MTC Week #13 - Preparation

March 30, 2014 - The amazing choir school journey is nearing completion and at the end of the experience lies a final exam. I'm thoroughly [NOT] excited about that, but it is what it is. Given this fun little experience is right around the corner, our instructors spent time both on Tuesday and Thursday to give us a review of our past twelve weeks. From triads, to intervals, to major and minor scales, to articulation, to resonance, to the vocal tract (and many more review items), we worked to remember and prepare. I mentioned to Ben and Andrew and a few others that singing the full MESSIAH should be our final exam. But somehow I don't think that will fly. 

Amidst that review, we had a couple of interesting experiences. First was a visit by the two individuals who oversee the social media needs of the Choir: Eric Malizia and Drew Conrad (they looked quite young, but having a pair of young guys leading the social media dept for the choir is probably the best fit

Eric Malizia

you could have). Eric led out in giving us a presentation which covered Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Blogs, Instagram, and Pintrest and explained both how the Choir uses those tools and how WE can use those tools to help spread the Choir's message throughout the world. He also gave us a look at the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's website--highlighting its content/resources and how easy it is to share those things using the social media tools. For all of you fans of the choir (or even if you're only slightly interested), the website has a lot of cool stuff: past episodes of Music & the Spoken Word (MSW), individual songs

Drew Conrad

from MSW (just in case you don't have a lot of time to watch a full 30 min broadcast), concerts featuring special guests, interviews, upcoming schedules, ticket info, and more. I encourage you to take a look, bookmark it, and if you're ever in the need of a little uplift or break from a stressful day, listen to one of the songs (try this gem) and I'm sure you'll feel refreshed and inspired.

The other experience of note was when Ryan Murphy just took a few minutes to talk more about the concert we had last week. He mentioned comments he had received and how well we did, and was just very happy with the whole experience. He said something I'd like to quote here about what the concert did to people and what music can do in general. He said "music can sink down into the fiber of who we are and forever change us." I fully believe that. I can think of many experiences where that has happened to me. And those changes resulted in either increasing my testimony of Christ or helping me gain new perspectives on life and what's truly important.  

After his words, he opened it up to the choir members to share anything they wanted to share. At first there were only a couple of hands, but then more and more hands went up and I think we spent the next 20 minutes listening to those who wanted to share feedback. Most of that feedback was about people who had attended at the invitation of choir members, and what those people had said about it. It was actually quite humbling to listen of person after person who had come away from the concert feeling uplifted and strengthened, and more appreciative of life's blessings. Indeed, Christ has blessed each of us tremendously. 

To end, a few of you have asked if I'm singing for Conference this coming weekend. They invited members of the Choir School to sing for one of the sessions (and be on stand-by for the others). I was assigned to sing during the Sunday PM session.

Until next time...God be with you.

MTC Week #12 - Commitment

March 23, 2014 - Before I launch into this week's post, I must first thank my wife for handling the evening family affairs every night this past week without me. Thank you for your support Jenn! I couldn't do this calling without you.

So as mentioned before, new members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir are not officially members of that Choir until they graduate from both Choir SCHOOL, and from the Temple Square Chorale. There are still a few weeks left

My wife and I after the concert

in Choir School and we'll actually have a final "exam" which will consist of singing in small groups before Bro. Wilberg and Bro. Murphy (incorporating all of the things we've learned these past several months) and taking a written exam covering everything from music theory we've learned about, to all of the singing habits we've covered. That happens in a few weeks. Regarding the Chorale however, our graduating concert occurred this past weekend on Friday and Saturday evening. Tuesday thru Thursday were spent in various preparations for that concert. Add to that the fact that we sang on Music and the Spoken Word this morning, and you get one very long long week at the Tabernacle!

My kids (minus my youngest) at the Concert

That said, it was both a rewarding week and an exciting one as we got to see the fruits of our many hours of rehearsals since January. As we combined our singing with the magnificent orchestra it was a very rich and emotional experience.

