TCATS #468 - All Eyes on Mexico

 As of this moment in time, there are eight days before the Choir embarks on its first tour since 2018 when it visited a few of the West Coast states. The Choir was supposed to go on its Heritage Tour in 2020 to Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Wales, but never quite made it there due to the pandemic. Now as we look forward to visiting our friends down South, we are all busily engaged in last-minute to-dos so that we feel fully prepared. As I've talked to friends in the Choir and have been monitoring our social media channels, here are a few things Choir members are up to:

*Several of the men have been out shopping (and finding bargains) for short sleeve shirts.  Obviously the weather in Mexico is going to be hot (the current weather forecast for Mexico City shows temps in the mid 80s with sunny to partly cloud skies) and we all have a deep interest in staying as cool as possible. Unlike other tours, we will not be able to just walk around the city on our own due to security concerns. So that cuts back on time spent outdoors. That said, we do have some outdoor activities planned as a group (or subsets of the larger group) and so because we can't wear shorts or t-shirts, we've been trying to find at least some light-weight, lighter colored shirts that will keep us as cool as possible.

*Several of the women have been trying to figure out how to get shampoo and conditioner in the quantities and brands they feel they need (Choir members can't check bags...carry-ons only). And I'd have to say, they've come up with some creative ideas. Everything from ordering their hair products from Walmart and getting them shipping directly to the hotel (just in time for when they arrive), to enlisting the help of Uber drivers to fetch those products for them. I find it all just a little funny, myself. I mean, I respect the desire to have shampoo and conditioner you know and love, but can't the products at the hotel (or perhaps for sale at a shop in the hotel) not suffice for just a week? 

*We've all been trying to memorize the new pieces of music we received just recently (hot off the press!) that are in Spanish. We're getting there. Some have more work to do than others--especially the newer members of the Choir who haven't sung a lot of the "standard" tour music--in addition of course to all the Spanish pieces. I'd have to say I'm pretty impressed with the music. I think it will be well received. 

*The marketing director for the Choir has been working with the Missionary Dept to make sure the "pass-along" cards that have been created are distributed to all the Mexico missions so that missionaries can use them in their daily efforts to bring people to Christ. IMO, these cards are the perfect tool. Who wouldn't take one? And who wouldn't want to tune in to hear some beautiful music? It's a perfect non-obtrusive way to share the Gospel. 

*The Choir leadership is ready to give us all the tour details (and Choir members have been waiting to receive them!) this coming Tuesday evening. I can never say much about our itinerary because of security concerns but I'm hoping to get all of my questions answered Tues night. We were given our flight info--which was great. At first I was a little disappointed I wasn't in the travel group that most of my good friends were in. But, I'm trying to look at it as an opportunity to meet new people and perhaps make a new friend. Everyone has a story. And I hope I can hear a story or two during tour.

That's about the scoop on Mexico Tour prep! Until next time, God be with you. 

PS: In case you missed these tidbits in the news:

1) Guest artists for the Mexico concerts
2) Richard Elliott and Jon Schmidt from The Piano Guys perform "WATERFALL".
3) Music & the Spoken Word to get its first Spanish version! (with two of the four hosts being women!)

 

From today's broadcast

TCATS #467 - In the Rhythm

The Tabernacle Choir has been in a fairly steady rhythm lately in preparing for our weekly program on Sunday and also preparing for our upcoming tour. And while my attitude towards the Choir is always in this "up and down" pattern, I find myself in an upswing--which feels good of course. There are probably a number of reasons for that. 

First, having the new people join us always gives me a boost because I see their enthusiasm, I see how hard they work, how utterly grateful they are to be in the Choir, and how they see everything with a fresh perspective. It's all rather contagious. 

Second, we've been singing some great songs lately. Just today we sang "Fight the Good Fight, With All Thy Might", which is one that we've not sung during my 10-year tenure here. I first sung it in Concert Choir at BYU back in the 90s. But since then, it's one of those pieces that has stayed in the archive. And it was refreshing to bring it back. Love the words, the energy, and the way it's put together musically.

Third, despite how I struggle with mentally preparing for a tour and all the things that go with it, I'm actually excited to go. I have an awesome roommate (Wes), I have never been to Mexico City (though I have some good friends who live in Mexico), and it will be good to just get away and temporarily make space for this musical missionary event. Plus, it's fun to get to know other choir members on tour since we actually have more than a 20 minute break to talk!

Speaking of tour, the songs are coming together nicely. We have 19 songs we're learning/reviewing and about six of those or so are in Spanish--meaning they are either completely in Spanish or there are verses of the songs that are in Spanish. The Missionary Department of the Church has distributed over 140,000 cards (think business type cards for size) to the various missions in Mexico and missionaries will be handing out these cards to those they come in contact with, inviting them to tune in (via YouTube) to watch the concert live-streamed. It also provides them with a link to go to, where they can learn more about the Choir and the Church in general. Word is that the missionaries have been excited to receive them and utilize them in their efforts to build friendships and spread the good Word. 

