MTC #166 - Tasting the Fruits

I'm grateful that death is not the end of our journey, but it's sure sad to hear about those leaving this mortal life. This past week, I read about the small plane accident claiming the lives of a father and his two children (leaving behind a pregnant wife); I heard from a friend of the passing of his father; and then I heard from another friend of the passing of his friend, 44, from a battle with cancer. 

At choir today, there were two little things that stood out to me in relation to making the best of our time here on earth. One was something Mack said during rehearsal. There was a section of the orchestra that had a few moments to shine and he said something to the effect of "You better take advantage of these four measures as you don't have moments like these very often." Then, during one of the songs we were singing by John Rutter ("Look to the Day"), one of the phrases stood out to me: "Taking the time to enjoy each moment, tasting the fruits spread along your way."

Life is short and we never know, exactly, what's in store for us tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year. So as I thought about all of the deaths recently, I was grateful for my life. Grateful the I was able to enjoy this day--singing, being with family and friends, feeling the warmth of the sun, and the breeze on my face. Each day seems like it's so full of ups and downs, trials and small joys. But I hope I can take the four measures allotted unto me and make the best of them. There are lots of moments to be enjoyed and people to love. 

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #165 - Take My Heart

I never remember how much I miss choir, until I miss it. Two Thursdays ago, while the Choir was holding their regular rehearsal, I was driving down to St. George for my daughter's soccer tournament in Mesquite. And then during last week's broadcast Sunday morning, I was making French Toast for my daughter and the family we were staying with (while they all watched the broadcast on TV). As I listened to the singing, I felt grateful for music, and grateful for my weekly singing opportunities. 

Incidentally, one of the questions I get the most from people regarding my being a member of the Choir, is "How does time off from the Choir work? Can you take time off, and if so, how much?"

In answering that question, you need to know that there are more people in the choir than there are seats to fill them. I don't know what the current count is, but I THINK it's a little over 400. This is so that time off can more easily be accommodated without it impacting the choir's sound or the choir's sizable look. Take today, for example. As I looked at the balcony near the men's side and the women's side of the choir, there were about 40 choir members "sitting out". Either they didn't feel quite up to singing today for whatever reason, or, they had missed Thursday's rehearsal--making them ineligible to sing on the Sunday morning broadcast. Add to that others who were on trips or out sick, and we may have had 50 or 60 absent today. As mentioned though, the choir's overall large size can accommodate these absences.

As for how often we can miss, that all sort of depends. We are asked to have, at the very minimum, an 80% attendance record. Attendance it taken at every rehearsal, every extra rehearsal, and every broadcast or concert event. However, most choir members strive for much higher--simply because they love their opportunity to sing! Also, though, when it comes to going on tour every other year, attendance is a big factor on being able to go. The logistics of going on a tour typically make it impossible for all choir members to be included. So those who have highest attendance are given priority. 

At any rate, I'm grateful that we can miss choir from time to time so that we can attend and support family events and other "life activities". But I'm always very eager to return.

Singing "Come Thou Fount" today

Today on the broadcast we sang one of my favorite hymns arranged by Mack Wilberg--a song that many, many people have come to love: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. There's just something about it that brings my emotions to the surface and causes me to really want to be better in all aspects of my life. The words just resonate:  I AM prone to wander; at times I DO leave the God I love; I am in debt, and I do rely upon God's grace. Hither by His help have I come this far in life and I count on that help each day. By the last verse of the song, when the orchestra is so full and glorious, and all the choir members are singing from their heart, I want nothing more than for God to take my heart and seal it up. And the whole time I'm hoping that the listeners are feeling the same way. 

Just like I hoped they did today.

Until next time, God be with you.

 

MTC #163 - RootsTech

So every year, various companies that support and facilitate family history, put on a global conference event "where people of all ages learn to discover, share and celebrate their family connections across generations through technology." This event is called RootsTech. This year, the event planners invited the Tabernacle Choir to participate, by having them showcase songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein in an evening concert titled "It Runs in the Family." Oscar "Andy" Hammerstein III hosted, and sprinkled throughout the concert was dialogue and video telling the history of the Hammerstein family--and even a video highlighting members of the choir who have had siblings, parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents sing in the choir before and/or with them. [See a short summary video and some pictures, HERE]

To be completely honest, in the days leading up to the concert, I just wasn't feeling very thrilled to participate. It had nothing to do with the event itself, it was just lots of things happening on the home front, and life in general had my attentions turned elsewhere. In addition, the songs we were to perform were ones that we sing very often during broadcasts or other concerts throughout the year. 

