MTC #197 - Simple

A blessing I received 32 years ago said that throughout my life I would "live simply". I've pondered that word "simple" ever since then, trying to discern its true meaning. When I joined the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, I fell in love with one of the songs we sing quite often that has "simple" for its theme. A song called "Simple Gifts". 

The song mentions that it's a gift to be simple, and that true simplicity is gained when we're going through the process of bowing and bending and turning to "come 'round right." To me, this means that as we go through the ups and downs of life, the painful experiences as well as the joyful ones, that we are letting all of these experiences and emotions steer us in the right direction.  I don't think simple necessarily means easy. In fact, living simply can, paradoxically, be hard to do. And sometimes the choices we make don't allow ourselves to "come 'round right"--we don't "turn" to God and follow his commandments. But when we do, we find that the simple life is the best life, all things considered. 

Speaking of simple, today's broadcast was anything but, for many involved. Due to Elder Hales' funeral on Friday, the space the orchestra normally occupies was instead occupied with a rostrum and seating for general authorities. As such, the program for Music & the Spoken Word had to be reprogrammed with different songs that were for organ only. Also, several of the songs we sang today were accompanied by a few orchestra members--which made the music even more beautiful, but which required some tricky logistics in getting stands and mics and people on and off the stage at the right time. It all worked out of course, thanks to everyone working together, and the result was a very beautiful program, if I do say so myself.

To end this post, FYI, the artists for the 2017 Christmas Concert will be announced on The Doug Wright Show Thursday, October 12 at about 10:30 a.m. (time subject to change.). This year the ticket request date will be Saturday, October 21 at 10:00 a.m. This will give more people a chance to hear the artist announcement and also to set up the username and password required to request tickets. More details and an instructional video on the account setup will be forthcoming. Keep an eye on this website. 

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #196 - 187th Semi-annual Conference

For no other performances is the Tabernacle Choir so visible to the world, then during General Conference. And, I might add, for no other performances are the choir seats so fully occupied as during General Conference. I'm sure that has to do with a number of reasons. One of those may be because there's a rather special feeling each conference as the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints instruct and edify members of the church who have come together in unity to listen. Another reason (in all honesty) might be the that some choir members just like the possibility of being on TV as they know friends and family from across the world, will be watching! 

The choir members worked hard in preparing for this weekend. With the several extra rehearsals and all of the outside-of-choir memorizing, many hours were logged in making sure we knew the notes, the rhythm, and the words (that goes double or triple for the newer members of the choir). The choir presidency and our directors always approach Conference preparations with a reverence as they, and all of us, realize that the songs we sing will portray a message and a spirit that someone might be praying to hear and to feel. Each rehearsal for conference not only starts with a prayer, but ends with one as well. And the directors put in extra hours praying about which music to sing and also listening to recordings of each rehearsal to find every little detail that needs to be cleaned up and put into shape. 

It's a great undertaking, but one we're all happy to be a part of. 

As an interesting aside, we sang two songs during Conference that were specifically for President Monson (two of his favorites). The first was Consider the Lilies, and the second was Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd. We hope he felt our love for him as he wasn't able to attend any of the sessions this weekend.

With the conclusion of Conference, the Choir now turns it's attention to Christmas music. Yes, it's only October. And we probably won't immediately jump into it. But, the Christmas Concert, which is certainly the most popular concert we put on, is only about 11 weeks away. Which, really, is just right around the corner.

Until next time, may God be with you.

PS: Below are some Twitter feedback pics, along with a few others (click to enlarge). 

PPS: A big thanks to my wife and kids who are always such a support! I love them so much.

Most of the songs we sang this weekend

MTC #195 - Happy Birthday Tabernacle!

