MTC #185 - Music for a Summer Evening '17

 
Friday and Saturday night, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, along with special guest star Alex Boyé, combined their talents to present a Music for a Summer Evening (aka "Pioneer Day Concert"). Rehearsals for this event, for the Choir at least, began on June 17th and continued each Thursday night (after rehearsing for Music & the Spoken Word), and after each Sunday morning broadcast. 

What can I say about the concerts? Well, they were great!. The standard pioneer-related songs, the spirituals, a few songs from the 50s/60s, and some fun Disney songs made for a fun and memorable evening both nights. While the Conference Center had plenty of empty seats, those who came were incredibly enthusiastic and let their appreciation be known by lots of clapping and several standing ovations. 

My favorite moments?

Glad you asked.

I had several, but to name just a few.... I thought Alex Boyé did a fantastic job with all of the songs the choir sang with him, and accompanied him on. His solo number was moving, but the one that moved me to near tears was "Walk With Me". I don't think the Choir has ever sung that song so perfectly, nor do I think Alex has ever performed it like he did Saturday night. He, himself, had so many tears of emotion afterwards that he had to wipe his eyes three or four times before being able to sing the next song. I also enjoyed the two songs from The Lion King. I can't say it's my favorite musical or movie. But "He Lives in You", and "The Circle of Life" are powerful songs and the infusion of African elements--along with the songs' musicality and lyrics--make for a unique and moving listening/singing experience. Before singing "The Circle of Life", Alex gave a moving and humbling account of why he can often be seen with a white streak of paint under his right eye. Apparently back when many Africans were sold as slaves and shipped to various parts of the world, families were often broken up as a result. The mothers, though, came up with the idea of "marking" their children with unique symbols so that one day, should they be fortunate enough to come in contact with their children again, they'd be able to recognize them through those unique symbols. Alex dedicated the song to all mothers who work so hard to keep their families together. Having that introduction made singing that song extra special. 

The last song I wanted to comment on is a song from Pete's Dragon (the 1970s version) called "Brazzle

Dazzle Day". It was a fun piece and Ryan Murphy's arrangement of it was perfect. It brought back nice memories of seeing that movie as a kid and of enjoying much simpler times. The lyrics just made me want to climb aboard Elliott the dragon and fly high, high above the clouds.

(While the song we sang from Moana wasn't my favorite, it does deserve honorable mention only because I woke up to it every morning in my head for the past few weeks. Consider the coconut!)

If you weren't able to catch the concert, you're in luck! You can watch it via YouTube, HERE. Enjoy.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #184 - Mark

There are several things I could talk about this week related to Choir, including our upcoming concert on Friday and Saturday. But the one thing that touched me the most, happened on Thursday night near the end of our rehearsal. 

Usually during rehearsals, around 8:40p or so, Mack turns to the audience and greets them--thanking them for coming, inviting them to Music & the Spoken Word on Sunday, and introducing any special guests in attendance. As this routine played out Thursday night, one of the guests introduced was a young man named Mark. Apparently Mark is a long time fan of the choir, and takes every opportunity he can to see them on TV, listen to them on the radio, or come watch them in person. As Mark stood while he was introduced, it was clear that he was very happy to be there. And his parents, sitting on either side of him, were all smiles as well. 

The "make-your-heart-happy" experience doesn't end there, though.

A little bit later, when Ryan Murphy took over conducting us, Mack went down to the audience seats to observe as he normally does. But then a short time later, he got up, and walked down the aisle to where Mark was sitting. When he reached Mark's row, he extended his hand to Mark and (presumably) thanked him for coming. I'm not sure all of the words that were exchanged, but I could imagine how happy this young man was for the director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to take a few minutes to acknowledge him. 

A small experience, yes. A significant one?  Indeed. 

It reminded me of when the Savior, on many occasions, administered to "the one." There were times he addressed large groups, to teach them, and express His love to them. But there were plenty of times that He took the opportunity to reach out personally to the individual. He knew each of them. He loved each one of them. And He loves each one of us, too. 

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #183 - In God is Our Trust

Our program this morning was full of patriotic songs to pay tribute to this country we live in, and to those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. What's really interesting, is that despite being part of this wonderful program and singing six great songs (including two of my favorites "Hymn for America", and "America the Beautiful"), the one that moved me the most today was one that my temporary ward sang in Sacrament Meeting: "The Star Spangled Banner." While the words to the first verse are all-too familiar to everyone, the other three verses are worthy of being sung much more often than they are. I particularly love the last verse: 

O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand

Between their loved homes and the war's desolation.

Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n rescued land

Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: 'In God is our trust.'

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Out of nowhere, my emotions just got the best of me as I pondered these words. Interestingly enough, my wife had a similar experience when she sang this song today, too. We half joked that if more people in our country knew this particular verse of the song, plenty would be offended at the references to God, trusting in Him, and giving Him credit for the birth and preservation of our nation. Perhaps they might even launch a campaign to remove that verse from the song. Such is the world we live in. But I can tell you that there's a reason why this is our national anthem, and one of those reasons is so we can give credit where credit is due--even if that credit is found in a verse that is rarely sung. 

