MTC #241 - What's in a Name

With The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announcing, this past week, that it plans to discontinue the use of terms and phrases that include the word "Mormon" in them (in an effort to emphasize the true name of our Church), I've been bombarded by friends and family members asking me what the new name for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir will be (or if it will even change at all). Simply put, I don't know. And our wonderful Choir president, Ron Jarrett, has asked us not to speculate--so I will not. There is plenty of speculation going on however, by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and non-members alike, and one only need look to social media to find it.

In the end, I have every confidence that whatever gets decided, it will be sanctioned by the Lord and we'll be able to continue producing uplifting and high-quality music that inspires and gives hope to many around the world. Yes, names are important, which is the whole purpose for the announcement to begin with. And if the name of the choir changes, it will take much effort to let the world know about it. But, the choir behind the name is not changing, nor its mission to be an ambassador for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That, at least in my opinion, is what matters the most.

Today's broadcast included a wide variety of songs--as is normally the case. From Beethoven's stirring "Hallelujah Chorus", to Irving Berlin's "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep". The one that resonated with me the most, though, was "Come, Come Ye Saints", which is interesting because we just sang that one a few weeks ago at our Pioneer Day Concert. Given some trials my family and I have been going through lately though, the words brought me comfort and hope and motivation. 

...no toil nor labor fear...
...why should we mourn or think our lot is hard...
...our God will never us forsake...
...fresh courage take...
...all is well...

So I'm thankful for being able to sing that song today, with dear friends to the side of me, and behind me. What a blessing to sings songs I love, with people I love. And what a blessing to serve other people through the precious gift of inspiring music.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #240 - Homeward Bound (x4!)

 
Following Thursday night's rehearsal, as the four of us were riding home together, I mentioned how much I particularly loved one of the songs we're singing on Sunday called Homeward Bound, composed by Marta Keen Thompson. The others in the car agreed and then Willy asked "So what do you think is the meaning behind the lyrics?" Each of us then took turns in relaying our own interpretation of the words to the song, and I must say that it was a really interesting and insightful experience. So much so, that I wanted to share each person's interpretation for my blog post today. 

Before doing that, I'll include the words below for reference, and also include them so that you, yourself (if you'd like), can come up with your own interpretation. While the composer and lyricist most likely had her own intended meaning, I think it's always worth taking the time to internalize the words yourself and sort of "make them your own." When that happens, they become a source of inspiration and strength along your personal journey of life.

LYRICS
In the quiet misty morning, when the moon has gone to bed, 
When the sparrows stop their singing and the sky is clear and red.
When the summer's ceased its gleaming, when the corn is past its prime, 
When adventure's lost its meaning - I'll be homeward bound in time.

Bind me not to the pasture, chain me not to the plow.
Set me free to find my calling and I'll return to you somehow. 

If you find it's me you're missing, if you're hoping I'll return,
To your thoughts I'll soon be listening, in the road I'll stop and turn.
Then the wind will set me racing as my journey nears its end.
And the path I'll be retracing when I'm homeward bound again.

Bind me not to the pasture, chain me not to the plow.
Set me free to find my calling and I'll return to you somehow.
 

Interpretations
Ben: For me, this song is about me, as a father--working and toiling throughout the week--sometimes traveling far away from home, but always being able to eagerly return to my family and the ones I love.  

Willy: This is about a father and son--a father who's a farmer and a son who is learning his father's trade but doesn't necessarily enjoy it. In fact, he wants to be free to find his own way in life and become who he is supposed to become.

Alan: Each of us is bound to the things of this earth--we're here to toil and work and be subject to this earthly experience and all that that entails. But one day, we'll be able to leave that behind and travel heavenward--taking all that we've learned with us.

Ryan: We all have our agency to pursue our own path in life. There might be norms and expectations that society or others set for us, but we have the opportunity to break free from those and find the calling in life we were meant to find.  


A special thanks to my carpool brethren for letting me share their thoughts on this beautiful song. I appreciate their insights. One of the best parts about all of this was when I was singing Homeward Bound today. Instead of just my own lyrical meaning to ponder and express as part of my testimony, I now had three others!

Until next time, God be with you. 

PS: Another version of Homeward Bound that I really like.

MTC #239 - Receiving Service (Through the Voice of Woe)

From my observation, people in general (at least the ones I've met in life), are more inclined to serve rather than be served. They would rather give than receive. But while serving and giving most assuredly produce positive and rewarding feelings for the giver, it's easier to forget that receiving does the same thing for the receiver.

I had some hernia surgery this past Monday and I knew going into such an event that I'd have to switch into "receiver" mode. The nurses and doctors were all very kind, and afterwards, at home, my wife and kids continually asked how they could help me feel more comfortable--anticipating my needs and showing love as I worked through the pain. As the minutes and hours ticked by each day, I reflected on everyone's kindness towards me and I was filled with feelings of gratitude and appreciation. 

