Ever since the 2020 Tour was announced a few weeks ago, I've received a lot of questions from people: family members, friends, co-workers, and even newer members of the Choir. So, I thought I'd take a few minutes and put together a Q&A post, inspired by my friend Siope (friend and fellow bass in the Choir) and included here for the benefit of those who have questions. Note that these questions and answers won't cover basic fundamental info that can be found in the official tour announcement you can read, here.
Q: Is going on tour a mandatory requirement of being a member of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square?
A: No, it's not. It's left up to the individual to decide if he/she wants to participate.
Q: What factors are considered by those trying to figure out if they want to go?
A: First, they have to meet the official requirements set forth by the Choir administration. These include things like attendance record, seniority, whether or not it's your last tour opportunity, and having a doctor certify you're up for the physical demands of tour. Second, they have to take into account personal considerations such as time off from work (15 working days), family summer plans, and whether they are ready for how demanding tour can be.
Q: If everyone in the Choir wanted to go, and met the requirements, could they?
A: No, logistically that just couldn't happen. There are a lot of reasons why, but to give you an example of just one: venue capacity. Most concert halls we perform at don't have the capability to handle a choir as large as the Tabernacle Choir.
Q: Do those going on tour get financially compensated?
A: Nope!
Q: I heard that spouses can go on tour. Is that true?
A: Choir members who meet all of the eligibility requirements and are selected to go on tour can request that their spouse (or a "guest") come as well. However, there are only a certain number of guest "slots" available--so not all choir members who want their spouse to come will have that opportunity. Additionally, guests have to pay their own way to come (choir members are paid for), and the cost can be significant (anywhere from $5000 to $7500 typically).
Q: Isn't tour mainly just having a good time with little to worry about?
A: Those going on tour have a good time, sure, but it's a lot of work. As Siope mentioned in his post, it's like a job. There is sightseeing time and down time during the tour, but there's always quite a schedule to keep. Early mornings, very late nights, sometimes sleeping on the bus, walking lengthy distances, etc. Plus choir members on tour naturally worry about their families back home. Those leaving a spouse behind and who have kids still at home might worry a little extra that everything is going OK.
Q: Do you choose a roommate? Or are roommates assigned?
A: Once you are approved/selected to go, then you figure out who you want your roommate to be (and hope that whoever you choose wants to be yours!). This process can be a little bit stressful--not only in the asking, but in the realization that you'll be rooming with this person for three weeks. You hope they can live with your quirks, your possible snoring, and any idiosyncrasies you may have. Of course if your spouse is going, then he/she is your roommate and you don't have to worry about the whole roommate selection process!
Q: What's the hardest part about the pre-tour and on-tour experience, for you?
A: Well, pre-tour, it's first figuring out if it's even possible for me to go, given scheduling conflicts, getting time off from work, etc. Then it's consulting with my wife to gauge her interest level and the overall feasibility of her coming given the financial cost, being away from kids & home, etc. But most importantly, it's praying to know if God wants either, or both of us, to go in the first place. It's a big commitment and comes at a cost. Maybe He has other plans for us and we try to be open to those alternate plans. So overall, it's an involved process. I've heard some choir members talk about tour who don't even give it a second thought as to whether or not they'll go--of course they're going (assuming they meet all of the selection criteria). I'm glad it's so easy for them. But for me, there are a lot of considerations and it occupies a lot of my pondering time. While I'm on tour, I think the hardest part is just worrying if things at home are going OK and missing my wife and kids.
Q: Lastly, what do you like most about tour?
A: Having the opportunity, through music, to share my love, my testimony, and the truths of the gospel of Christ with the people who come to the concerts. There's nothing I enjoy more than that. The sightseeing is nice. Tasting new foods is, well, interesting. And spending quality time with other choir members is really great, too (since that's really hard to do during the short 10-15 min breaks each week). But the concerts themselves are what make all of the sacrifices worth it.
The deadline for choir members to submit a "yes" or "no" to the question "Are you wanting to participate?" is July 15, 2019. We'll see how things turn out for me!
Until next time, God be with you.
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