MTC #207 - Christmas Concert 2017

There is always so much in my heart I want to express after performing in the Christmas Concert. There's the wonderful, inspiring, and fun Christmas music itself. There are the guest artists who always shape and influence the concert tremendously. There are the hundreds and hundreds who work so hard, and on so many big and small details, to make the concert look festive and appealing and to sound so great. There's the artistic director, music directors, and the producers who spend months and months figuring out the theme, settling on songs, coming up with choreography, and praying for inspiration as it all comes together. And of course there's the choir, the orchestra, the dancers, the bell ringers, the actors, and the guest artists who put in so many hours rehearsing and perfecting. It's all a beautiful Christmas miracle, I tell you. A miracle that was shared with the 63,000 audience members this past weekend, and with millions more in the future. 

I have a few personal favorite moments to share, but just want to say up front how grateful I am that I had yet another opportunity (this makes four Christmas Concerts for me) to be a part of the Christmas musical magic this year.

Favorite #1: Yes, along with most of the crowds of people who saw the concert, I really enjoyed the organ and drum "duet" of "I Saw Three Ships." Wow! Every year, Richard Elliott steals the show with his organ wizardry. But this year, it was added upon by three of our percussionists who were simply going to town on the drums. The organ arrangement of this classic Christmas song is my new favorite forever more and the drum accompaniment was simply amazing.

Favorite #2: Ever since the Choir was introduced to the song "It is Well With My

Soul", it has quickly become a favorite of mine. So, it was with great happiness that the concert's 2nd half theme was all centered on telling the backstory to that song. The inspirational experience of how the Spaffords never lost hope--never lost faith--and were able to bless the world through their kind and charitable giving, was a perfect tie-in with the spirit of Christmas. 

Favorite #3: It was fun and rewarding to watch Hugh Bonneville and Sutton Foster weave their talents into the songs and the narration they shared. Exceptional. And, the few times they made mistakes during rehearsals, they simply moved forward, learned from them, and went on to give near-perfect performances. Whether it was realizing Downton

Abbey's Earl of Grantham was actually there, on the stage, or seeing Sutton's wild enthusiasm expressed in her arm waving to the choir, I found myself smiling many times.  

Favorite #4: The concert ending with the traditional "Angels from the Realms of Glory," never gets old for me. I love that song--both its message and its majesty. The last 30 seconds is just emotionally overwhelming as the choir is singing full power, the orchestra is serving up delicious melodies and harmonies, the organ is blasting, the bells are ringing with all their might, and the soloist leads out with familiar melody. Gloria, in excelsis deo! 

Favorite #5: The magnificent trumpet players. Mack said it was always a dream of his to get a group of herald trumpeters on stage, and his dream came true. Their sounds was only matched by how official they looked. Nicely done.

Favorite #6: This year's concert featured a song that the audience helped us sing--"Jingle Bells." Mack had no idea if this part of the program was going to be successful or not as there were some definite challenges. One of them being trying to keep 21,000 people together singing a version of Jingle Bells that was a bit different than what they were used to. But wow! The crowd loved it every single night. And it was fun to have them join in the singing. 

Favorite #7: Along with singing some songs arranged by Mack, I enjoyed singing some songs arranged by Ryan Murphy as well. Whether it was traditional Christmas favorites, or other tunes that fit right in, he really has a gift. Singing them was a treat. 

Favorite # 8: Those dancers! Wow. They add so much to the concerts and I'm so grateful for their talents. They just bring the music to life. 

Lastly, one of my favorite moments comes on Sunday, post-concert, when, after Music & the Spoken Word, the Choir gets to sing "God Be With You" directly to the guest artists (and sometimes, members of their family, too). As we do, I always have a hope that they'll never forget their short time with us, and that the feelings they felt will hold a special place in their heart. We certainly won't forget them!

And those are my favorites! A special thanks, as always, to my wonderful wife Jennifer, and my five kids, as they sacrifice so much so I can be a part of this. A big kudos to them.

Merry Christmas everyone. Until next time, God be with you.

View from the audience

My view!

 

My seatmates for this concert. Thanks guys!

MTC #206 - By the Numbers

'Twas another fun Christmas broadcast today with overwhelming support from a very large crowd at the Conference Center. It seems as though nearly everyone loves Christmas music, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir certainly enjoys singing it! Following the broadcast, we stayed for another 90 minutes to focus on more Christmas Concert preparations. This coming week is the Choir's busiest week, but it's great to see the concert all come together and to see everyone's hard work pay off. 

