Although he professes to be musically unschooled, Wendell M. Smoot has made great contributions to the world of music. As president of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir from October 1983 until he was honorably released Nov. 12, 2000, he had key roles in the recording of 19 albums and taking the famed singers on 14 major tours, including Europe, Asia, the South Pacific, the Middle East and throughout the United States and Canada. During his 17-year tenure, the Tabernacle Choir performed 850 broadcasts of "Music and the Spoken Word," a weekly network program that reaches audiences of millions.
It is little wonder that President Gordon B. Hinckley said that he recognized Brother Smoot "as a man who knew how to get things done . . . and how to lead a big organization." At a dinner Jan. 12 in honor of Brother Smoot, President Hinckley said that when the opening came in 1983 for a new president of the choir, Brother Smoot "was really the only man that passed through my mind."
President Hinckley, to whom Brother Smoot reported directly, said, "I felt totally relaxed over Wendell serving as the president of this choir, and leading it in the right direction. . . . The fact that we kept him there for 17 years speaks for itself. He's done a really masterful job, a wonderful job. We'll always be indebted to him. We're so grateful for his service. We can only wish for him and Barbara (Brother Smoot's wife) that the years that lie ahead will be rewarding."
Joining with President Hinckley in paying tribute to Brother Smoot were Jerold Ottley, former director of the choir, and Craig Jessop, current director. The dinner and program were hosted by F. McRay "Mac" Christensen, who succeeds Brother Smoot as president of the choir.
Brother Ottley said, "If I were asked to describe Wendell Smoot in the fewest possible words, I'd say, 'He's a doer who doesn't care who gets the credit, especially where the work of the Lord is concerned.' "
He spoke of Brother Smoot's optimistic outlook, of his service and faith.
"All of his characteristics have served him and us very well," Brother Ottley said.
Brother Jessop spoke of Brother Smoot as a leader. "First, he was a businessman," he said, explaining that although the first calling of the choir is spiritual there is an important element of business in running and supporting the choir. "Wendell knows how to run a business, and he has left this choir on a firm foundation of financial security through very hard work and being a wonderful steward.
"Second, he's an administrator. He knows how to take charge, he knows how to give direction, he knows how to listen. There is never any question that we would follow our leader.
"Third, and most important of all, he's a priesthood leader and knows how the priesthood of God functions."
Many associated with the choir often speak of President Smoot's exemplary faith. Legend in choir history during his tenure are accounts of incidents such as "the miracle at Auckland." Udell Poulsen, then business manager of the choir, said that during its 1988 South Pacific tour, the choir was stranded by fog at the airport for up to seven hours. The choir was scheduled to perform in Wellington a matinee concert, of which "Music and the Spoken Word" broadcast was to be a part, and an evening concert. With no planes arriving or departing, Brother Smoot called together the choir's leadership. "We had a prayer, with Wendell as voice," Brother Poulsen said. "He prayed that we would be able to complete our mission that day. We call it 'the miracle at Auckland' because we feel that's what happened."
The fog parted enough for six planes carrying choir members to depart.
Of his tenure as choir president, Brother Smoot said: "These have been 17 of the most exciting years of our lives, unquestionably. You have brought much joy and happiness and satisfaction in a very deep spiritual way. I've learned that each of you has touched my life in a spiritual way. I learned that choir service is a spiritual service. The concept of serving as a musical missionary is a very, very exciting concept to me. When we started setting people apart as musical missionaries, I saw the tremendous growth and spirituality that this choir developed. We weren't afraid to tackle anything."
He expressed gratitude to all those who have served with the choir. "I have worked with a lot of people in my 80 years; I've never worked with a group that I felt I really could get a response from no matter what the circumstance was, who would gladly respond to the call. Now folks, you can't beat that kind of a situation."
In an interview with the Church News, Brother Smoot said, "I've learned a lot of things from the choir. I've learned the true meaning of what dedication really is. I've learned the true meaning of consecration and of sacrifice. I've also got a much better understanding now of how the people of the choir view their call. I guess I've dealt with over a thousand people who served in the Tabernacle Choir during my 17 years. I've not encountered one who didn't have a remarkable story about their testimonies being enhanced by virtue of singing in the choir.
"When one considers that the choir meets on an average of once every three days throughout the year, and yet each of these choir members serves without pay or any remuneration financially, I'm continually amazed how devoted they are, and are able to maintain such a high attendance of over 80 percent on the average."
Of his successor, Brother Smoot said, "The prophet has now chosen a new man to lead this great organization, Mac Christensen. He will be well loved by the choir members and has had the experience and background to give enlightened leadership for the important years that lie ahead. He has my total support."
