MTC Week #18 - Thus it Officially Begins

May 4, 2014 

I've made a lot of comments already on Choir School ending but this week it officially ended. We met Tuesday night to go over the results of our final exam and to hear some closing tidbits of advice from our instructors. What's funny is that throughout these past four months, our instructors and the staff members have alluded to the possibility of some of us not actually making it into the choir due to various (but elusive) reasons. Exam results? Not incorporating good singing habits? Incompatible personality? Even up to the

Acceptance Letter

last moment when Scott Barrick brought out letters addressed to each of us officially extending the calling to serve in the choir (the letters were in two distinct piles--leading one to think acceptance vs rejection). . .  But, you'll be glad to know that everyone received a favorable letter and we're now all official members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. In the days ahead, we'll be set apart as "musical missionaries" and our term of service will be, well, as long as we're willing to serve (up to the mandatory retirement age of 60, or 20 years total, whichever comes first).

There was some good advice given but I think the advice I'll remember the most was from Cherlyn who said that there are two main ways that Satan will work at you while you're in the choir. The first is routine. There's a danger that as time goes on and we fall into the routine, that it will become something that we don't put your whole heart and soul into. Elder Henry B. Eyring once said: "Complacency can affect even the seasoned adult. The better and the longer you serve, the more likely that the tempter can place this lie in your mind: “You have earned a rest.”  We need to remember, that each time we're rehearsing or 

A few of us bases

singing for and audience or singing on camera to the world, that our voice, our attitude, our preparation, our testimony, and our personal worthiness all need to be in ship-shape condition. People are counting on us. And though there are 400 of us, each of us matters.

The other way Satan tries to distract us from our calling is through people. There will be times when the people we interact with or sing next to, start to annoy us for whatever reason. We need to keep our hearts in charity mode and look for the good in people at all times. 

I don't think it's a stretch to liken these two things to everyday life :)

At Village Inn

Well, with class ended, we celebrated by going out to Village Inn. Some chose to go home but many stayed and welcomed the opportunity to further friendships and celebrate. It was fun. 

Thursday night was our "first" rehearsal as true choir members and we readied ourselves for Sunday's MSW (Music & Spoken Word) performance. We don't have permanent seats as of yet for some reason but probably soon. 

Today we went a bit early to get our pictures taken, and then fell into the normal (but enlightened!) routine of rehearsing for the broadcast and then performing. My wife was there, along with my father and mother-in-law who are down from Washington for the week. At the end, before we sang "God Be With You" to the audience, Bro. Lloyd Newell said a few words and then invited all of the new choir members to stand. So stand we did-- to much clapping and accolades of support. We all talk of those moments that "mark the occasion" and, well, this was one I doubt I'll forget. (Broadcast link HERE)

Until next time, God be with you...