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.