus Christ—the Savior of the World,” “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” “Joseph Smith, the Prophet,” “Scriptures—the Words of Life,” “Let There Be Light,” “Finding Faith,” “The Living Christ,” and so on. Prayerfully consider doctrine and principles related to this theme that could be emphasized during the term.

• CHOOSE music with lyrics that support the chosen theme. Look for song texts that are related to the theme and that teach important gospel principles you would like to emphasize. Though you may occasionally include a non-sacred musical selection in a program for variety, the vast majority of songs should be sacred in nature.

Step 2: Prepare Reading Assignments for Students

To prepare reading assignments for students, institute choir directors should:

• STUDY the text of each song. Identify important gospel principles.

• FIND scripture passages and teachings from modern prophets and other Church leaders that relate to the gospel principles in each song.

• SELECT material for students to read outside of class. In addition to studying (and perhaps memorizing) the lyrics in assigned songs, students should also be invited to read a selection of scriptures and statements from Church leaders that are relevant to the gospel principles contained in the songs.

Step 3: Help Students Complete an Elevate Learning Experience

Students are expected to complete an Elevate Learning Experience in order to receive course credit (see “Credit and Grading,” Seminaries and Institutes of Religion Policy Manual, 5-22). Institute choir students can meet this requirement when they:

• SHARE gospel truths in rehearsals or performances through singing or bearing testimony. Additionally, students may be asked to complete one of the three Elevate Learning Experiences recommended at lds.org/si/institute/learning-experiences: (1) keep a study journal during the term, (2) prepare written responses to course questions, or (3) complete a personal learning project.

Step 4: Prepare for Performances

To prepare for performances, institute choir directors should:

• SCHEDULE rehearsals and performances. Choirs normally perform at least once each term.

• PREPARE to discuss scripture passages and statements of Church leaders during rehearsals to deepen students’ understanding of the gospel principles contained in the songs.

• PLAN the performance program. Consider inviting students to assist with planning the performance program, such as having them create narration parts based on the scriptures, teachings of Church leaders, and song texts.