Also speaking of tour, it's been very interesting (and, to be honest, a bit frustrating) to see how few details we've received about this upcoming tour. The detailed itinerary won't be released until June 6th--which is only a week from when we leave. (Keep in mind that with past tours, we'd get details months in advance). I can only surmise that this has to do with security. The less that the public knows as to our exact whereabouts and when we'll be certain places, etc., probably the more safe we'll be. I know that Mexico has had its share of media focus lately, and not in a great way. So I understand the precautions. That said, some of us like to take time to prepare for what's ahead of us by understanding the details. But anyway... I can't complain too much. I'm sure it'll all work out and we'll have a good/rewarding time. It'll be good to be with the Mexican people, to hear their beautiful language, and to sing songs that will hopefully uplift and inspire them.  

Until next time, may God be with you.

TCATS #466 - God's Personable Love

Since both my son and daughter had an award ceremony I wanted to attend last Thursday night, I ended up missing the Tabernacle Choir rehearsal--which of course made me ineligible to sing on Sunday's broadcast. So, when I went into the Tabernacle on Sunday, I took my place in the balcony with the rest of the other "ineligible" choir members. A couple of friends came over to me to see how I was doing, for which I was grateful for, and then the rehearsal started a few minutes later. 

As I half-participated in the rehearsal (it's hard to be fully engaged when you know you won't be performing), I just started to feel a little down. Things in life have been hard lately and sitting by myself with my mind wandering every which way made me a bit glum. I looked down in the choir seats to where I was supposed to be sitting and wished I was there for two reasons. First, it always helps me feel better when I'm surrounded by people--particularly when I know that a few of those people really care about me. And second, even though the songs we were singing weren't ones I really loved, the lyrics of them seemed to resonate with me and I knew those lyrics were going to resonate and effect others who tuned in to hear them, too.

At any rate, as I sat there watching the run-through, near the end I noticed that one of the basses was struggling with his balance. I saw my friend Wes, who stood next to him, steady him a bit and then as the program ended, the seating manager and some others helped him out of his seat and offstage where they could figure out more about his condition. 

I knew this created a vacancy that needed filling and I had every confidence that our seating manager would be able to shuffle people around to fill it. In fact, I didn't really think that much about it. 

The 20 min break started and I made my way down behind stage to visit with a few friends. After chatting with one, I made my way outside since Wes had just texted "Hey, come outside. You should suit up! We need you! Mark almost fainted and we need you to fill in."

I found Wes and he reiterated what he said in his text. The seating manager, Randy, happened to come outside at that very moment and Wes and I went up to him to see if he needed some help. He looked at me and asked how quickly I could get changed--since at this point there was only about 15 minutes left in the break! I told him I could do it, and as I turned around to start going, Wes smiled and said "RUN!"

Run I did. I bolted over to the Conference Center, making my way to the "bunker" where the men's changing area is and stopped mid-step realizing that I hadn't noticed exactly what the men were wearing! Usually there's a white board on the wall that tells us each week what suit and what tie to put on, but when I looked at it, the information had already changed to what we'd be wearing next week. Crud! With the seconds ticking by, I thought about calling Wes to ask. But it suddenly dawned on me that our weekly attire info was actually on an app that we started using awhile back. So I launched the app, clicked on the day, and there it was: Charcoal Suit and Red Kevlar tie.

Within two minutes, I was into the suit. I grabbed the tie and headed back over to Tabernacle. With a few minutes left, I arrived letting Wes know I was back and then headed in to find Randy to let him know I was ready to go. He was relieved to see me. Finding my seat, I sat down wiping sweat from my forehead and hoping I would get minimal camera time so people wouldn't see my glistening face. Haha. Wes sat down beside me all smiles and the guys around me thanked me for filling in last minute. That feeling of brotherhood was just what I needed.

The broadcast started. I glanced quickly back up at the balcony thinking how bizarre the last 20 minutes had been--how everything had changed. My gratitude replaced my sadness and I gave God a quick prayer of thanks.

As I sit here and write this entry, I reflect back on that experience and wonder "Did God cause all of that to happen just for me?"  My self-esteem issues want to render that line of reasoning as implausible, but just in case He did, it's quite a testament that God can start a chain of events --events that lead to one of His children receiving a personal witness that yes, he's loved. After all, our Heavenly Parents are Parents of love, are they not? And making sure we feel that is their primary objective. 

I also reflected on Wes's actions. If he had subscribed to the same line of reasoning that I had ("I'm sure Randy will take care of it--he's the seating guy and will figure it out"), things would have played out much differently. Instead, he saw an opportunity that he knew I'd benefit from, he advocated for it, and helped make it happen. 

What a good friend. :)

I don't mean to make all of this a bigger deal than it is. Someone could quickly sum this up by saying that I got to fill a vacant seat last minute and I was able to feel better. Yes, that is what happened. But it was more than that. It was feeling God's love--feeling like He cared. It was feeling friendship from someone looking out for me. It was a seating manager who could have re-arranged the seating (everyone on the end of each row move down one and then the basses on the top row move over one) but instead gave me an opportunity to help. 

I hope this week that we can all feel God's love for us in personal ways that only we can recognize. I hope a friend advocates for us--if only to help us feel thought-of and appreciated.
And I hope that we give others a chance to help us.

