TCATS #262 - Influence Theory & Soul Buddies

Throughout my experience in the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, I've often wondered about the contribution each individual person makes--given the choir's large size. I mean, on any given performance, there may be over 360 singers who are contributing to the overall sound and presentation. That's a lot of people. So does it really matter when I, or any other person, isn't there?

There are plenty who would say "no", I imagine. I used to think that myself. We talk a lot about the power of unity and why it's so important to "be one". And indeed it is. In the Choir, we strive to be one in purpose and one in heart. We want our audience members around the world to feel that "oneness" and to receive our combined message of hope, of peace, and of love. So is there really a difference between a 359-person choir and a 360-person choir if the 359-person choir can still achieve that unity?

I would argue YES. 

I wrote awhile ago about how the choir is made up of a lot of different people. We each have our strengths and our personalized experiences. We each have our unique challenges and fears that we're trying to conquer. We each have a very individualized testimony of why we're all here and what matters most to us. It's almost as if we're each a very long mathematical formula, or a quilt with a very complicated pattern, or a meandering path on a mountain made up of unique twists, and turns, and elevation changes. 

But even though we're unique, there are others in the world who are similar to us. They share similar burdens, have similar experiences, and conquer similar fears. They connect with who we are, at our core, and are influenced by our compassion and our empathy. Call them our "soul buddies" if you will.

So as singers, when we put everything who makes us, us, into our voices, combining the beautiful medium of communication (the song) with the sum total of our souls, we each end up influencing different people. Annie in California, Julio in Mexico, Monique in France, and Illiyan in Bulgaria hear the same united voices, but their souls are most affected and influenced by that one person who is their soul buddy. They feel the strength of the unified sound which is a combination of all of the unique voices. But they connect with that one voice. That one voice that can so effectively lift them and leave them with a feeling that they are not alone. 

While I certainly can't prove my "influence theory", it works for me. Partly because it makes sense, partly because it just feels right, and partly because it helps me personally--in those moments when I'm feeling like I don't really matter. When such moments come, I have to remind myself that I do matter. A reminder that isn't just for me--but for my soul buddies who are counting on me.

Until next time, God be with you.