Your LDS Music Store
Bringing the Best in LDS Music to You

How to Host a Hymn Singing Competition in Your Ward

A hymn singing competition can turn a familiar Sunday repertoire into a warm, community-centred event. Rather than treating it as a talent show, the organising team can focus on participation, musical expression and the uplifting purpose of congregational song. Soloists, duets, families and small groups can all contribute at a level that feels comfortable.

For an Australian ward, planning needs to suit local calendars, travel distances and the varied musical experience found in a congregation. A Brisbane ward may need to work around summer storms, while a Perth ward might plan well ahead when members are travelling across a wide metropolitan area. Clear expectations, accessible music and a friendly atmosphere will matter more than elaborate staging.

Set A Purpose And Format

Begin by deciding what the event is meant to achieve. A devotional evening may emphasise reverence and testimony, while a social activity can allow arrangements with piano, guitar or a cappella harmony. State the purpose in the announcement so participants understand whether they are preparing a polished performance or simply sharing a favourite hymn.

Keep the format straightforward. Entries might include solo singing, family groups, youth ensembles and mixed-age quartets. Each act could have three to five minutes, with one hymn or a short medley. A ward in Sydney or Melbourne may have enough musicians for several categories, while a smaller regional branch may prefer one open class so that every willing participant can take part.

Avoid language that suggests people will be judged on vocal perfection. Calling it a hymn celebration with friendly awards can reduce anxiety. Suitable awards might recognise meaningful interpretation, best harmony, creative arrangement, youngest performer or strongest group participation.

Build A Fair Entry Process

Give members at least three or four weeks to register. The sign-up form should request the hymn title, performer names, accompaniment needs, approximate duration and any accessibility requirements. A closing date helps the music director prepare a running order and prevents last-minute technical problems.

Choose selection criteria before rehearsals begin. Judges could consider pitch and rhythm, clarity of words, blend, preparation, musical expression and respect for the sacred character of the hymn. Publish these criteria with the registration details, and remind judges that encouragement and spiritual intent should carry significant weight.

A small panel usually works better than a single judge. The ward music chair, an experienced accompanist and a member of the bishopric could provide different perspectives. If someone is closely related to a performer, that judge should step aside for that entry. Scores should remain private, with public feedback limited to kind, useful comments.

Select Music And Arrange Accompaniment

Participants can choose from the standard hymnbook, children’s songs or approved sacred music that suits a Latter-day Saint setting. Encourage performers to select a piece they can sing confidently rather than choosing the most technically demanding number. A familiar hymn with thoughtful phrasing often creates a stronger performance than an ambitious song delivered under pressure.

For piano parts, simplified arrangements and transposed keys can make a major difference. The LDS sheet music catalogue can help organisers locate arrangements when a performer needs a particular key or accompaniment style. Since the original store is no longer operating, treat such material as a reference to check availability, format and copyright before relying on it.

Australian wards may need to plan around what is actually accessible in the local market. Digital scores can be useful when a performer lives in Adelaide and the accompanist is rehearsing remotely in another suburb, while printed music may be easier for older members who prefer paper. Confirm that every accompanist receives the final version at least a week before the event.

Plan Rehearsals And Technical Needs

Schedule one group rehearsal and optional individual run-throughs. A ward building piano may sound different from the instrument used at home, so performers should test tempo, microphone distance and page turns in the meetinghouse. If the activity is held in a cultural hall, check how voices carry and whether air conditioning or hard surfaces create distracting noise.

Assign a stage manager, accompanist coordinator, microphone operator, timekeeper and welcoming team. Keep two copies of the running order: one near the podium and one with the sound operator. A spare microphone battery, extension lead and printed lyrics can prevent minor setbacks from becoming visible interruptions.

Technology should remain modest. A single keyboard, piano or acoustic accompaniment is often enough, and backing tracks should be tested on the actual sound system. For wards in regional Queensland, Tasmania or Western Australia, allow extra time for equipment collection and travel. If members are joining by video from another location, make that an intentional part of the programme rather than an improvised connection.

Create A Welcoming Australian Ward Event

Choose a date that respects school holidays, long weekends and major local events. In Melbourne, winter evenings can affect attendance and parking, while extreme heat in parts of South Australia or Western Australia may make an afternoon programme uncomfortable. An early evening on a Sunday or a Saturday community night may suit families better than a late weekday session.

Refreshments can be simple and familiar: tea, coffee, cordial, fruit, slices or a sausage sizzle where the building and local health requirements permit. Check allergies and dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegetarian options. A modest Australian touch can make the evening feel social without turning the music into a sideshow.

Use a clear welcome, a short opening hymn and a brief explanation of the judging process. Leave space between entries for applause and movement, but avoid long speeches. A printed programme can include hymn titles, performer names and a note inviting the audience to sing quietly during a closing congregational number.

Protect The Spirit And Follow Through

The event should feel safe for children, teenagers, older members and people who are new to the ward. Obtain parent or guardian permission for youth participation according to local Church policies, and avoid publishing photographs or recordings without consent. If entries are shared online, use a private channel approved by ward leaders rather than an open social media page.

Digital communication also deserves care. Any external material placed in a registration form or ward newsletter should be checked for relevance, privacy and suitability; a cleaning and storage guide belongs, if ever needed, in a clearly separated personal-wellbeing context rather than beside children’s hymn resources. Keeping event links focused makes the programme easier for families to navigate.

After the final song, thank performers, accompanists, judges, sound volunteers and the people who arranged the room. Present small certificates or handmade awards rather than expensive prizes. A follow-up message can share the winning titles, acknowledge every participant and invite members to join the ward choir or future musical activities.

Practical Details For A Smooth Programme

A written checklist helps the committee divide responsibilities and spot gaps before the day. Keep the emphasis on participation, worship and fellowship, with competition serving as a light structure rather than the central measure of success.

For repertoire inspiration, organisers planning a youth or young-adult activity can also review these retreat music ideas. The suggestions may help shape a balanced playlist for an Australian young single adult group, especially when members are travelling from several suburbs or nearby towns.

A well-run hymn singing competition leaves people feeling included rather than assessed. When the music is accessible, the rules are transparent and the programme reflects the character of the ward, performers can develop confidence while the congregation enjoys a sincere evening of sacred song.