On Friday, I had sent out an email to those who I knew were coming to the concert explaining the three pieces we were performing. I thought this was important music always means so much more if you have some understanding and context. As I've spent over 40 hours rehearsing this music which culminated in this concert, I think it only fitting to end with my thoughts on what the music meant to me. So here's a copy of that email (with the tense changed):

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Starting with the middle piece we sang: Dona Nobis Pacem by Vaughn Williams. These words actually mean "Give us peace." This piece contains six movements: 

The first simply repeats the Agnus Dei, Dona Nobis Pacem phrase several times. It sets the stage for the contrast about to come in the other movements. I thinks of a people who are preparing for conflict and who are praying in their hearts for God to give them peace. They want to be strengthened for the challenges they are about to face.

The second movement is where the war and conflict commences. The text describes the drums and bugles of war bursting through doors and windows, disrupting the peaceful lives of church congregations, scholars, bridal couples, and other civilians.

Vaughan Williams

The third laments why there has to be war in the first place because of the destruction and death it causes. It hints at a time when we won't have to worry about that any more. It also speaks of the reality that even enemies are human beings and all mankind should be respected not because of their deeds or thoughts or beliefs, but because we're all brothers and sisters.

The fourth is a funeral procession "march". It speaks of a father and son, killed in the war, and being laid to rest. Even though it's a somber movement, the music hits at the importance of hope.

The fifth takes some text from the Book of Jeremiah and talks of the possibility of more conflict coming. There's anxiety, there's uncertainty, but hope remains.

The sixth is a beautiful ending that talks of everything being made right again, where there's no more war and love abounds. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will towards men."

It's easy to relate all of this to each of us, from a spiritual perspective. We fight wars each day--and there are high and low moments. But amidst it all, we plead for peace and look forward to the day of Christ's coming when not only the world catastrophes, conflicts, and wars will cease, but our personal struggles will be overshadowed by the love and peace with which Christ will reign. 

The first piece that starts the concert (after the orchestra is finished) is Requiem Aeternam by Brother Wilberg. It sets the stage for Dona Nobis, and means "Grant them eternal rest, O

Rich Adams

Lord." 

The last piece is my personal favorite of the three. Let Peace Then Still the Strife, also by Mack Wilberg. Every so often, the words of a song combine perfectly with the notes/chords, rhythm, everything.... The message of the song is one of hope for loved ones we've lost--knowing that we will see them again. I haven't lost too many people close to me yet, but aside from that topic, it's simply a song of how we should look at life: that it's precious! And our time with loved ones is precious too. Hats off to Rich who performed the solo at the beginning of the song. He just started with me in January. But he does a beautiful job.

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I want to thank all of those in the Chorale for working so hard. Ryan Murphy was very pleased and happy about our performance, and Mack Wilberg also mentioned how much he enjoyed hearing us sing.

And now on to learn all the vocal numbers of The Messiah!

MTC Week #11 - Think About the Words

March 16, 2014 - We (the new choir recruits) have been meeting down below the Tabernacle in the "recording room" for Chorale practice, and this past Tuesday was our last time practicing there with just us newbies and Ryan Murphy. I didn't really realize that until Ryan gave us some heartfelt words at the end of rehearsal. He thanked us for our hard work. He told us how proud he was of what we had

Ryan--It's been a pleasure!

accomplished in such a short amount of time. And he gave us encouragement for the days ahead in the actual choir we were soon to become a part of. As I thought about his words, I gained more appreciation for these past weeks of singing in a smaller setting, with a director only a few feet away, and with individuals who had started this journey with me. That will all change shortly. New adventures await--though I admit to feeling a tad bit sad about this particular experience coming to an end. Anyone who knows me knows I don't like endings to experiences that have been so rewarding.

As I was singing throughout this week, there were several times that Ryan reminded us to remember what we were singing about. It's not just about getting the notes right and aiming to bring all of the elements of choral singing together from a technical standpoint (though that is all certainly important). It's really thinking about the words you're singing and how those words make you feel. When that happens, not only is the singer impacted, but those listening feel something too. And those feelings can lead to improving one's life and coming nearer unto Christ. 

So the next time you sing a hymn at church or listen to a song that has the potential to move you, think about the words!