Today was a special day for the dear old Tabernacle. She turned 150! It seemed only fitting that we dedicate today's Music and the Spoken Word program to celebrating not only this unique and important structure, but those who helped worked so hard to build it. There's a great write-up here, and here, if you'd like to check 'em out. One paragraph from Bro. Newell's spoken word today: 

"Just as people have personalities, this building has a personality. Like the pioneers who built it, the Tabernacle is hardy and resilient, yet warm and welcoming, venerable while also true to its humble roots. And even after all these years, it retains its original pioneer character. Other than some seismic and technological updates, the Tabernacle’s unique appearance, its 19th-century craftsmanship, and its renowned acoustics have remained unchanged. This beloved companion and friend is today, as it was 150 years ago, a peaceful place of history, beauty, worship, and refuge."

Along with the other great songs we sang today, my favorite was "The Spirit of God." Almost every time we sing that song, I feel like the choir is joined with individuals from the other side of the veil, many of who were present at the Kirtland Temple Dedication in 1836 when the hymn was first sung. There's just something special about that song. Each  time I get to sing it, I get tingly and teary. 

Three choir members providing the opening for The Spirit of God

I have to comment on one other thing today that impacted me--unrelated to the Tabernacle's birthday. When Jason (middle, above) started singing the first verse, Mack Wilberg, who was conducting, was carefully paying attention to how the solo was sounding. A few seconds into it, he gave a warm smile and encouraging gestures that instantly communicated back a sense of confidence and gratitude. Then when Matt (right) came in, the same thing occurred after he pointed down, signaling Matt to adjust his pitch down just slightly. I can't really describe the whole interchange, but it was as if Mack was lending them not only his music expertise, but his love, encouragement, and gratitude as well. 

On one level, love is what the Tabernacle is, and has always been, about. It's a building where people from around the world both perform, and listen, to songs and music about the love that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for everyone. It's a place that provides encouragement and peace for all who enter. I'm really grateful that I get to sing in this building each week, and see how the spirit here impacts so many. 

Until next time God be with you.

One of the veterans of the choir pointed this out to me. If you look at
the back of Tabernacle, where the light shines in the corner, you'll note
there are four "sentinels" keeping watch over the building.

A copy of the program from today's broadcast. Also, they gave us
this cool commemorative "150".

MTC #194 - Recording + West Coast Tour

Back in May of this year, we started a recording project which we left half undone. This past week, we finished it. From the link above, you can read about how recording sessions go. But to give you an even better perspective, you can watch this video, HERE, that our audio/video team put together. The captions for this short video say:

It takes 85 Instruments... 150 Blankets... 450 Volunteers... Over 31,000 Hours... to make one GREAT album. Coming May 2018 from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.

While it's always a blessing and privilege to be part of a new CD project, I don't think you'd here any MoTab member say "Give me another week of recording!" We're all excited though, about the finished product coming out next year. Hopefully the publicity department will soon release details regarding the content of the new CD.

Speaking of the publicity department, they were busy near the end of this week announcing the 2018 tour. Turns out we'll be headed to the West Coast, including California, Washington, and Vancouver. You can read all about that here, and here. For me, the best part about going on tour is not so much where we go, but the people we get to sing for. Our musical message is for everyone, and we're thrilled to share it every two years, outside of Utah, in cities and countries all over the world.

Behind the scenes, choir members are figuring out if they'll be one of the ones going on this tour. There are always work, family, and personal considerations, and several hope that their spouse will be selected to go (being able to go on tour, and to have your spouse join you, is mainly determined by the choir member's attendance record for the past year). Roommate selection comes next, followed by many extra rehearsals to memorize 20+ songs as part of the concert that will be presented. It's all quite a process! Not to mention the choir staff preparing buses, flights, accommodations, and a hundred other details that will ensure the success of the tour.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #193 - It Isn't Fair, But it is Well

Life isn't fair. Sometimes it's rather easy to get upset at God who clearly could alleviate suffering, right the wrongs, and make things fair. And I admit, that I have had such times when I have been angry. Logically, it doesn't make sense to get mad at a Heavenly Father who gives so many blessings and, at the very very least, reaches out and is willing and wanting to help us through our trials. But when you're going through pain, it's human nature to be mad at someone. Particularly Someone who could step in and take the pain away.

