Mormon Youth Chorus members have mixed feelings about change
BYU Daily Universe 26Jan99
By Katie Parker: NewsNet Staff Writer

Announced changes to the Mormon Youth Chorus have lead to bittersweet feelings among members of the Mormon Youth Chorus. The announcement made earlier this month changed the Chorus into the "Temple Square Chorale" effective June 1st. The Chorale will lose its age limits and become a training choir for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir will also lower its age limit from 30 to 25.

Choir members found out about the change following their Christmas concert last year. To counter the shock and disappointment that many felt, director Robert Bowden explained the changes following rehersals, eventually persuading most members that the changes were for the best.

Bowden is retiring as director of the Chorus and will be succeeded by Mack Willberg. Willberg has announced that the new Chorale will increase practice time to twice a week (instead of the once a week that the Mormon Youth Chorus practiced). This change may decrease participation by BYU students, but increase participation from those excited about the changes.

Current Chorus members are invited to try out for the new Chorale in June, along with anyone else interested.