MTC Week #77 - And We're Off!

The time has come. 

All of the preparations have been made for the Choir's departure on Wednesday and we're all excited to go share the gospel message to our friends on the East Coast. It was strange saying goodbye to Choir friends today. It wasn't your typical "see ya." It was "see you in D.C.!" A bit strange, but true. And exciting!

The two concerts we put on for the public this past week went well. Bro. Wilberg was pleased with them, for the most part--but we spent this morning after the broadcast to focus on a few pieces that needed some last minute touchups. Some of us were quick to admit, too, that we needed to spend a little more personal time getting some of the words solidified in our minds. On this point, everyone can relate to your high school or college days when you crammed for an exam. You may have "pulled it off" and scored fairly well. But retaining the info you crammed in your head wasn't so easy to recall days, weeks, or months down the road. 

So it is that some of us find ourselves in the same situation, musically speaking. Much of the music we're taking on tour (about half) consists of songs we prepared for ACDA in February. And I don't think I'm alone in saying that several cramming sessions took place for ACDA! Such cramming all paid off since ACDA was one of the best musical experiences I've ever had. But now, trying to remember it all for the tour. . . well, it's been challenging. I've been determined though to really "own" these pieces and I'm confident that God will help me recall the words and notes I've worked hard to learn.

So with that, we're off to the East with hopes that it'll indeed be a fun and memorable journey. May there be a good balance of sightseeing, yummy food, and excellent performances. And most importantly, may the people who hear us feel an added measure of love and peace from a Heavenly Father who loves them very much. 

One parting note. I've never missed a week in posting to this blog. However, for the next two weeks I'll be focusing on the responsibilities and opportunities related to this important tour. So look for a fun post-tour wrap-up when I get back. Besides, our social media committee has asked us to let THEM create the original tour "play-by-play" content which will be posted via the Choir's website and via Facebook. I plan to share those as they are published each day during the next two weeks.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC Week #76 - Nine Days & Counting

The excitement for our tour to the Atlantic Coast is building, and this past week some important pre-tour events occurred to help us in our preparations. 

First, we received our "Tour Packets" which we've been anxiously awaiting. These packets contained all sorts of goodies, including a very detailed itinerary, which flight we'd be on, and page after page of instructions and information to digest. While I cannot go into details regarding the itinerary (we've been asked not to), I can summarize by saying that while we do have "free time" to do some sight-seeing, our schedule is pretty packed. Some interesting numbers:

592 individuals going on tour
3 chartered flights
11 buses to take us from one performing venue to the next
3 different hotels
9 concerts at six different venues
34 songs, memorized
3 outfits for the men (2 suits + tux)
3 pieces of luggage each

Second, we had a mandatory tour meeting after the broadcast today which included all of those going on tour (performers, guests, staff). Four staff members spoke and everything from luggage, to security, to venues, to social media was covered. Most of it was in our tour packet, but it was nice to have it reiterated and to meet altogether. (Wow! There's a lot of us going... A large part of the main floor of the Tabernacle was filled) Near the end of the meeting, President Jarrett concluded with a letter from President Monson who reminded us of our purpose, said our families would be blessed, and said he'd be praying for us. It was comforting to listen to and a perfect way to end.

This week we'll be performing two pre-tour concerts. The reason there are two is because we're doing mainly two different programs while on tour (different repertoire for each, with a few songs overlapping). Concerts start at 7:45 and will likely go to 9:30 or thereabouts. No tickets required, so feel free to come if you'd like. I promise you won't be disappointed!

To end today's post, I just wanted to share the public affairs statement and the general mission statement of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir: 

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is a unique musical organization that transcends cultural and generational boundaries to unite people around the world through music. The mission of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra at Temple Square, Temple Square Chorale, Bells on Temple Square and Staff is to serve as goodwill ambassadors for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and through music, prepare the hearts of members and non-members throughout the world to actively follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.

For all of us who are part of this organization, we hope we are doing just that. (And hope to do that on tour!)

Until next time, God be with you!

MTC Week #75 - What Will YOU Be Known For?

August 5, 1922 – May 30, 2015

Choir members were given an invitation on Tuesday of this past week, to sing at Elder L. Tom Perry's funeral--on Friday, June 5th. As many as could, arranged their schedules to be there and Thursday evening, we went through the Sunday broadcast music as quickly as possible so we could focus on the four pieces we had been asked to prepare for the funeral services. 

Pieces we sang (courtesy Ryan B.)

The surviving Perry family members had made some specific requests for what they wanted us to sing.  And while three of those were in the range of very familiar to somewhat familiar, one of them was not familiar at all (to almost everyone). It was called "Still, Still With Thee," and was composed back in 1855 by Felix Mendelssohn. I can't say I was a big fan of singing this one. And to be honest, in looking at the other three pieces as well, I was hoping that we'd get to sing at least one song that matched Elder Perry's enthusiasm in life (a rousing rendition of "Called to Serve" perhaps?). But, we didn't. And that's OK. This funeral was not for me or for Elder Perry himself, it was for Elder Perry's family. It was their time to say

farewell and it was their time to pick some songs that would bring them the most comfort and peace. So I'm glad we got to sing the songs that we did, for them. 

