The retiring conductor of the Bells at Temple Square on the importance of music in worship and daily life

<p dir="ltr">The welcoming sound of bells has heralded celebration and worship for centuries of Christian worshippers. This includes the music of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thetabernaclechoir.org/?lang=eng">The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square</a> since its pioneering start in 1847. In 2005, <a href="https://test.thetabernaclechoir.org/about/bells.html">the inclusion of a </a>handbell ensemble was officially organized under the auspices of the choir; the handbell group has evolved to 32 musicians who enhance choir concerts and recordings, as well as perform two handbell concerts each year.&nbsp;</p> <p dir="ltr">From its inception,<a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2024/06/14/bells-temple-square-director-leanna-willmore-retire-tabernacle-choir/"> LeAnna Willmore served as associate conductor until she was named director</a> in June 2011, until <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJuPdEoHFbI">her final concert in June 2024</a>. Willmore holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Utah, has served in many state and national music leadership positions, and, importantly, fostered a love for music as a choir teacher for decades of students across Utah&rsquo;s Wasatch Front. She joins this episode of the Church News podcast to discuss the importance of music in worship and daily life.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast">The Church News Podcast</a> is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> across the globe. Host <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/author/sarahdeseretnews-com">Sarah Jane Weaver</a>, reporter and executive editor for <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/">The Church News</a> for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, &ldquo;What do I know now?&rdquo; because of the experience. Produced by <a href="https://kellieannhalvo.com/">KellieAnn Halvorsen</a>.</p>