On Thursday, choir rehearsal day, I debated whether I wanted to try and go fulfill my church calling. I was feeling a lot better--though certainly was not back to my normal self. Just the thought of putting on dress slacks that would hug up around my tender incision points was almost enough to make the decision right then and there not to go. But, two thoughts helped me chose otherwise. First, I had just been to Nauvoo a few weeks ago and thoughts of the pioneers and their sacrifices were still in my head and in my heart. If they could sacrifice (with many being sick or afflicted as they walked hundreds of miles to the Salt Lake Valley), then certainly I could do the same and go to choir! Second, I knew that my friends in choir who were aware of my recent surgery, would surely help me. And help me they did.

Both Thursday and today, they walked a little slower with me to make sure I reached my destinations. They carried my music folders. They helped me pickup music that had fallen out of my folders post-broadcast. And they reached out to take my hand and arm to gently get me back up in standing position when needed. 

So thank you. Thank you to my choir friends for truly showing brotherly kindness. And thank you Jennifer and kids for serving and loving even though sometimes I'd temporarily forget the importance (and joy) of receiving.  And to those who watched or listened to our music today, I hope your hearts were in receiving mode and felt how much we love you and how much God loves you.

Until next time, God be with you. 

MTC #238 - "You Did Well"

I really enjoyed the Mormon Tabernacle Choir experience today. I mean, I usually do and I'm always grateful to be a part of this wonderful labor of love. But some days everything just seems to go perfectly--hitting all the notes correctly, loving all of the songs, sitting next to fellow basses who have become really good friends, having good conversations with people during the walks to and from the Tabernacle, feeling the Spirit, and the list goes on. Today was one of those perfect days.

It was only made more perfect with what happened after the broadcast as I was waiting for the others in my carpool to put their music back and get changed back into their normal clothes. As I stood by the tunnel connecting the Tabernacle to the Conference Center parking lot, I watched as one of the electric carts approached and began to go by me (these carts are driven by security as they typically shuttle general authorities, relatives of those authorities, and otherwise VIP folks). As I turned to see who was sitting on the back of the cart, it was none other than President Dallin H. Oaks! He had come to watch the broadcast today as Leticia Oaks Strong was a featured violinist on one of the songs we performed (who did an amazing job, by the way). At any rate, our eyes locked and with a big smile he said "You did well today. Thank you."

Cloud nine.

I'm grateful for genuinely good people. I'm thankful for music. I'm thankful God blesses each of us with talents. I'm thankful for a loving family and caring friends. I'm thankful to feel positive and uplifting emotions. And I'm thankful when things just simply work out.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #237 - Pioneer Day Concert '18 (Reinvent & Recognize)

 
I was skeptical, at first. 

I was skeptical that this 2018 Pioneer Day Concert could be as good or as great as the other concerts we've been a part of.

Perhaps my skepticism came from the number of songs the Choir was performing (fewer than usual); or the songs themselves which we've sung many, many times; or maybe even the less-than-usual number of pieces that the guest artists and the Choir sing together. Whatever the reasons, a few things really helped me (any maybe some others) come to enjoy and appreciate this concert much more that I originally thought I would.

First, the beloved songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein that we've sung a lot over the years are beloved because of their fun melodies, their brilliant composition and lyrics, and the relatable and lovable stories they tell. These songs have stood the test of time and if I ever find myself becoming tired of singing them, then it's up to me to reinvent and recognize their greatness. So I did! And doing that, made all the difference.

Second, although I missed not having more of the songs be collaborative with the guest artists, I simply let that go and found a lot of enjoyment in watching Matthew Morrison and Laura Michelle Kelly enchant us with the beautiful songs they sung and the characters they portrayed. What talented individuals they are.

And along with being great singers, they were very thankful for this opportunity and gave the choir and orchestra a lot of very nice compliments.

Third, the magical energy of concerts in general, the feedback from the crowd, and the excitement of our first-year members (since this was their first concert) all combined to really make this a meaningful and enjoyable event. 

I must mention some thank-you's. Thanks to Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy for working so hard to put it all together (along with the team of individuals who assisted). Thanks to the wonderful orchestra that had a lot of music to learn and played so beautifully. Thanks to my fellow basses who knew the songs well and were a pleasure to sing with. Thanks to those choir members and friends I got to converse with and who helped me come to the important need to reinvent & recognize. And thanks to Laura and Matthew for agreeing to come and share their talents with so many. 

I think the only sad thing about the concert was that it was Ryan Withers' last one. (see my last blog post) Through the course of the two evenings, I, along with many who love Ryan, took pictures, gave hugs, and signed his hymnbook (see last pic below). I will miss him.

And with that, it's on to a fairly normal (or should I say "abnormal") choir schedule for August--which, without a doubt, everyone will enjoy.

Until next time, God be with you. 

PS: I always mention this as a highlight when we have guest artists, but today after Music & the Spoken Word, we sang "God Be With You 'Till We Meet Again", to Laura and Matthew, and they seemed to absorb every word. It was a neat experience.