The funeral itself was a positive, peaceful experience.

I was grateful to hear the tributes given (click HERE for a very quick video summary of the event), and was grateful to have some time to think about what I have learned from Elder Perry throughout my life. President Monson said of Elder Perry: "He was blessed with an abiding faith, an optimistic attitude and a charitable spirit" and that "along with his faith, commitment and energy, Tom Perry was one of the most kind, considerate and gracious men I've ever known." It made me think...what will I be known for?

Aside from the funeral, we had our normal broadcast this morning as usual. I really enjoyed today's broadcast. With two songs memorized completely, and the other two very close to being memorized (though they weren't required to be), I went into the experience feeling confident and able to focus on sharing my testimony rather than thinking too much about getting the words right. Plus, the songs themselves were ones I really love. Particularly Psalm 148 and High on a Mountain Top!

Lastly, today was our last "extra rehearsal" for our upcoming tour. Next Sunday after our broadcast we have a tour meeting and then two pre-tour concerts the following week (which anyone can attend). June 24th will be here before we know it! I'm grateful, once again, to be part of this wonderful organization and thankful to sing and associate with members of the Choir. 

Until next time, may God be with you. 

MTC Week #74.1 - The Ryan Photo

My normal weekly post is to the right (#74 - For a Reason) under the "Blog Archive" section, but I did want to finally post the pictures from several weeks ago when THE RYAN PHOTO was taken. As I mentioned earlier, Ryan Bateman and I wanted to have a photo taken of all of the Ryan's in the choir (eight of them at the time - seven now). So, without further ado, see below for the results (click each to see enlarged).  Thanks for the Choir Photo focal, Deb Gehris, for taking these. And thanks to all the Ryan's (particularly Ryan Murphy) for participating!

(NOTE: In the haste to get these taken, I unfortunately had everyone line up in reverse order. So if you look at the photos below the collage one, By AGE is youngest to oldest; By LAST NAME is Z to A; and By SENIORITY is shortest time in the choir to the longest time in the choir. The collage photo gives names and other interesting facts)

MTC Week #74 - For a Reason

It was an odd Sunday morning to be sure. 

One reason was due to my missing Thursday's rehearsal (I attended my daughter's choir concert instead). When missing a rehearsal, you aren't eligible to sing on Music & the Spoken Word. So when I went into the Tabernacle this morning, I took a seat on the benches just left of the choir seats, and watched as others filed in and prepared to sing--all the while feeling somewhat disconnected and a bit sad. Fortunately, a friend who also had missed Thursday, came in and sat next to me--shifting my focus from the somber mood I was in, to the conversation that ensued.

After practicing the songs for an hour with the rest of the choir, I sat and watched the run-through. And as I watched, I thought about how nice it will be, next week, to be singing with them again.

The second reason the morning was different than usual had to do with an unfortunate incident that occurred during the live broadcast. The choir had finished singing the traditional intro song ("Gently Raise the Sacred Strain") and had just started the second piece. The camera man who was down on the platform (situated on top of some of the audience benches) and working the long-arm camera, fainted. As he did so, he fell back and down onto the benches, surely hitting his head and who knows what else. His wife, who was also on the camera platform, seeing this happen, screamed in alarm and for the next 15 minutes, ushers and other Tabernacle personnel worked to get the situation under control. Eventually, the paramedics came in with a stretcher and was successful in getting the man out of the Tabernacle and into the ambulance. 

While all this was happening, the broadcast continued, though much of the audience's attention was understandably diverted. The choir and orchestra members, too, were trying to stay focused and deliver the musical message they had prepared to give today. 

It's interesting why some things happen. Could God have prevented the man from fainting? Of course. He could have easily intervened to ensure that the broadcast went as smoothly as broadcasts usually do, and to ensure that those in attendance (including some who were from other countries or out-of-state and experiencing one of the these broadcasts, live, for the first and only time) would be completely focused on the music and the uplifting messages. But for some reason, He did not. It's not my intention to delve into a deep discussion on this topic of divine intervention. But suffice to say, things happen for a reason. And we trust that God's reasons are designed to bring about important purposes. God has a perfect way of taking incidents like these and using them for good. The trick is relinquishing our desire to always understand what good could come from such things, and just relying on our faith that He knows best.  