That said, when I arrived Thursday night out of breath (traffic issues caused delays in getting there in time), I had a little "attitude readjustment" session within myself, and remembered some important things. First, how great I think family history work is, and how important it is to locate information on ancestors and learn their stories. Second, that music is an important part of my current family and the families I come from.  And third, that I had an opportunity to help do some good--to both entertain and uplift by singing some songs that have certainly endured the test of time.

Remembering all of those things, the concert turned out to be a beautiful event. I think my favorite part was when guest artist Dallyn Vail Bayles sang two solo numbers--just him accompanied by the piano. I love Dallyn's voice and the gentleman on the piano was amazing. I was all smiles. 

I'm grateful for family history. I'm thankful that families can be together, forever. And I'm thankful for the musical tapestry that runs through my ancestry. 

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #162 - All Eyes on You

During rehearsal on Thursday, I scanned the audience as I normally do, just to notice who had come to watch and listen. About half-way through the evening, I looked out again and noticed a man who was obviously a big fan of the Choir. I could tell this because of three things strapped to his neck: two cameras and

some binoculars. It was this latter item he was holding up to his eyes at the moment I spotted him, and it was then that I thought: "gosh, what have I been doing for the past 5-10 minutes while he's been scanning the choir?" Yes, I had been singing, of course, but during those moments when I was sitting and listening to other sections going over their parts, did I look engaged? Had I been nodding off a bit? Did my outward appearance and facial expressions testify to the fact that I was thrilled to be there?

The same thought came to me this morning at the broadcast as a couple of the guys behind me mentioned this particular gentleman in the balcony closest to the choir who had his electronic device out recording the rehearsal, the broadcast, and everything in between! In fact, after the broadcast was over and most people had left his section, an usher had to come over and lovingly tell him it was time to go-- with the camera still in his outstretched hand. Only then did his device go down, but only after handing it over to the usher for him to take his picture. :)

It got me thinking about the fact that someone is always watching us (not just the Choir, ALL of us). Whether it's our Father in Heaven, or someone else when you're out in public, we're on display. Our actions, our countenance, our words, and our demeanor are being consciously or unconsciously reviewed. It's true that we shouldn't obsess over what other people think of us. But I believe it's important to remember to be our best selves at all times. After all, why wouldn't we strive for that?

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In other choir news, we get to sing a concert as part of the Roots Tech conference, this coming Thursday evening. It's all Rodgers and Hammerstein music and I'm sure it'll be a fun show. Also, today we finished up some recording for an upcoming CD to be released in the near future. I'm sure a public announcement on that will be coming out soon.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #161 - Waiting & the Shield of Faith

Lately, I've found myself being impatient over many things. I know that a loving God's plan for me is perfect and He is the master of knowing when, and when not, to provide me with what my heart desires. But knowing that fact and actually being perfectly at peace with it, is sometimes very difficult. I'm sure if I was able to see the future and see what experiences I needed in order to become who I want to become, then I'd be content. But I know that's not how it works. I need to trust. I need to have faith in that overall plan--though sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel is so dim I can hardly see it. In fact, it's so dim that sometimes I just want to yell "Why isn't this blessing I want coming? Why is this so slow to happen? Why does he or she have to keep suffering so? Why can't this be fixed sooner than later?"

One of the songs we sang today on the broadcast was The Whole Armor of God. The lyrics are inspired from the Bible verses of Ephesians (chapter 6) where Paul writes: 

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." 

In the song itself, there's a line that says "Faith for my shield, when fiery darts rain hard." It feels like those fiery darts, for me, have been darts of impatience, of entitlement, and of thinking I know better than God. To combat those darts, I need more faith. Faith, that sometimes seems to easy to have, and other times, so elusive to hold on to, express, and employ.

In the February Ensign magazine, there was an article titled Making the Most of What We Have. In it, the author Mindy Anne Selu said "The power to change all of our cards is not always up to us. There will be times when we just have to be patient and wait on the Lord's timing for the winds to change and our hand to improve. Trusting in His timing is paramount if we are to keep that optimism and positive attitude while the game of life doesn't seem to be going our way."

Texting, emailing, opening an app, and finding the latest headlines may all be instant. But learning, receiving answers to prayers, trusting, and figuring out God's will, are not. 

And I'm learning, again, to be OK with that.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #160 - 03:16 (Inauguration Experience)

[This is the longest blog post to-date, but I wanted to take the time to document the details of this short, but unique opportunity to perform with the Choir at the Inauguration. If long is not your thing, feel free to scroll down and see the pictures!]