I'm grateful for a God who has, indeed, blessed this nation, has preserved it, and has protected it. As long as there are those in this country who stand up for a cause that is just, and rely upon a Father who is eager to bless, I have no doubt we'll continue to enjoy the freedoms we do, today.

Switching subjects completely, I just wanted to end today's post with the fact that applications for singing in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir are now being accepted. So for those of you who live within 100 miles of Salt Lake City, and feel you want to dedicate your love of singing to a very just cause, now's the time! I can't say it will be easy, and I can't say that you'll be accepted in. But the age-old adage "You never know unless you try" is worth considering. Don't you think?

Until next time God be with you.

MTC #182 - Of Guest Artists, Cancer Research Centers, and a New Hymn Arrangement

This past week, a couple of interesting choir events occurred. First, it was

announced on Monday who our guest artist would be for the upcoming Pioneer Day Concert. As you've probably heard by now, Christopher Jackson (who played George Washington in the hit musical HAMILTON) is the one who will be joining us July 14-15 as we present an evening of song in the Conference Center. Tickets for that event sold out in less than a day, although there are ALWAYS seats available for those in the standby line. So if you'd like to come, and don't have a ticket, come a bit early to stand in line and you'll get in.

The second event happened on Wednesday. Some members of the choir (the event wasn't mandatory since it was in the middle of the day) participated in the dedication of The Primary Children’s and Families’ Cancer Research Center, funded in part by Jon Huntsman. I was not able to attend, but aside from it being a very hot day to stand in the sun and sing, those who participated were grateful to be there. At Thursday night's rehearsal, Mack Wilberg gave his

thanks to those who participated--particularly for enduring the heat. He also shared part of a thank you note that President Uchtdorf sent to him, in the which he gave his heartfelt appreciation for service rendered. He also said that he was tempted to ask God for some clouds to cover the sun temporarily, so those in the heat could have some relief. But after pondering that, he finally concluded "Who am I to tempt God?" :) We all had a good laugh.

So my heart went out to the newer choir members this week as we sang four pieces memorized today, and will have four pieces memorized for next week, too. And in addition, most of the songs on the Pioneer Day concert will be memorized. I especially cringed when Mack told them they'd need to memorize "Cohan's Big Three" (or HERE) which is a collection of patriotic songs with not only a bazillion words in it, but that includes a very fast tempo through much of it. I remember having to memorize that one myself, and it took considerable time. That said though, all this memorizing is just part of the package deal. It's part of the calling to be a Mormon Tabernacle Choir member. Besides, it's so much more rewarding when you get to sing a song memorized. You are free to focus more on the words and inject the music with feelings and emotions.

The last thing I wanted to mention was that Mack debuted a new hymn arrangement today: "It is Well With My Soul". The hymn's words were written by Horatio G. Spafford, who wrote them out of grief, hope, and faith following a terrible tragedy. I'm glad I got to sing it today, to not only help share it with our listeners today, but to honor Horatio's ability to overcome his trials and continue forward in faith. It is a beautiful song, and one that reminds all of us that something great can come from tragedy.

So that was the week! Never a dull moment.

Until next time, God be with you.

The largest audience for Music & the Spoken Word that I've ever been a part of. Many of them were associated with the Millennial Choir who had congregated in SLC this past week.

MTC #181 - Father

I don't have a lot to report this week, in regards to my experience in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, since I was spending some time with my family and extended family at Bear Lake from Wed-Sat (thus missing Thursday's rehearsal). As I went to Music & the Spoken Word this morning, my normal view of looking out at the audience was replaced with the view as shown below.

The Choir rehearing before the broadcast

The Choir after the broadcast was over

While it pains me when I can't actually sing with the choir, it was nice to sit and listen. Today's program was all about Fathers, and there was one song in particular that I really enjoyed. It was a new song, specifically given to the MoTab to perform today, and both the words and music were really nice. The song's point of view progressed from being a child and being influenced by a father, to being a father yourself, and then ended with the relationship we have with our Heavenly Father.  Here are the words:

FATHER (by R. Ross Boothe)
 
Today I still remember every smile
Each tender word, each strong embrace.
Each treasured step down life's dusty mile,
Dearest father.
Your patient kindness as I learned to see;
Your steady voice of truth and love;
Devoted faith in who I could be, 
Dearest father.
 
But seasons come, and seasons go, and every year I see: my deep regard for you has grown. Your love abides in me.

Today I still remember every face;
Each tiny hand enclosed in mine;
The sacred blessing of each new day
As a father.
The joy of seeing every child grow;
The peace of teaching them God's word;
The light of faith in their hearts aglow; 
As a father.

Still every day, my mind expands, as now I've come to see
That I can love as father here, because Someone loves me.

Today I raise my voice and lift my eyes
To follow, honor and obey;
In praise of all that Thy love provides, 
Holy Father!