The morning ended with us rehearsing "Betelehemu" for our upcoming tour--complete with swaying and hand actions. A very non-typical song to end a non-typical day.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC Week #73 - Remembering: Keeping Their Stories Alive

"It is a blessing to have a day for remembering. Surely this ought to include a moment to remember the lives that have been lost as part of the purchase price of our freedom. For some of us it may also include remembering forbearers whose love of freedom led them to leave behind what was familiar to seek a new home for future generations—for our generation. For others it includes remembering those who simply, consistently did the right thing, without fanfare and without wavering."  (Lloyd Newell, Music & the Spoken Word, 05/24/15)

I appreciate Lloyd Newell's message today mainly because it focused on recognizing several important groups of people. While it's very important to think of, and give thanks for, those in the military who have helped to preserve our nation's freedom, it's also important to remember those who simply lived a good life and left a valiant example to follow-- no matter what official job or responsibility they held.

My Grandpa (Stan) Pitt was one of those who simply lived a good life. I have

Stanley Pitt

never met him in this life since he passed away before I was born. But in listening to the stories my dad has told about him, I'm thankful for who he was and the honorable life he led. There are several stories I could share, including one where he saved my dad's life from a massive swarm of bees, or stories of him teaching important life lessons. But there's one that stands out to me.

When I was about eleven, my dad was looking for some land to build a new home on. He found some and when he located the owner, he approached him asking if the land was for sale. The owner (Don Burnham) politely said it was not--that he had no interest in selling the land. My dad took the opportunity to talk to him further and in the course of their conversation, Don learned my dad's last name. Don then asked if my dad happened to be related to Stan Pitt. When my dad revealed that Stan was his father, Don stood there a moment and then said "You can have any part of my land that you'd like." 

I'm excited to see my Grandpa Stan some day.

Grandma & Grandpa Marshall

My Grandma Marshall passed away several years ago and I miss her dearly. She was a very practical woman who was full of love and wasn't afraid of hard work. My favorite memories of her are those where I'm sitting at the counter in her kitchen, eating homemade bread with homemade raspberry jam, and listening to her impart some pearls of wisdom. She also loved to listen to my life's adventures and make me feel important. She recognized, too, that even with a lot to do in keeping a farm up, spending time playing games with her grandkids (Rumikub, Triominoes, or Scrabble were her favorite) was important too. 

So, while I sang patriotic songs today that will certainly touch the lives of many--particularly those who have lost a loved one to war or the after-effects of war--I also gave thanks to God for being able to remember loved ones who have helped me become the person I am today. Their examples and life lessons are not to be forgotten.

Until next time, God be with you.  

MTC Week #72 - Discipline!

Discipline: an activity, exercise, or regimen that develops or improves a skill; training. (dictionary.com)

It was a bit of a rough morning for the Choir. The songs on today's broadcast were particularly susceptible to intonation issues (sounding in-tune) and I lost track of how many times we had to start and stop, and start and stop, again, because one or more of the sections of the choir couldn't sing the notes high enough. Add to that the fact that there was a little too much talking and some didn't have their music ready to go, and one can see why Bro. Wilberg took the opportunity to lovingly, but clearly, talk to us about discipline.

"Any choir can be a good choir, " he said, "but to be a great choir takes discipline." He went on to talk about the little things, that, if observed and put into action, can help us be great. Hard work, really thinking and focusing, marking our music, following those markings, listening to directions. These and many others are things that can help us be a great choir.

You might be thinking that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir IS great. Almost anyone you talk to who has heard the choir, would think so. But "great" is not a permanent label that, once achieved, is forever true. Being great is a status that takes discipline. It can be maintained or it can be temporarily lost. It's up to us to discipline ourselves so that greatness can be achieved every rehearsal and every performance.

On the drive home, my carpooling friend Ben likened this to personal greatness. We can be average people or we can be great people. We can be someone who is satisfied with status quo or we can be looking for ways to improve. We can act, or wait to be acted upon. We just need to pick something small in our lives that needs improving, and discipline ourselves to make that improvement. It's up to us. This incremental approach to overall improvement will allow us to be the great people we can be.

This reminds me of a scripture: "...a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm...therefore, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power." (Doctrine & Covenants 123:16-17)

Let us do what we can :)
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In other news, we began extra rehearsals today for our upcoming tour. While the thoughts of going on tour bring excitement, there is a lot of work to be done before day 1 of tour is upon us. This was no more evident then when we pulled

out some pieces today that I didn't know the notes or the words to them. It's time to discipline myself and start memorizing in earnest! 

Rick Elliott, organist

J. Spencer Kinard

Lastly, I did want to mention the awesome opportunity I had to film Rick Elliott give a "backstage" tour of the tabernacle organ's pipes. (I'm on the video committee and we're preparing a video that the choir members can watch during our travel time on the bus during tour.) Talk about amazing! I also was able to film some interviews of past choir members talking about their experiences, as well as J. Spencer Kinard--who did the spoken word portion of the Music & the Spoken Word broadcasts before Lloyd Newell (who does them today). It was fun to hear him talk about his experiences. Everyone has a story to tell! 

Until next time, God be with you!