Why OCMCO Was Founded

We believe in the importance of quality, appropriate sacred music, particularly choral music, in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. By educating the children, youth and adults of the Church in this type of music, it will not only benefit and add culture to the lives of those who participate, but it will also benefit music in the Church for generations to come. We also believe in the importance of providing an opportunity for all interested members of the community to join with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in an all-inclusive choral music education.

Efforts to educate the members of the Church in quality choral music have been ongoing throughout its history. One of the greatest music educators and promoters of choral music in the Church was Evan Stephens (1854-1931). One of his trademarks was the ability to teach quality music to the masses of the Church. He began with singing schools for children, which were immensely popular. At one time he had nearly 1000 children in his classes and vowed to take no more until he could train some of his students to assist him. He also organized youth and adult choirs. While the tradition of local Mormon choirs for adults has lasted through the present day, Stephens’s children’s choirs were the last large-scale, consistent musical training offered to the children and youth of the Church, over 100 years ago. Today, more than ever, we are in need of wholesome, quality organizations for our children and youth – organizations that will teach them life-long musical skills that will benefit The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the community at large.