In all the earth and sky we see Thy hand.
In every breath Thy grace is known.
For every life glorifies Thy plan, 
Holy Father!

So on this day we give thanks
For all that Thou hast given.
And in our hearts, Thy praise impart
For every joy we live.
Today I still remember Heaven's love;
Each hour of life, each golden day,
Has been a gift from our God above, 
Dearest Father.
As a father.
Holy Father.
Father.   

Nice, huh? I would encourage you to give it a listen today.

I'm grateful for my own father who certainly did, as the song says, have a voice of truth and love that I listened to as I grew from boy to man. I'm also grateful I've been given the opportunity to be a father myself. It's been more rewarding and inspiring than I could ever express. And I'm so grateful for my Heavenly Father who I know loves me and who blesses me to fulfill all of the wonderful roles I get to play here on earth. 

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #180 - Of Worshiping

One of the challenges of singing in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, at least for me, is doing all I can to have this experience effectively supplement the traditional worshiping within a ward (congregational) setting. The Choir leadership is a very big advocate of Choir members being an integral part of their ward, just like they were before they joined the choir. That's easier said, than done, however. Particularly when every other year, my ward meets at 9am, which is right during choir. That is my reality this year. What usually happens, is I get home, the family comes home from church, we have some lunch, and then I attend a different ward's sacrament meeting. After that, I come back home since I've already been away from family most of the day--although technically, I could stay for the other two hours. But since it's not my ward, and because I miss my family, I don't. 

So, while I do get some worshiping in during Sacrament Meeting, I try really hard to have my choir experience be a worship experience as well. LDS.org defines worshiping as "giving God our love, reverence, service, and devotion." It also gives some examples of worshiping, including prayer, joining in fellowship with others who worship Him, participating in priesthood ordinances, and having an inward, worshipful attitude. 

Today I feel like I can claim success. The scriptures say that "the song of the righteous is a prayer unto Me (God)." And the songs we sang today felt very much like extraordinarily deep and emotional prayers. I think many of us in the Choir felt that. The songs were just amazingly beautiful and spiritually potent. In fact, I overheard one choir member say that his experience today was almost a "cleansing"--in that he felt like he was washed clean of sin and was eager to move forward. 

During the run-through this morning, we ended with "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" which is one of my favorite songs we sing. After we finished, the feeling in the room was one of reverence and awe and everyone just sat there, quietly, taking it all in. When our director, Mack, was finished consulting with the technical crew, he asked "Why is it so quiet?"

I miss the people in my ward. I miss making connections one year, only to put them on hold the next. And then try and go back to them a year later. And I miss the Sunday School and Priesthood meeting discussions where I learn more about the Gospel I believe in. But, I am thankful that my choir experience can be a worship experience. I just need to remember that just because it can, doesn't mean it automatically will. I need to work for it, and pray for it, and go to choir with a worshipful attitude. Then, my worshiping through music can effectively supplement the limited worship experiences I receive at church. 

Until next time, God be with YOU. 

MTC #179 - Changes Afoot

With June having arrived, some changes have occurred within the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

The first of these changes is singing each week from the Conference Center rather than the Tabernacle. We usually do this from June through Labor Day to accommodate the increase of visitors during the summer who want to watch the Choir. While I would say that most of the Choir prefers singing in the Tabernacle over the Conference Center (mainly, for me, because we're closer to the audience in the Tabernacle), we do enjoy the cooler temperatures in the Conference Center and we're grateful there's a place that will hold all who wish to come see us.

The second change is a change in attendance policy for Choir members--which took effect June 1. (Such changes to policy don't occur that often, so this is kind of a big deal)  The now, old, policy, was that you could get attendance credit for either singing with choir at each rehearsal or performance, or, observing the choir sing, live, from a specific location in the particular venue. The observing provision was in place for those who weren't feeling well (but were well enough, obviously, to still come and watch/listen). It was also in place for situations in which the choir member knew they wouldn't make it to the upcoming performance, but still wanted attendance credit for the rehearsal. For example, if I knew I wouldn't make it to next Sunday's Music and the Spoken Word performance, I could still attend the rehearsal Thursday night, sit in the balcony seats, and get credit for being there (sitting in the actual choir seats are only for those who will be performing). 

The new policy is based on a 2 point/1 point system. In a nutshell, you get 2 points for performing, and only 1 point for observing. For those who are sitting out of a rehearsal because they know they'll be missing the performance (for which the rehearsal is for), they can still get 2 points by actually singing from the furthest back choir seats. Basically this new policy rewards people for singing, while still giving partial credit for those situations in which only observing is possible.

And the last change is that I'm now on row 7! I'm not sure how that happened (I'm usually on row 5 or lower)  Perhaps some of the new people coming in were shorter than 5'11" so the rest of us got pushed up. Or maybe it was for something else. But, for whatever reason, it's nice to be a little higher if only because it's a change and I get to be next to people who I used to be with when I first joined the choir.

And there you have it! A month of change.

Until next time, God be with you.

You just never know when the camera is going to do a close-up on you!