MTC #236 - Of Many Things

So much to say, so I'll get right to it!

First, the Choir returned from a successful tour to the West Coast. I talked to several who had the opportunity to go and they had nothing but great things to report. You can read all about the touring adventures by clicking on the following links. More stories await you should you choose to Google them.

San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus Gets to Sing with the Choir
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir Visits Vancouver for First Time in 32 Years
Mormon Tabernacle Choir finally returns to Bay Area after 13-year wait
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Concludes 2018 Tour in Seattle
She joined the renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Now a teacher who inspired her will watch her perform 

Second, today was the 90th anniversary of the first airing of Music & the Spoken Word. Lloyd Newell dedicated today's spoken word to talk all about that. You can read it HERE. I don't know how many millions of people have found peace and inspiration through listening to this program over the past 90 years, but what a blessing it is that this program has endured and continues to uplift people throughout the world each week.

Third, it is was with great sadness that I heard from President Jarrett today that my good friend Ryan Withers is leaving the choir shortly. Ryan joined the choir the same time I did and it's been fun to get to know him over the years. All of the basses and baritones can testify of Ryan's dedication and optimism--not to mention his friendly smile and his delight in infusing humor into conversations. Ryan, you will be MISSED. (see some pics below)

Fourth, have you ever thought of auditioning to become a member of the Choir? Well, now's the time! Applications are being accepted through August 15th! You can read all about the process HERE. Yes, the process is quite involved and can be intimidating. But if you feel like this might be the opportunity for you, please try. You certainly don't want to look back and think, "could I have made it in if only I had tried?"

Fifth, this week is our "Music for a Summer Evening" concert (otherwise known as the "Pioneer Day Concert"). Come join us this Friday or Saturday for some top-notch entertainment with guest stars Matthew Morrison ("Glee", "Finding Neverland") and Laura Michelle Kelly ("Mary Poppins", "Finding Neverland"). If you are out of state (or just would rather watch it from the comfort of your own home), discover alternate viewing options HERE. 

Lastly, I just want to say how much I missed the Choir experience during the past four weeks. While I was grateful to spend time with family at Bear Lake and Nauvoo, it was great to be back today. I feel very blessed.

Until next time, God be with you.

The "Ryan" photo, with Ryan Withers on the far left.

 

Ryan in the middle

On Tour

LtoR, 5th from top

 

 

MTC #233 - To the West Coast They Go!

NUTS AND BOLTS: The choir met this past Tuesday evening to rehearse one last time the concert that they'll take to the various cities along the West Coast. Those of us who were not going on tour, filled in the last two rows of seats and rehearsed the songs as well, sitting most of the time, and on a few of the songs, simply observing those in front of us. Then, on Thursday, the Choir held a pre-tour concert, open to the public, in which they went through the concert from beginning to end. Again, those who weren't going sat on the balcony seats, nearest the singers, and observed. Though it became really hot since the Tabernacle was filled to capacity on a warm summer day, the concert went very well and Mack and Ryan commented later that they were pleased. With Willy to my right and Jeremy to my left (and my Aunt Winnie in the audience), we enjoyed the opportunity to listen to all the music and support our fellow choir brothers and sisters. Then, today, of course, was the broadcast, and we sang some great songs--some of which indirectly had a message about fathers, given that's it's Fathers Day. 

HOW I FELT: As I've mentioned in prior posts, it's been hard to continually watch the choir make tour preparations knowing that I wouldn't be able to go with them this time. However, I've finally reached a "grateful, happy place" where I can, instead of feeling selfishly sad, wholeheartedly wish them good luck and pray for their success in fulfilling their callings as musical missionaries. With all the sights they'll see, the new and deepened friendships they'll make, and audience members they'll impact, I hope they give their best efforts to singing with the Spirit and projecting a feeling of love that comes from Jesus Christ. People desperately need to feel that, and the choir is in a unique and wonderful position to provide that, through song.

As for the broadcast today, the one song that touched me the most was Pilgrim's Song, which, actually, reminds me of my sister who passed away recently. While I'm always grateful for the time I had with her, I was happy when "the messenger [said to my sister] come quit this house of clay, and with bright angels tower."  I really miss her though.

Speaking of missing people, I realized, a few days ago, that today would start a choir break that would span almost a month because of tour and because of personal family vacations. So, I was a bit sad to say goodbye to my carpool group and other choir friends knowing how long it would be before I could say hello again. I'll miss them, and miss singing next to them. 

COMING UP: Normal choir happenings will resume on July 5th with rehearsal that night, followed by Music and the Spoken Word on the 8th. Then the choir will start rehearsing for the Pioneer Day concert which will be held the third weekend in July. More details HERE.

Happy Father's Day to all those fathers out there, and particularly to those who wish they could be fathers but have never, as of yet, had the opportunity. My hope is that they get that opportunity, either later in this life, or certainly in the next.

Until next time (July 15th!!), God be with you.