Back in October, Donald Trump Jr. visited Temple Square and made it a point to listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Whether a long-time fan of the choir, or not, I'm not sure. But he was so impressed that he informally invited the Choir to be part of the inauguration where his father would be sworn in as the next president. Our tour manager, Barry, thought that was somewhat presumptuous of Donald Jr. to be that confident that his father would win in November. But when he did win, the official Inauguration Committee sent an invitation to the Choir to, indeed, come back and be part of the ceremony.

That was the second week of December.

With only about a month before the actual ceremony, could hotel rooms be found? Could buses be secured? Could flight arrangements be made? And, was it appropriate for the Choir to attend given the intense political strife the election season had stirred up? Well, for the first three questions, Barry went to work calling contacts and tapping into relationship resources. And within three days, miracles had occurred allowing for all the logistical details to work out. As for the appropriateness of attending, I honestly don't know the full story of how that played out-- though I'm sure it involved prayer, thought, and consulting with church leaders. That said, a precedent had already been set. The Choir had performed at six inaugural events in the past, so why should attending the 2017 Inauguration be any different? President Jarrett said it best: “The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has a great tradition of performing at the inaugurals of U.S. presidents [of both parties]. Singing the music of America is one of the things we do best. We were honored to be able to serve our country by providing music for the inauguration of our newest president."

While some choir members, church members, and non-church members alike looked at this from different view points, to me it certainly wasn't about endorsing Trump. Heck, I didn't even vote for the guy. It was about fulfilling our mission in the Choir which involves singing for any and all types of people, and providing an opportunity to inspire and uplift. If we could go to this event and sing a song that would help people feel the spirit of patriotism--perhaps helping some to remember what a wonderful country this is--then why not accept the invitation to sing at the Inauguration?

Because of space limitations, only 215 of the approximately 400 choir members would be able to attend. So, on December 22nd, after logistical miracles had occurred to make attending the Inauguration a reality, choir members received an email informing them of the opportunity, and asking them to let the choir staff know if they were interested in being part of a random drawing.

I talked it all over with my wife and with her support, I put my name in the hat, thinking that given my luck, I would be watching the Inauguration on TV. Fate, however, had a different plan for me. To be honest, I can't say I was really, really excited to go, initially. But as it all set in, I became very grateful to be part of this historic opportunity, and excited to go back and sing for our country.

Interestingly enough, most of the individuals (with a few exceptions) that I talk to the most in the choir and who I've developed some great friendships with (many of those belonging to the group that I started choir with), were NOT chosen to be part of this great experience. Which I was genuinely sad about. In fact, when it came to finding a roommate, it took me a little while to figure out who would actually want to room with ME. I ended up asking a very nice, easy-going, easy to talk to, fellow bass member, David Fjeldsted, who agreed, and who I ended up having a very good time with.

The week leading up to the trip, my family members all started getting sick. My wife had been getting over a terrible cold, along with my daughter Sarah. And then a couple of days before, my daughter Lydia got sick too. Even the day before I left, my other daughter woke up with an upset stomach. Man oh man! I was in a panic of getting sick myself! Consequently, I had many lengthy prayers with God, as did my good wife, asking him for blessings of health amidst the sea of sickness in our home. I therefore deem it a miracle that indeed, I left on Thurs morning feeling healthy and excited--thanks to a merciful Heavenly Father.

So Thursday morning, after having received some general instructions about the two-day and one-night adventure (but not having a lot of details given to us for

security reasons), AND, after having rehearsed America, the Beautiful the Sunday before, my loving and dedicated wife drove me to the airport at 4:15AM

Arriving at the SLC airport

(if that's not true love, I don't know what is!). It was quite a scene at the airport as choir members got in line to check a bag and then carry a day bag and their performance attire on to the plane.

Speaking of performance attire, I can't say I was crazy about it. Long, creme-colored felt coat, a turtle-neck dickie, a hat, a headband, creme gloves, and a red scarf. This wardrobe combination was what was worn by choir members at the 2002 Winter Olympics (minus the scarf) when they sang at the Opening Ceremony. So I understand why they'd want to use what they had on-hand, for this inauguration event. I fully get it. I just wasn't thrilled to wear it. :)

At any rate, we boarded the plane--a chartered plane that fit us just perfectly--and were off to DC! I'm not a fan of plane flights as I easily get motion-sick. But with some Dramamine, some good conversation with my roommate David, and with a movie to keep me distracted, it all worked out OK. As I sat in my seat, I felt grateful to be going, but sad that so

Seatmate and roommate David F.

many of my fellow choir members were back home--many wishing they could have come. I hoped and prayed that would feel how much we missed them.

