TCATS #291 - Library Duty!

There's a well-known saying that goes "You don't know what you've got 'till it's gone." I'd like to modify that slightly: "You don't know about a task until you have to do it yourself."

So my choir friend Willy was talking about his upcoming trip to Alaska several weeks ago, and knowing he had recently been called to serve in the Choir Library, I asked if he needed someone to fill in for him while he was away. He happily accepted my offer. So for the past two weeks I've been learning all about the role of a choir librarian. Before I get too far into sharing my experience though, I should probably clarify. This calling that some choir members receive to serve in the library would more accurately be described as a Choir Librarian helper, since there are several individuals who actually work in the library full-time.

Full-time, you ask? Really?
Yes, really. 

I don't know how many pieces of music the library has. But each piece we have has a number on it. And if I recall correctly, we have one piece that is #2005 (highest I can remember). So, if we assume there are over 2000 pieces of music and we times that by close to 400 choir members (not to mention the orchestra members have their pieces of music), you'll get an idea of how many pieces of music the librarians have to catalogue, store, distribute, collect, etc. 

At any rate, the helpers, as I've decided to call them (two per part), go into the library after the broadcast is over each Sunday, and collect all of the music from the boxes (each choir member has a box, or music "locker"). They then stack each of them in piles sequentially. Each piece has a number, as I described earlier. But in addition to the piece number, the music also has the choir member number (for example, I'm "B-108"). So they stack them starting with B-01, T-01, S-01, and A-01 all the way up to the end of the part numbers. Since I was helping with the Baritones, Steve and I (Steve being the other helper for the Baritones) would gather B-01 thru B-55 I think it was, and put them in piles sequentially, and make note of any choir member that didn't turn in a certain piece of music. When we encounter that scenario, it significantly slows things down because we have to check their folder to make sure it wasn't just misfiled. If it's there, we put it in our pile and resume. 

There are various ways to accomplish the main objective, but in the end, we have large piles of each piece. We then we put them in the main library shelves for the actual librarians to scan in and after being scanned, they place them back on the shelves where they are finally stored until next time we sing them.  

When it was all said and done, I had gained a new appreciation for both the full-time librarians, and the library helpers who certainly contribute significantly to the effort. And, I'd have to say, it was actually kind of fun--in a way. I like tasks where I can visibly see the results of my efforts and this is certainly one of those types of tasks.

Now would I think it was fun after three, four, six months doing it each week? Hmmm. That is a very good question.

Until next time, God be with you.

Part of the library. You can see the many boxes where choir members store their music.

 

Sorting the pieces of music into piles, sequentially.

Full-time librarians scanning in music

Moveable/slideable music lockers where music is stored when not in use

TCATS #290 - Run the Race

Having been gone a week on vacation to Washington to visit my wife's side of the family, I don't have a lot of actual choir happenings to report--at least first-hand. I do know that this past Thursday, the choir sang for around 27 governors who visited Utah for the National Governors Association meeting that was occurring in Salt Lake City. The program consisted of a lot of patriotic music and was very well received.

At any rate, I returned from my vacation Saturday night and thus went into the Conference Center this morning to observe the Music & the Spoken Word rehearsal and broadcast. It was an interesting experience. I was mentally prepared for the fact that I'd be a little sad I wasn't actually participating. But I wasn't prepared for various thoughts that started entering my head--thoughts along the lines of "Ryan, why are you even part of the Choir? You're not worthy to be in this group. Your talents just aren't good enough. Who are you trying to fool? Your friends in the choir really don't care that you're there. Time to just give up."

While I knew those thoughts were not coming from a divine source, they sort of infused me with doubts. Doubts that were hard to shake off. I got some relief during one of the songs the choir sang today "Homeward Bound"--and then again during the last number "O Come Ye Nations of the Earth". But it wasn't until later when I went back to the day I was set apart (officially called) that I remembered that yes, God did want me here and He did have confidence in my abilities and talents. After all, He's the one that gave them to me in the first place. And while there are hundreds of others who are just as equally or more qualified to serve in this calling, for some reason He chose me. So here I am. Just doing my best. And while I mess up all the time and have lots of room for improvement, I rely upon God and my wife and kids and friends to support and simply move forward with the opportunities I've been given. 

