Utah County men prepare to sing at LDS conference

At least 360 men in Utah County are believers of the axiom “less is more,” and they are putting their proverbial money where their mouth is. They haven’t been home for a Sunday supper in weeks while preparing to sing at the priesthood session of 181st Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 1.

And there is more losing to do than just a meal on Sunday evening.

Many of them have also lost head and all facial hair, and will be required to lose jewelry and boldly colored or patterned ties as well in exchange for something darker and more subtle.

No music, no backpacks, no phones, iPods or carry-ons, no color in your socks, fresh haircuts and no cologne or spiky hair.

“And we’re glad to do it,” says Joel Baldwin of the Pleasant Grove Utah Timpanogos Stake. “Following a dress and grooming standard set for this choir means that the congregation can focus on the intent of the songs we sing without distraction.”

Baldwin sings baritone in the choir along with his 18-year-old son, Isaac, who sings second tenor and agrees with his dad.

“Our uniform contributes to our performance which means that even the television audience listens to our singing instead of looking at the guy in the NFL tie,” he said.

Sandy Steele of the Pleasant Grove Utah Grove Creek Stake in Pleasant Grove is the dress and grooming manager for the choir.

“There was a gentleman here last week in full beard that looked like he could have played Santa Claus at Christmas time.” she said, packing a small box of bad-example sample ties. “I didn’t see him here tonight – at least I didn’t see his beard in the crowd. These men make sacrifices to be here.”

"There is some sacrifice, but it is small in comparison to what I will get back,” Isaac Baldwin said. “I have never sung in the Conference Center or for a prophet.”

"At the onset, we saw several great individual performers and soloists (agree to sing) who had willingly chosen to conform to a strict standard of this choir,” said LDS Church Music Representative Dennis L. Crockett.