Landing at Dulles International, we boarded a large shuttle that took us from the plane to the actual airport. Once we got our luggage (my suitcase was one of the last to make its debut on the conveyor belt, causing some anxiety), we boarded five buses, which took us straight to the Capitol building for a rehearsal and sound check. It was great to finally get up and walk around after the plane flight and the bus trip. Upon seeing the Capital and other DC monuments and buildings, I couldn't help think back to our

On the shuttle to the Dulles airport

East Coast Tour, in 2015, where we spent a 1/2 day in DC seeing various historical sites. Fun times! As we lined up to enter the platform in front of the Capitol Building, I was just in awe. I'll let pictures below tell the story themselves as definitely in this case, pictures are worth a thousand words.

I will say that it was quite amazing that the Choir was given such a prime spot to perform at on the platform. Front and center, with an incredible view stretching out to the Washington Monument and beyond. What added more to the spectacular view and the sacred place we were in, was combining it with the song we rehearsed three or four times. "America! America! God shed his grace on thee. And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!"

The Capital Building, decked out with various historical flags

From the platform where I was standing

Panoramic view (click to enlarge)

The Capital Building behind us

The National Mall in front of us

Because of the slight speaker delay, we could hear our voices reverberate throughout the immediate inauguration platform and down the entire National Mall. It was all so...surreal. Could there be any better place to sing this heaven-inspired song? "America! America! God mend thine ev'ry flaw. Confirm thy soul in self-control, thy liberty in law."

After rehearsal was over, we were given permission to take as many photos as we'd like. So out came everyone's phone and the picture-taking commenced! It commenced in earnest, since we weren't permitted to bring our phones the next day to the actual event.

Friend and fellow bass, Andrew

Friend and baritone Alex

Friends Jeremy and Mike (with photo-bombing Bob)

From the Capital Building, we got back on our buses and headed over to the hotel we'd be staying at. We hadn't even been told what hotel yet! And weren't told until we got there and found out for ourselves. It was a rather long ride because

of all the traffic--taking two hours to travel seven miles. But I had Jeremy as a seatmate and we conversed about our experience thus far and the event ahead.

Finally arriving and VERY hungry (our last meal had been on the plane at 10am), we took our suitcase to the room and then enjoyed a dinner buffet on the 14th floor. During dinner, we had some announcements about the schedule for the next day, and then some inspiring stories about how this all came together. The question on everyone's mind was what, exactly, would we be wearing for the performance tomorrow given the weather forecast. Especially, would we be required to wear the dickie? Given that the forecast called for rain and upper-40s, the decision was made to wear all of the components of our "outfit", minus the headband, the hat, and the.... But there was nothing else excluded. Yes folks. The dickie would be worn. :)  After Barry finished, Pres. Jarrett came up and gave some short comments, which included a plea to pray for the choir members who weren't with us. Surely many had wanted to come and our prayers were to help them feel included--if only in spirit. I appreciated that. A lot. There were many good choir friends back home and even though they felt sad not being with us, they were so very supportive. Their kind words and positive attitude were not only appreciated, but testifies to the great people they are.

After some minutes of documenting the day's events, David and I turned off the lights and went to bed. It did not take very long to visit dreamland, given how early we had started the day and the Dramamine I had taken. We set our alarms for 5:15 (3:15 Mountain time) to be on time for breakfast early the next day.

Morning arrived and we had a quick breakfast, received our inauguration tickets,

and boarded the buses. To make sure we made good time, we even had a police escort to expedite our travels. Nice! Getting there in plenty of time, we left our day bag and our phones and just about everything else, on the buses, and were ushered towards the Senate Office building. It was quite the site to see all of the police and security guards that were stationed everywhere. And no doubt there were many, unseen, who were proudly doing their jobs to protect all of us involved in the inauguration. We also saw Marine One (helicopter used to transport the

President) before entering the Senate building and going through security. We wandered up some stairs and down some stairs and went through tunnels and passed senator offices, all the while being led by House or Senate interns (at least, they looked like they might be that, given their younger appearance). We finally made our way into a large room where there were tables, chairs, and some light snacks to partake of. I talked to Mike, Jeremy, Alex, and Andrew a bit while we waited. And of course, everyone took a trip to the bathroom since we'd be on the platform nearly four hours with no other opportunity to use one. Before we left, we sang one verse of America the Beautiful to the many individuals who had helped us that morning.