In other news, as the year is quickly coming to an end, I thought I'd go over "the numbers" since sometimes they can be pretty interesting. Some of my friends in the choir will undoubtedly put together really cool info-graphics that will have a lot of these numbers included, but for now, here's what I've put together:

15: number of significant events the Choir presented/participated in*
52: number of Sunday broadcasts
37: number of extra rehearsals
124: number of trips to Salt Lake for performances & rehearsals (for me)
2912+: number of miles driven
320+: number of songs we sang (approximately)
376: number of current choir members
4: number of songs that tied for the most sung song of the year^
0: number of times the men had to tie their tie using the trinity knot

*=Gary Herbert Inauguration, US President Inauguration, Roots Tech Concert, General Conference (x2), Easter Concert, Recording Sessions for future CD (x2), Special Canadian Broadcast to celebrate 150 years as a country, American Guild of Organists Concert, Pioneer Day Concert, Days of '47 Rodeo Arena Dedication, The Primary Children’s and Families’ Cancer Research Center Dedication, 150th Tabernacle Commemoration Broadcast, Christmas Concert

^=according to my log, the songs that tied for the most sung were:  It's a Grand Night for Singing, Battle of Jericho, I Think the World is Glorious, and They, the Builders of the Nation (all songs were sung four times each)

There you have it! What a year.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #205 - What Shall We Give?

It was a rather long and tiring day for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, but a rewarding one as well. We started at 7:25 to rehearse for the broadcast at 9:30, did the broadcast, spent 90 min. afterwards rehearsing for the Christmas Concert, then went home for four hours, only to return to the Conference Center at 4:30 to rehearse for, and then perform at, The First Presidency Christmas Devotional. Eleven songs in one day. I loved them all, though, and I particularly liked the song "What Shall We Give?"

The passing of my sister this past week was still very much on my mind today. Much was spoken about her yesterday at the funeral, but the main theme that came to the surface was service and love. Mary was one who loved much and gave much. And she loved and served through her own pain and sorrow, which made it even more special and noteworthy. 

As I ponder what I'm supposed to give during this Christmas season (as the song repeatedly asks each one of us), I think that following the example of my sister--and many others I know who love much--would be the best gift. There are a lot of people out there in the world who could use a smile or some kind words or an arm around their shoulder or a nice text or phone call. So when I come in contact with people this month, I consciously want to think "How can I show this person love?"

Would you like to join me?

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #204 - Into Christmas We Go!

I got to rehearsal Tuesday night and while sitting there waiting for it to begin, I suddenly realized that something was different. I looked around, and it quickly became evident what that "something" was: Christmas decorations! Boughs of pine lined the banisters and drooped from the balcony, interwoven with lots of miniature lights. Other decor had also been hung to symbolize the season and bring a festive spirit into the Tabernacle. Later in the week, Temple Square flipped the switch and millions of lights brightened up the night, symbolizing how Christ is the light of the world. And, on a personal note, my family and I decorated our house yesterday with our traditional variety of Christmas items, including a nativity set, stockings, miniature lighted trees, and the "main" Christmas tree. My son and I even strung lights on the outside of our home (which I can't say was lots of fun, but the results were satisfying). 

Welcome Christmas!

While this season is filled with lots of stress related to demands on time and financial resources--which, at times, can almost overshadow the wonderful parts of this season--I am grateful for several things related to Christmas. The first is an emphasis on Jesus Christ and His birth into this world (with activities our family does throughout the month to focus on that emphasis). The second is additional time to be with family. The third is watching various videos that help keep my Christmas in perspective (including this new one). And lastly, it probably comes as no surprise that I really, really enjoy Christmas music. Especially singing it. But listening to it, too.

On that note, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir commenced its "Extra Rehearsal for Christmas #4" today after the broadcast. With six more to go, and some outside memorizing time, we'll be ready to present the 2017 Christmas Concert in a few weeks. I feel extra grateful to part of the Choir during Christmas time. Yes, it's a lot of time away from home (and I'm always so thankful for my wife and kids' support), but getting to sing so many wonderful Christmas songs is always a highlight for me. I've said it before, but I truly believe that God has inspired musicians around the world and throughout time to compose and arrange some of the BEST music this world has to offer--music infused with the spirit of Christmas. 

