Hi there, I found this group after searching the web for ideas on
LDS choirs. I recently was called to be the choir director in a ward
where there is a lot of music talent. This calling was a shock to me
because, while I play the piano and have been in choir most of my
life, I consider myself mediocre in talent. After prayfully
considering the calling, I finally accepted it.

Two days after accepting the calling, I got a call from a member of
our ward that I'll never forget. She told me that she and another
person in the ward laughed when I got the calling because I didn't
really know how to lead music. She asked me if the Bishop was
playing a joke on them. I couldn't believe she called me to say
that, and I cried for hours after the call. I almost called the
Bishop and told him to release me. It really weakened my confidence,
and I haven't held choir yet. I finally mustered the courage to
order some hymn arrangments online (I figured those were the
easiest). As soon as I get those in the mail, I'm planning to
restart choir practice in a week or so (the previous director didn't
leave me any music, and they gave up the song they were working on).
Aside from this little "incident," my husband and I are new in this
ward, so I only know a few people. That's going to make it difficult
to call people about coming to choir.

As you can see, I need some encouragement here. I was relieved to
read a few postings from others who were put in the calling and
don't feel adequate, although I don't see many postings lately. Do
you have any suggestions for how I should handle this situation? Any
suggestions on easy hymn arrangements to start with?

Thanks very much! Suzanne