Waiting for the "all clear"

For choir school on Thursday, we had a most interesting night. It started with the emergency alarm going off (unplanned) and all of us filtering out of the Tabernacle to await further instructions. Since the actual choir was doing their rehearsal as well, our combined groups made for a large gathering outside. We all took the time to do some socializing, which opportunities don't happen as often as you'd think. (We later found out some workers had been drilling concrete somewhere on the premises and the dust tricked the smoke alarms into thinking it was actual smoke).

Later that evening, we had a "public affairs" presentation by a sister who's job it is to prepare us for encounters with the press/media--and to remind us that we are good will ambassadors who's job it is to "let [our] light so shine," as Matthew tells us in chapter 5, verse 16 of his words. She emphasized that our music can help heal, bring joy, and cross cultural boundaries. It was a great presentation. She also talked about when the choir goes on tour and how important it is at those times to make sure we are indeed portraying to the public our testimonies of Jesus Christ in all of our words and actions.

And speaking of tours, there was plenty of excitement when one of the staff

members came into the class to let us know that the 2015 tour destination

has been decided! Unfortunately I can't make that destination known via this blog (the Choir media relations dept will make that announcement public soon, I'm sure) but I can say that everyone was quite excited to listen to where we'd be going, where we'd be singing, and the various sites we'd see along the way.

I'd like to end this week's post with some lyrics of a song we've been rehearsing, and which we'll be performing next week at our Chorale Concert. I invite you to think about them--and even perhaps think about them while listening to a performance of them (our friends at the First Plymouth Church did a recording of this).

Let peace then still the strife,

The loneliness and grief,

Come heal the piercing silence of passing.

And sweet familiar strains,

The voices lost in death,

Arise in songs of hope everlasting.

Then let the voices roll

As waves upon the sea;

Come forth and break upon us, refreshing.

And barren coves be filled -

O'er flow with reverie!

Let mem'ry salve as Gilead's caressing.

And though the balm be spread,

Let tender rifts remain

That breaking hearts not yield to forgetting.

For hearts rent wide at death,

Unfolded to our dead,

Hear singing from beyond sunlight's setting.

Then sing, beloved ones,

Reach o'er the summer sea.

Pour forth thy boundless love for us living!

Sweep into ev'ry soul,

Make music of our tears,

Turn all our songs to joy and thanksgiving!

And when we silent pass,

From far across the sea

Let praises ring for life's wond'rous blessing.

Then sing ye living souls!

Sing generations past,

Swell high the tide of life, us refreshing!

Sing forth as with one voice,

Bear silent grief away,

Resound with peace and hope everlasting!

And all who wait and sing,

Sing on from earth and heav'n

And make our crossing forth joyful passing!

Until next week....God be with you.

MTC Week #10 - We All Have a Part to Play

March 9, 2014 - Near the end of a good Chorale rehearsal this past Tuesday, Ryan Murphy asked for volunteers to sing a tenor solo which was part of one of the movements in Dona Nobis Pacem. My first thought was that there would be maybe one or two who wanted to try. But as all of the hands shot up, I sat there in awe thinking how interesting that was. I leaned over to the guy next to me to get his take on the phenomenon and he was just as surprised as I was. Each person who had raised their hand was able to stand up and try singing the solo--some with more success than others. Even some baritones had raised their hand, eager to give it a try. 

Whether a soloist or a choir singer,
everyone is important

At first I thought, "What's wrong with me?" That's the last thing I'd want to do. Granted I'm a bass and the part was not for me, but even if it had been a bass solo, I wouldn't have wanted to try out. It dawned on me though that we each have our own part to play (from a choir and just from a general life perspective). How would it be if we were all the same? Are those who sing solos any better than those who don't? Are those who are outgoing, energetic, and full of social finesse any better than those who more reserved and content to fulfill their roles in life in the background? Of course not. Just as a song melody wouldn't be as wonderful without accompanying harmonies, or just as an orchestra wouldn't be as wonderful without each instrument contributing to the overall sound, life itself wouldn't be as wonderful without individuality, uniqueness, and diversity. 