Until next time, God be with you.

P.S:  In reviewing the broadcast on YouTube last night, I had to laugh that not only was I on camera once, but four times--with two close-ups! I guess God does have a sense of humor.

P.S.S.: We rarely get to hear how our music affects others, but we got an email this morning letting us know about a few audience members who were so touched that they had tears streaming down their faces exclaiming "That is the most amazing thing I've ever seen!" 

 

From the 5/7 broadcast

 

TCATS #465 - Over the Rainbow

Last week, the new choir members (just recently graduated from Choir School) joined us for their first Music & the Spoken Word  broadcast. It was fun to feel their excitement and to know that all of their family members and friends would be tuning in--hoping to see a glimpse of them on camera. Many a-text would be sent to them afterwards with exclamations of "We saw you! Congratulations!" and those texts would undoubtedly include a picture taken of them as seen on TV. Unfortunately though, at the end of the broadcast, we were informed that there was an issue with the audio feed and the tech guys had to make the decision to cut over to a former recorded broadcast (of several years ago). It was super sad. All of their hard work to learn the music and all of the anticipation they'd be on camera and singing with all of their hearts to reach "the one" out there who needed to hear them...

The silver lining was Mack's decision to re-do the broadcast at a later date in May. 

With all of that said, today, then, was actually the "first" broadcast for the new people that was seen by those tuning in around the world. And it was a good program with a full house of in-person audience members. Mack gave them all glowing praise and admonished the rest of us to not only capture some of their excitement, but to display that excitement on camera.

I think the song that impacted me the most today was the classic "Over the Rainbow". For me, that song made me a bit melancholy and wishing that I could visit whatever's on the other side of the rainbow. Some might say "Well Ryan, there's really nothing on the other side of the rainbow--it's just the other side and you can see clearly what's there." Yes, well, that's true, technically. But I imagined the other side of the rainbow being a place that was just full of peace, love, and happiness--where everything was good and right and true. 

After the broadcast, we continued our prep for the upcoming tour--which is 47 days from now. I can't divulge our high-level itinerary as it's not been made public yet. However, I can say that we'll be having three concerts, a couple of sightseeing opportunities, and maybe a couple of service opportunities as well. I'm excited to be roommates with my friend Wes and am looking forward to talking more to other choir members in general, since we never really get much time to do that.

The only other thing I wanted to mention today was how nice it was to take our 20 min break OUTSIDE. The fresh, warmer air was heavenly and shooting the breeze with some of my buddies was nice. Despite all of the construction surrounding the Tabernacle grounds, it will still a beautiful moment.

Until next time, God be with you.

TCATS #464 - A Tidbit or Two.

I don't have too much to report on today even though it's been a few weeks since I last posted. General Conference, as well as the Easter-themed Music & the Spoken Word, have both come and gone and we're now looking ahead to our tour to Mexico City in June. While it's not been announced yet exactly what songs will comprise our tour repertoire, I suspect we'll be singing many of the same songs that were performed on previous tours. The two songs I know for sure will be included are the ones with movement: Ah El Novio!, and Betelehemu. Mack gave us directions on Thursday night to look over these two numbers so that we could start rehearsing them this coming week. I'll need to take some time to do that since the last time I performed those was in 2018. Along with those two songs, I'm sure we'll also include as many Spanish songs as we can (we have two learned, and perhaps a couple of others might be on their way). 

While I didn't stay for much of the "Release Program" today (the program each April where we say farewell to those leaving the Choir), I do have a few thoughts to share about this prevailing tradition. 

It struck me the other day as I was thinking about it that it's a bit odd that we have this tradition in the first place. There is no other calling in the entire Church that is attached to such a grand farewell. Cameras today were taking snapshots of each of the individuals within this "release group"; video cameras were focusing in on them as they sang their last Music & the Spoken Word; they were recognized by Lloyd Newell after the MSW program had concluded which generated about 30 seconds of clapping and a standing ovation; they were spotlighted in this Release Program following MSW in which those attending watched a short video of each of the releasees--videos that included thoughts and experiences about their choir experience overall; and they were given a plaque at the end of the program along with a photo shoot opportunity.  

I think about the Relief Society president who labors for years loving and serving and sacrificing for the sisters in her ward; I think of the teachers who prepare lessons every week, praying and pondering on their materials and delivering it to the members; I think of the bishop of a ward who serves for 4-6 years carrying such a heavy load as he cares for hundreds of people and their spiritual and temporal needs; I think of the stake president who usually serves upwards of 9 years, overseeing the thousands of people in his stake. And heck, let's not forget the nursery workers who are probably the real stars of the show! My point is, the only recognition these folks get at the end of their service is contained in the momentary act of members raising their hands to signify a "job well done!". That's it. 

So why should choir members receive so much more? 

It just doesn't make sense. At least to me. 

Ah well. A lot of things lately don't make sense. 

And until they do (or until next week), God be with you.

PS: my favorite song today that brought me a measure of much needed peace was "Hear Him". It's one of the things I'm trying to do better at it--hearing God, recognizing when He speaks to me, and understanding how best to move forward with personal revelation. You're invited to listen to that song yourself and receive. . .