So move forward I'll continue to do--with patience in myself and my many failings--just like it says in the second song referenced above: "Oh, come ye children of the light, with patience run the race."

Until next time, God be with you.

P.S. With my blog reaching 20,000 visits, I just want to thank each of you readers for your support. Hopefully the things I share occasionally lift and inspire each of you in some small way.

TCATS #289 - Smooth Sounds of Sissel

The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square presented their annual Pioneer Day Concert this weekend, with guest artist Sissel joining the program. Sissel was the guest artist for the 2006 Christmas Concert and since then, has been the "most requested" artist to return and perform again. And to Sissel's credit, not only did she agree to return, but she waived her normal performance fee in exchange for the choir and orchestra helping her with some songs she wanted to record. It was completely a win-win!

The days leading up to the concert were a bit long, as we rehearsed Tuesday night, Wednesday night, and Thursday night. Tuesday was pretty much just the choir and orchestra rehearsing their numbers. Wednesday was spent completely in recording three songs for Sissel, and then Thursday was sort of a run-through, but not really--which was interesting. Usually we just go through the concert from start to finish. But this time we stopped often to make adjustments and didn't necessarily go in order, either. The reason I mention this, is usually Thursday is the first time that the choir gets to actually SEE how things come together. I mean, we know what songs will be on the program, but we don't ever know how it will all flow, or what the narrations will be between songs (how things are tied together), etc. So to not get that on Thursday was rather interesting. Of course, that meant that our first glimpse of how it was all going to come together was the night of the first performance! So it goes...

At any rate, the concerts went really well and the audience really loved the smooth, ethereal sounds of Sissel. In addition, the background she shared on the songs and how she tied them into the themes of pioneering, freedom, working hard for something you believe in, dedication to God, etc, were near perfect. My favorite song of the concert was "O Store Gud" (O Great God) -- or rather "How Great Thou Art". I have never been a huge fan of that hymn (I've loved the lyrics, just not the music itself)--but wow...this arrangement we sang was absolutely heavenly. I don't have any other way to describe it. The harmonies and rhythm just completely spoke to my soul in a way this song never had before. One of the stand-out pieces the audience loved was a song called Slow Down, which earned Sissel a standing ovation. I loved that one too--especially its message of needing to slow things down so that we can listen to what God wants to tell us and more fully appreciate the blessings He gives us.

Aside from a music folder mishap I had (I've never experienced such a thing in my five years, but I guess there's a first time for everything!), the concert, for me personally, was a very uplifting, fun, and emotional experience for me, and I'm very grateful I got to be a part of it. I'm also grateful for the journey leading up to the concert. Sometimes the extra rehearsals and outside memorization work is difficult, but it's also rewarding.  And being on the journey with good friends who you enjoy and love makes it all the better.

If you were not able to see the concert yet, you can do so via YouTube, HERE.

Until next time, God be with you.

TCATS #288 - 90 YEARS!

An historic day, today was! Ninety years ago, the weekly tradition of Music & the Spoken Word began. The first song performed-- "The Morning Breaks" --was broadcast on radio back in 1929 and thousands were able to tune in and listen. Today's broadcast began with that very same song, but this time it was broadcast to millions around the world who tune in each week via radio, TV, satellite, and the Internet. Indeed the audience numbers have grown. But one thing remains the same: our goal to inspire, bring peace, and help others feel God's love for them. 

For fun, here are some facts and figures about this historic milestone.
Music & the Spoken Word...

