An Inside View of being an “Outsider” at BYU
As I progress through my second year as a student at Brigham Young University and my first year as a member of BYU Singers, I have come to discover that I share many things in common with my fellow Singers. I proudly wear blue and white and cheer for the Cougars on football weekends; I am an avid supporter of the University’s Honor Code; I believe that Jesus Christ came to this earth to die for our eternal salvation; I consider my membership in the BYU Singers to be a lifelong dream fulfilled; and I also find that participating in the BYU Singers inspires me to be a better person. These similarities are only a few examples on a very long list. With all of these commonalities, how, then, would I qualify as being an “outsider” in the choir? I am an “outsider” because I am one of only a handful of practicing Catholics in a predominantly Mormon population.
The Mormon religion and lifestyle has come into the spotlight somewhat recently as a result of the recent Presidential election campaign, and I have noticed an increase in the number of friends, family, and even complete strangers who are interested to hear about my experiences at BYU. I would like to share some of the most frequent questions I receive along with my responses in the hopes of satisfying the curiosity of others who may be reading!
1. Since you are a Catholic, why did you want to go to a Mormon university?
As a passionate lover of choral music from a young age, I was always drawn to the sound of the choirs from BYU. I eventually pursued a career in choral music and taught choral music for four years in public schools. The more I studied choral music and all its intricate details, the more I came to realize that the BYU choirs present a product that is unmatched in quality and beauty by any other University choral group across the nation (in my own opinion, of course, but there are many others who would agree). When the time came to submit applications for graduate school, my first choice was obvious in my own mind, regardless of what cultural barriers might exist. I had an overwhelmingly positive experience when I traveled out for my audition, and my acceptance into the program was the start of an exciting and rewarding journey!
2. Have you felt pressure from Mormons at BYU to change your faith or “convert?”
Not even once. I have received nothing but respect and support for my own religious beliefs since I have come to BYU. Mormons are always willing and happy to talk about their faith with me, but it is never forced upon me. The truth is, it hasn’t been the differences between Catholics and Mormons that occupy my attention. Rather, it is our countless similarities and common beliefs that have resonated most.
3. Did you have trouble adjusting to life with the Honor Code as a non-Mormon (abstaining from alcohol/tobacco/coffee/tea, using clean language, remaining chaste, observing Dress/Grooming Standards)?
When I read the Honor Code in detail during the application process, I realized that most of the guidelines were things I was already doing with my life. The one exception I suppose was caffeine. I decided to give up caffeine for Lent in 2011 in case I was accepted to BYU. I had a terrible headache for several days, but it was definitely worth it! In reality, the Honor Code at BYU has not felt like a list of “restrictions.” Instead, it has eliminated unnecessary distractions and facilitated an environment conducive to learning, friendships, respect, and spiritual growth.
4. Do you ever feel ostracized or outcast because of your different religious faith?
Most definitely not. I was welcomed with open arms on my first day and it has remained that way until now. The atmosphere at BYU is remarkably warm, supportive, caring, and positive.
5. Do Mormons really wear “magic underwear?”
You would be surprised how many times I get this question. I usually respond by saying that underwear has never really come up in conversation in my academic setting. I encourage people to go to www.lds.org if they want to learn more about what Mormons do.
6. Are there any other non-Mormons at BYU?
Although BYU is predominantly Mormon for obvious reasons, I have encountered a Methodist, a Presbyterian, and a small group of Catholics at BYU. I’m sure I have encountered more without realizing it—we don’t wear nametags displaying our religious affiliations.
7. How much podium time do you actually get in your graduate program?
Compared to most schools, the graduate students in the Choral Conducting program here get a TON of podium time. One of the reasons is probably because they do NOT offer a D.M.A. (Doctor of Musical Arts) degree program at BYU. As a result, the Master’s program students get first priority when it comes to assistantships and conducting opportunities.
8. Since you study Choral Conducting at BYU, do you get to conduct the Mormon Tabernacle Choir?
Not quite! The Tabernacle Choir operates independently from the University, although many Tabernacle Choir members are also affiliated with BYU.
It has been almost two years since I moved to Utah to attend BYU, and I do not exaggerate when I say that the past two years have been the best years of my life. BYU is a fantastic school, Utah is a fantastic place to live, and the people I have encountered are some of the most genuine, hard-working, and down-to-earth people I’ve ever known. If anyone who reads this is considering BYU as an option for school, I give it my highest recommendation.