Be content with your talents. Seek them out, strive to be better at them, but be content. As Hebrews 13:5 says, ". . .and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." And as Alma 29:3 says “be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted.”

Choir School on Thursday was a refreshing change of pace! First we had the overall producer of Music and the Spoken Word come in and tell us much of what goes on behind the scenes to create that program each week. As part of that, he showed us a five minute clip of the Tabernacle Choir singing various songs and the camera zooming in on people not being very responsible singers. Singers getting WAY too much into the music, people having blank stares, singers talking to other singers during performances, singers holding up their folders too close to their faces, singers looking directly at the camera, etc. etc. It was all staged and very exaggerated and therefore quite hilarious to watch! Like a Mormon Tabernacle Choir blooper reel.... But it made its point! After that, we had the make-up coordinator speak to us about how to do makeup for the performances. And yes, she was speaking to the guys as well. Fortunately for us guys, the most we usually need is some powdering to keep that shine off our faces and foreheads. 

Lastly, we split into three smaller groups and had some guest conductors come and work with us to perfect a couple of hymns. We only had about 30 minutes to do it and then we came back into the main room to listen and critique each other. The point was not only to see how quickly we could get a hymn put together (one that many of us hadn't sung before), but to see how responsive we could be to conductors we hadn't been worked with before. It was an educational experience.

I'll leave you with a fun little musical exercise should you wish to give it a go. We were learning about intervals the other day and the task was to identify which song went with each interval string of numbers. For example, the sequence "87654321" goes with our Christmas favorite Joy to the World. If you sing the first part of that song, you can see it goes down the scale one by one. 

Can you recognize which of these interval strings go with which hymns?

314358765

33332125677765

11232345

That's it for this week. Until next time, God be with you.

PS: The new six-song compilation (EP) "HE IS RISEN" was released this past week on iTunes and deseretbook.com. If you listen really close, maybe you can hear me! (not likely, but it's kind of cool to be part of an official recording) I think I'll join my wife in saying that "In the Garden" is my favorite track.

MTC Week #9 - Reality Check

March 3, 2014 - So Chorale practice on Tuesday night was challenging as we continued preparing for our upcoming Concert on March 21st and 22nd. It's amazing we can spend so much time on one piece fine-tuning the details until it sounds as near to perfection as I think we can get it. I'm amazed at Ryan Murphy's enthusiasm and abilities and I appreciate the things I'm learning from him.

Thurs night was a different story. I'm sad to report that this was one night I really didn't want to be at Choir School. I was already tired going into class and as soon as we started learning more about music theory and about singing 16th notes I was feeling a bit discouraged and uninterested. Discouraged because sometimes what they are teaching seems unattainable and uninterested because it didn't make sense. Just as my poor attitude was

Linda Margetts, who
gave us a pep talk

about to take over, one of the instructors who has been with the choir for over 30 years, paused for a moment and with quite a bit of passion told us all how very very blessed we were to be singing with the Choir. I took her words to heart, my attitude changed, and I worked a little harder to understand what was being taught.

One thing about music that always amazes me is the reality that certain note combinations can express a feeling or emotion in such a perfect way. Far more perfect than could be expressed in words. In fact words are often so very inadequate. It's like our spirits themselves resonate with these major and minor chords, musical phrases, and harmonies in such a way that cannot be matched by any other method of communication. Music is eternal and I don't hesitate in saying that it will be more of an integral part of our lives in the next life. We'll use it to learn, to communicate, to express, and to praise much more than any of us do now here on earth.

So Sunday was another rehearsal to prepare for the Easter Concert and we worked extensively on pieces from Handel's The Messiah. What a brilliant composer Handel was. The three we focused on were ones I had never sung before. And I quickly realized why we focused on singing 16th notes on Thursday! These pieces were full of them! I give you a sampling below:

You can see the bass part in red and all of those wonderful 16th notes that we have to sing at a very quick tempo. Take a listen here (only 90 sec). Listen for those 16th note runs (you can hear the basses well at around the 30 sec mark). Definitely a work out for the diaphragm!

That's about it for the week. Until next time, God be with you.