Favorite Christmas songs of mine? There are many, but my top three may very well include The Wexford Carol, The Drummer Boy, and Angels from the Realms of Glory.

I hope your Christmas season is off to a meaningful start!

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #203 - The Wonder of Gratitude

From time to time, it becomes necessary for us in the Choir to be put in its place.

Today was that day.

Obviously, each rehearsal is filled with suggestions and instruction from our conductors on how to sing better--to sing with better vowels, to sing more in tune, to sing with more unity. And the list goes on. But when we are stopped four, five, or six times to fix a certain note or set of notes, it's both embarrassing and frustrating. Embarrassing because we're better than that. And frustrating because it's really difficult to know sometimes whether it's you who is being counted as one of the singing offenders. One might say, "Well you should know, shouldn't you?" I would argue that it's not always that easy. Today's main problem was singing in-tune. Our pitch just wasn't high enough. And not just for one song, but for multiple songs.

If I was one of those individuals not singing high enough, my apologies. I was certainly trying!

Along with the choir being called out for intonation issues, we were also reminded of what a privilege it is to be in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. We should never feel entitled. We should never feel apathetic. We should avoid feeling content. And we should always feel grateful. 

I appreciate re-hearing that counsel and I thought it not only applied to singing in this great choir, but also to other aspects of life. Regardless of our religion or beliefs, regardless of what type of responsibilities or challenges we have, we would do well to be hard workers, to be concerned and passionate about the opportunities we have in our lives, and to be more grateful for all we have. 

Speaking of grateful, I saw a very uplifting movie over the weekend called WONDER. It was about a 10 yr-old boy with a severe facial deformity and the interactions he had with people as he went through a transition from home schooling to public schooling. I walked out of the theater with increased gratitude for both kids and adults who are kind, loving, and can see past their own self-interest to help others. And I was reminded how being grateful can put my own trials in perspective. After all, everyone is dealing with something.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. 

Until next time, God be with you. 

Was grateful to sing today, and to sit next to Siope. It was our first time singing together!

MTC #202 - 4600

For the 4600th episode of Music & the Spoken Word today (that's a lot of episodes!), we celebrated by paying tribute to our veterans. The music we sang spoke of their bravery, their courage, their sacrifice, and their love of country and freedom. We're grateful for them and humbly acknowledge that the freedoms we all enjoy, today, have been preserved by their hard work and sacrifice. So to veterans everywhere, we thank you.

Following the broadcast, the choir was involved in a special project that was rather galactic in nature (sworn to secrecy) and then we continued our journey to learn Christmas music for our upcoming concert. Just how many of these extra Christmas rehearsals do we have, you might ask? Eleven of them--each about 90 min. long, with some being as long as 120 min. So, if my math adds up, that's roughly 18 hours. We've been sworn to secrecy as to WHAT we'll be singing and any other Christmas Concert details, but rest assured it will all be great.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #201 - Reaching Out

One of the greatest Christian beliefs is that all of us are brothers and sisters. And as such, we have a responsibility and opportunity to be kind and loving to each other. It's the "we're all in this together" mentality--and that God uses people in our lives to do what He'd do if He were here on earth (help, uplift, love, and inspire).

I just want to thank all of the choir members who continually live up to this Christian belief. At choir today, I think I received more "hello's" and "how are things going?" and questions regarding my well being, than I have in recent memory. I also received at least three genuine hugs from my fellow brethren in the choir. Needless to say, I felt very loved and felt very grateful as well. 

One of the songs we sang today had the following words:

Come home, come home,
Ye who are weary come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling;
Calling, "O sinner, come home!"

One primary interpretation of these lyrics is about turning to God through repentance. Those who have turned away from Him, or who are upset at Him, or who are determined to live life without Him, or have even strayed only a little (isn't that all of us, at times?) have a continued invitation to come back. And what better way for God to follow-up with that invitation, then to inspire those around us to show love and kindness? 

God is counting on all of us.

-----------------------------------

Switching topics, we officially kicked off the the rehearsals for our upcoming Christmas Concert. While the "choir train" never stops throughout the year, it certainly kicks into a higher gear for the next month and a half. Lots and lots and lots to rehearse. But what better music to sing than Christmas music? 

Until next time, God be with you.