As we sang It Is Well With My Soul, today, I thought about this paradox we all have to live with: it's only through pain and challenges and suffering that we can grow, become more empathetic, and more humble. All of these hard things, if accepted the right way, can make us better. They can be "well with [our] soul[s]". I don't know why it had to be that way, but it is that way, and in the end, I am grateful for a God who has blessed me with so much. While the thorns remain, at least I have the blessings to fall back on, and my faith that one day, everything will be made right.


Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul

I invite you to listen to this song today. Musically, it has all of the grandeur of other Mack Wilberg "big and powerful" arrangements. But more importantly, it can help remind you that if you're striving to do what's right, then everything that follows is, indeed, well with your soul. Somehow.

Until next time, God be with you. 

Singing It Is Well With My Soul today, 9-10-17.

MTC #192 - The White Coat

The choir members who know me, know that my least favorite suit coat to wear is the white one. I cringe every time I arrive at the Conference Center and realize that I have to wear it.  

The funny thing is, there are a lot of people (both in and out of the choir) who actually like the white coat. Even this afternoon when I walked into church, the usher game me a smile and said, "You all looked so great in your white coats today!" I smiled back, of course, but couldn't quite agree with his assessment. 

It got me thinking, though, that everyone is different. People like different things and have their own opinions of what tastes good, what sounds good, and what looks good. And just because those opinions may not match up with mine sometimes, that's OK. There's plenty of room for varying opinions--which, at the very least--should be respected. 

When I was little, one of my favorite story books, according to my mother, was one titled "How Joe the Bear and Sam the Mouse Got Together." When Joe and Sam first met, they quickly discovered that while they had the same goals and generally enjoyed doing the same things, there were plenty of differences. Joe liked a big house, Sam liked a little one. Joe liked to play football, while Sam liked baseball. Joe liked to ride a bike slowly, while Sam liked to ride his fast. Given all these differences, they were about to part ways. But then they passed an ice cream shop and came to realize that there was one thing they could agree on: they both loved all sorts of ice cream! The book ends with Joe and Sam doing their own thing most of the time. But everyday, at 3:00, they would come to the ice cream parlor and enjoy ice cream together.


While the white coat is not my favorite, there are plenty of other people watching the choir, who love it. And I should just be grateful (and I am) that I get to wear the coat in the first place! Because each Sunday, at 9:30, audience members from around the world and performers from all walks of life, have the great opportunity to put aside other things in their lives and simply enjoy beautiful music, together. 

And what a great thing that is.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #191 - Children of a King

Days after entering the MTC as a young 19-yr old missionary, the realization of what I had gotten myself into hit me in a way that I had never before experienced. The weight of learning the Japanese language, of living in Japan, and being away from family and friends was almost more than I could bear. 

As we attended various devotionals and meetings designed to both educate and inspire us as missionaries, I was hoping and praying to feel a feeling that I could rise above my discouragement and accomplish this great thing. But instead, I just felt more overwhelmed at my inadequacies and limitations. One night though, we all filed into a very large room where a general authority was prepared to address us. The opening song was, no surprise, Called to Serve. As I had sung that song many times before, I didn't think it would contain the answer to my prayer. But thankfully, it did.

While we were singing, we came to the lyric "sons and daughters, children of a King". And as I sang that, an undeniable feeling of hope, love, and confidence just swept over me. The thought then came to my head "You can do this Ryan. You are the son of a King who loves you." How grateful I was for that experience which not only helped me then, but helped me throughout my mission, and still helps me today.

This morning, as we sang Called to Serve, my mind and heart went back to that night in the MTC, and I felt those feelings all over again. How thankful I am that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us and can help us get through hard things. 

Until next time, God be with you.

From today's Music & the Spoken Word broadcast, 8/27/17