**has been broadcast continually on the Salt Lake City-based KSL radio since 1929, making it the United States' longest-running national radio program carried continuously on a network. 
**received two Peabody Awards, and was inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2004, and the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2010.
**made its television debut in October 1949, and is currently the longest running non-news program on television.
**enjoyed its 4,687th episode today.
**has only had four individuals be the voice of the Spoken Word during these 90 years: Ted Kimball, Richard L. Evans, J. Spencer Kinard, and Lloyd D. Newell. 
**used to begin with the phrase "From the crossroads of the West...". Now it begins with "From historic Temple Square in Salt Lake City...".
**always begins with the choir singing "Gently Raise the Sacred Strain" and ends with "God Be With You Till We Meet Again."
**did not originally have accompaniment by the Orchestra at Temple Square. That began in 1999.  
**has had seven music directors during its 90s years: Anthony Lund, J. Spencer Cornwall, Richard Condie, Jay Welch, Jerold Ottley, Craig Jessop, and Mack Wilberg (with associate director Ryan Murphy). 

To end today's post, I just wanted to relate a special experience that occurred Thursday night during rehearsal. Usually every week, we have special guests who attend the rehearsal. They may be government officials from another country, a group of people from various conventions held here in Salt Lake, or local civic and/or religious leaders from other faiths, etc. This past Thursday, we had a special needs young woman join us. President Jarrett gave her the opportunity to stand and direct the choir from where she was sitting in the audience. The only song we were rehearsing that she knew well was "Love One Another"--so when we started that one, she courageously stood and did an excellent job directing in the background while Ryan Murphy directed from the podium. I was just mainly touched by all of her family in attendance. As each of them came in, they greeted this young woman with a big hug and settled down into their seats to show support and love. 

And isn't that what family is all about?

Until next time, God be with you.  

TCATS #287 - Vocal (Barbershop) Majority

This past weekend, Salt Lake City hosted the 2019 International Barbershop Convention. Barbershop choral groups from all over the world convened to be educated, to sing, to compete, and to enjoy being with others whose passion is to relish in tight harmonies and beautiful music. 

Last year, one of the winners of the competition was a group called Vocal Majority and we were honored to have them as guest singers on today's Music & the Spoken Word. From Vocal Majority's website, here's just a little bit about them:

Imagine a group of 100+ men volunteering from all walks of life with varying degrees of musical talent and experience, with hearts full of joy, excitement and passion for singing. Call them Vocal Majority, then be prepared for an extraordinary musical experience that has touched tens of thousands of listeners around the world. Our tagline says it best: we're "pure harmony."  Over the years, Vocal Majority has released more than two-dozen recordings that feature their diverse musical repertoire that spans from sacred and inspirational, patriotic, time-honored barbershop, jazz, Broadway, pops, and Christmas. They have also medaled in every international competition in which they have competed.  

Vocal Majority - On today's broadcast

The Tabernacle Choir started today's program with two numbers, then Vocal Majority did two of their own, and then the program ended with both groups singing "All Creatures of Our God and King." It was great to have them there and the audience (which included many who had attended the conference) sure applauded with extra enthusiasm at the end of the performance. 

As a side note, at Thursday's rehearsal, Mack told us that we should be prepared to sing the last number, memorized, just in case Vocal Majority showed up having it memorized. I think some people in the choir were hoping that luck would shine down upon them and Vocal Majority wouldn't come prepared to sing it by memory. Well... no such luck :)  They were indeed prepared, so many in the choir were scrambling to cram the words into their heads during rehearsal and during the break. I was reminded of the scripture "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear" (or have to cram)! While I had studied the words myself, I felt I was just barely prepared--kind of like one of those houses made out of playing cards and the slightest movement or breeze would topple the whole thing. Not liking that feeling, I vowed to move from barely prepared, to fully prepared, next time.

I was talking with Willy afterwards on the ride home about the miracle of Music and the Spoken Word each week. He brought up the fact that we have so little time to prepare for this weekly performance and sometimes during the rehearsals, we wonder "is this really going to come together? Can we maintain or even improve upon our reputation? Will we remember all of the things that were pointed out during rehearsal and actually implement them so our international audience both hears and feels music that is hopefully approaching near perfection?" 

At any rate, I was grateful to be a part of this experience today, was grateful to share the stage with these talented singers, and was grateful for the spoken word message today that ended with this most important reminder: "No, you can’t do barbershop alone, and you can’t do life alone either. We need each other. We need friendship and fellowship. We all do better, we all live happier and more peaceful lives, when we are in harmony with others."