After awhile, we were instructed to line up, and were then led out the doors to take our place on the platform. Rain was lightly drizzling-- but it stopped after a little while. The platform, both above, and below, and to the sides, was fairly empty, but began filling up as we sat and waited. Sounding through the

speakers were facts about past elections and sound bytes of past presidents getting sworn in. It was actually quite interesting. Jason Chaffetz came over and started shaking hands, saying how grateful he was for us being there and participating. Then Elder Christofferson and Elder Stevenson found their way over and also shook hands and wished us well. It felt comforting to have them there.

About 9:30, the "pre-Inaugural show" began with a performance from the choir sitting next to us on our left (Westboro Baptist Church Choir). They sang about five songs and then the President's Own Marine Band played some numbers. At some point, about ten individuals (I think from the band) came and stood, spread-out, right in front of us and across the entire length of the platform, with two drummers in the middle, and trumpeters on either side. They stood at attention the entire time, occasionally using their instruments to harold the various political "stars" entering the stage below us. Supreme Court justices, Senators, House of Representatives, and past presidents of the United States and their families. It was quite the thing to see them all come in and hear the reactions from the crowd.

At long last, the official Inauguration began! Our two and a half hours of sitting with no back support had come to an end. The choir to the right of us (Missouri State University Chorale) sang following the invocation and readings. Then, after Governor Mike Pence was sworn in as Vice President, it was our turn to sing. This was it! The President's Own band began playing and I offered a quick prayer of gratitude and a plea to help me  not wig-out and stumble over any words. Then Mack's hands signaled for us to start singing-- and sing we did! For 3 minutes and 16 seconds, all eyes were on us. Would our prayers be answered? Would the audience receive us and the message of "America the Beautiful"? Would they feel an increase of patriotism? Would we help this event to truly be a peaceful transfer of power and would we help heal a divided nation? I don't know that we'll ever know the answers to those questions completely. But we sure hoped they could be answered in the affirmative.
 
And then, all of a sudden, it was all over. Our part was done.


The narrative of this experience doesn't end there, of course, as the Inauguration continued with Trump being sworn in as the next President of the United States. Following that, and some very inspired closing prayers by religious leaders (I was so happy to hear all the references to God throughout the event!), the Choir finished their experience with a trip to the airport and a flight back home to Utah. 

To conclude, I want to express my gratitude for the experience I was given. It's not too often I get, or take, the chance to feel the spirit of patriotism. I don't routinely spend time thinking about this wonderful country, the history of how we got to where we are today, or all of the men and women who work hard to keep our country a safe and prosperous place to live. So as I sat and stood on that platform, singing, and pondering all these things, I felt more appreciative and grateful to God for the United State of America. And for the good people who have, and continue to, make it such great place to live. 

Until next time, God be with you.

A few more pictures....

Rehearsing the day before

Pres. Jarrett taking a photo of Mack and his wife Rebecca

Our view from the 14th floor of the hotel

There I am, hidden by the lamp post!

 

My friend and college buddy Mike

Some choir members eager to pose with Ryan Murphy
(who got to sing with us, instead of conduct)

MTC #159 - Affinity Towards Endings

I really wish there were someway to actually describe music with words. You can describe it technically--what pitches are involved, what the rhythm is, how fast or slow, etc. etc. But there's just no way to describe what happens when all of that is put together--how it moves you or affects you. How it stirs the soul. How it bring to mind certain images and feelings and memories. How it enlightens and enriches feelings you already have. 

I suppose that's the miracle of music, though. It's truly indescribable. 

Mack wrote a piece awhile back for the ACDA convention in 2015 (I think), simply called "Epilogue". To this day, I almost can't get through it without tearing up as it invokes so many emotions. (If I were a betting man, I'd bet that that song is somehow, someway, tied to Christ's Second Coming). There's another song, one we sang today, called "Benediction" which he also wrote (some time ago) and I was reminded of how much I love that one, too. So here I am with two songs I very much love, both tied to "endings." Interesting. I suppose there's something unique and special about endings. Lots of things have happened, and when we speak of our lives, indeed, A LOT of things have happened. Ups, down, twists, and turns, and then finally, things slow down and each of us has become someone we've been working so hard to become. I can't say I know how that feels, exactly, as I'm not near the end. But I, like you, have gone through a lot of endings in life--an end to a project, an end to a particular phase in life, an end to a treasured vacation, and end to an experience. And at least for me, it's at those endings I have an opportunity to reflect and grow, learn and appreciate. 

And besides, endings always lead to new beginnings.
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In other news....I know many of you are wondering about the choir's visit to D.C. to sing at the Inauguration. Unfortunately, I can't say ANYTHING about it until it's all over. But I do plan to give a detailed account of the experience upon my return. I CAN say I'm excited and thankful to go back and be a part of it. 

Until next time, God be with you.