Ben Chapman compares conducting a choir to flying a plane. As a licensed pilot, he must interpret all the data coming in from the plane’s instruments while communicating with air control, reading maps and navigating the aircraft to a safe landing. 

“Conducting is the same level of intellectual stimulation as flying,” Chapman said. “You have to comprehend everything about the music. You have to understand what’s going on in the brass section, what’s going on in the strings, what’s going on with the choir, what’s going on with the percussion and the woodwinds, and process all of that. You have the sort of mental creation in your mind of what this needs to become, and then you’re coaching this group and guiding this group to make that a reality.”

And just like flying, when the choir and orchestra come together, everything soars. 

Chapman took over as conductor of Seasons Chorale, a 150-voice performing group and full orchestra in South Jordan, when the founder and former conductor, Marlene Stanley, stepped down in 2023. She passed the baton to Chapman who is known for conducting “Lamb of God,” the musical portrayal of the final days of Jesus Christ’s life.

Season Chorale is recognized for its Sounds of the Season Christmas concert that will be held at Bingham High School (2160 S. Jordan Parkway) on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The holiday concert benefits local family shelters and the Make-a-Wish organization.

“One of my big tasks earlier this year was to do the programming for the 2024 concert,” Chapman said. “It’s all put together. I’m very, very excited about it. One of the things I love about this community group is we get to perform a whole range of Christmas musical styles. So we’ve got everything from sacred to secular to jazz to gospel and everything in between.”

No auditions are necessary, for those interested in performing with the group, and all are welcome. Rehearsals are held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church building at 1540 W. 10400 South on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. 

Additionally, performers in Seasons Chorale have opportunities to explore music through touring and educational workshops. Award-winning composer and conductor Mark Hayes invited the group to participate in a residency in New York City this past spring. The choir also collaborated with the Choral Arts Society for the Days of '47 pops concert and will tour London in the summer of 2025. 

“This is a great opportunity to come and sing, but also come and learn,” Chapman said. “One of the things I’m excited about, and hopefully contribute to the community here, is I have a lot of background to help people who want to improve their singing ability. This is a great opportunity to do that because you essentially get free instruction.”

Seasons Chorale, which has been around for about 20 years, is formed under SoJo Choral Arts, an organization dedicated to supporting local music artists. McKell Scanlan serves as SoJo Choral Arts executive director and said groups like Seasons Chorale offer big benefits to the community.

“We found it’s really powerful for people to be a part of the music community and decide where they want to make a difference,” Scanlan said. “The magic of it is really that nobody has to show up because it’s their employer, because it’s their job, because it’s their church calling, none of that. It’s just community and making a difference.”

For information about Seasons Chorale or SoJo Choral Arts, visit sojochoralarts.org.

“Music is its own language,” Scanlan said. “It crosses socio-economic lines. It’s a human connector. It’s a powerful force to bring people together who want to make music, to create music. We always insist that it’s something that we give back to the community.” λ