Amen!

Until next time, God be with you. 

Vocal Majority. Don't their faces just show how excited they are to be there? The men of the Tabernacle Choir could probably learn a thing or two and make some improvements!

 

TCATS #286 - To Be An American

Music & the Spoken Word today was the annual Independence Day Special and we sang six patriotic numbers to celebrate America--its history, its places, its people, and its symbols. Did I enjoy participating? Yes. Was the music uplifting and inspiring? Yes. Do I still think that God inspired men and women which in turn, gave way to the birth of this nation? Absolutely. The internal conflict I always have, though, as we celebrate the United States of America, is having less and less confidence that America still stands for what it originally stood for. I also have less confidence each passing year in its leaders and exactly where they are leading us to. Also, what exactly does it mean to be "an American" these days, anyway?

Despite my conflict, the one lyric that stood out to me the most today (and the one I really felt something while singing) was from the song "God Bless the USA". Along with that title which is always an earnest prayer of mine, there's a lyric that goes "And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free."

Amid the challenges and strife this nation is going through on so many different levels, there's some comfort in knowing that as citizens of this country, at least we know we're free. We're still free to dream, to think, to love, to help, and to smile. We're also free to criticize, to protest, to defend, to protect, and to worship. There are lots of things we are still free to do, knowing that all of our actions have consequences that either strengthen this nation, or weaken it. That either give a favorable or unfavorable meaning to the word "American".

I'm thankful for family, friends, and other people in my life who symbolize all that's still good with America. When I look at them, the answer to the question of what it really means to be an American, becomes clearer. They are the ones that carry my hope that this nation will continue to do great things, things that can make us all proud.

Until next time, God be with you. 

Singing "This is Great Country"

TCATS #285 - What or Who or Where is Gilead?

I'm embarrassed to say that until today, I was not sure what the word "Gilead" meant--in reference to the phrase "balm of Gilead". I had heard the phrase while in my youth, and it comes up occasionally when singing certain hymns (like the one we sang today during Music & the Spoken Word), but I've never taken the time to ask anyone, or look up what or who Gilead is. Just in case there are one or two of you who don't know either, I provide to you what I've learned.

First off, the literal meaning of the phrase refers to an aromatic resin that is used to heal wounds. The bush that produces the resin used in making this healing balm was one that grew plentifully in a city named Gilead (as referenced in the Old Testament). Boyd K Packer, in a talk he gave, mentioned that "in ancient times there came from Gilead, beyond the Jordan, an ointment made from the gum of a tree. It was a major commodity in trade. The Ishmaelite traders who purchased Joseph from his brothers were carrying this balm of Gilead to Egypt."

The spiritual meaning of the phrase, from a Christian standpoint, simply refers to Jesus Christ as being the balm of Gilead for all mankind. It's through Him that we can be healed. Here are the words of a traditional African-American spiritual we sang today:

There is a balm in Gilead
To make the wounded whole;
There is a balm in Gilead
To heal the sin-sick soul.

Sometimes I feel discouraged,
And think my work’s in vain,
But then the Holy Spirit
Revives my soul again.

If you cannot preach like Peter,
If you cannot pray like Paul,
You can tell the love of Jesus,
And say "He died for all." 

There is a balm in Gilead
To make the wounded whole;
There is a balm in Gilead
To heal the sin-sick soul.

The lyrics of this song speak to the plight of every person on earth. We are all sin-sick. We often feel discouraged. We work and toil and persevere and at the end of each day, we may sometimes feel like our efforts have been in vain. Then something happens. Some experience, some moment, when our low supply of hope gets renewed and we are able to keep moving forward. Christians believe that such renewal of hope comes from Jesus Christ who suffered for all so that their suffering might be made light, might be bearable, might even in some cases be alleviated. At the very least, Christ takes His ointment and generously applies it to our wounds of sin. We can then be free from those wounds and move forward in greater faith and confidence.

How grateful I am for Him. And how grateful I am for the spiritual balm of Gilead He provides.

Until next time, God be with you.