Here is an email I received and my response.

Hi, my name is Riley, I am 23 years old, a newlywed, and recently called as the ward music director and also asked to put together the ward choir. I am pretty musically inclined, I've been singing since forever and play several musical instruments. However, I'm not so sure as to my director abilities. Any advice on putting together a choir and being an effective leader would be wonderfully appreciated. I've been reading on your site and am already getting some good advice, but I am still very nervous and unsure if I can pull this off! Thanks for your time
Riley

Dear Riley,

Congratulations on your new marriage and your new calling. The Lord will surely bless you for your efforts in both of those areas in your life. If I could give any piece of advice in regards to your new calling as ward choir director, it would be that no amount of musical training will be sufficient unless you bring enthusiasm and testimony to your rehearsals. I can certainly relate to your nervousness about embarking into “uncharted territory” as a director. It can be very intimidating to stand in front of others that may have more training or more experience than you do. The important thing to remember is that each of those individuals that come to your rehearsals are there to serve Christ. They are literally fulfilling the law of consecration at your rehearsals (as are you) because they are giving of their time and talents. Respect their time and their talents but remember that the Lord called you to direct this specific work – not Sister UsedToBeDirector… you. He had faith in your talents enough to entrust you with this responsibility and therefore, your choir will have faith in you and because the Lord has faith in you, I have faith in you.

One of the most important aspects of a rehearsal isn’t necessarily pounding notes repetitively – although that has its place, too – but more importantly is that of recognizing the Spirit. When you have “a moment” in rehearsal where something comes together and the Spirit endorses the message you have delivered to each other in that rehearsal, stop and recognize those moments. They can be powerful teaching moments if they are not easily discarded as a moment where the music “just clicked.” Bear your testimony often and let your choir know that you have every intent of serving in your calling by magnification and then back that up with your actions.

Please let me know if there is anything specific I can help with.

Ward Choir Guy