10 - Hearing from the individual in charge of arranging guest artists to come sing with the choir. He told us some interesting stories, focusing on the experience he had in arranging for David Archuleta to sing at the Christmas Concert a few years ago. It gave me appreciation for all that goes into the process of securing a guest artist, and it was interesting to hear how each guest artist was changed for the better after their singing experience.
9 - Practicing for conference. We spent several hours Tuesday and Thursday
evenings rehearsing songs for conference. Choir School members were assigned to sing at one of the five sessions of conference but we were asked to learn music for all of the sessions just in case an opening became available (someone from the Choir got sick, had other commitments, etc). The songs we rehearsed have such powerful messages and it was a privilege to sing them over and over and over again.
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| View from the choir seats at the Conference Center |
8 - Conversing with other choir school members about our chore of memorizing music. I think this talent comes easier for some than others. Personally, it takes me quite some time to memorize--time spent outside of rehearsals. I gained strength listening to others as they worked on it, and as I spent a few hours myself memorizing, I was reminded of how good it feels to be prepared. "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." (Doctrine & Covenants 38:30) In the back of my mind I kept thinking "I already was asked to sing for one additional session (aside from my assigned one), so the chances of me having to sing this last song I need to memorize (which was for a different session) are REALLY slim." But, I finally decided that feeling prepared was worth the effort. Not to mention that getting my memorization skills up to par will certainly help me for future memorization requirements!
7 - Singing in the Conference Center and becoming more acquainted with this marvelous building. The spirit there is incredible and it's an architectural wonder. I was humbled again at being able to take part in singing in this Choir.
6 - Singing next to Andrew, Eric, Preston, Ryan, Mark, and Ben during rehearsals and live performances this week. What awesome singers!
5 - Hearing compliments given by choir members to other choir members. There's just such a spirit of love in the choir and everyone thus far has been so friendly and supportive and ready to compliment whenever possible. I was the recipient of several such compliments this past week and they really made me feel happy.
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| Hanging out |
4 - Having opportunities to talk off-topic behind "stage". Truth be told, there is very little time to actually just talk to other choir members. Mack and Ryan run a tight ship and talking really isn't tolerated during rehearsals. However, this past week there were several opportunities to have various conversations with people and further friendships.
3 - Pondering some of the lyrics to the songs we were singing. Here are just a few of so many we sang:
Take time to be holy, speak oft with the Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God's children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.
I believe in Christ; so come what may,
With him I'll stand in that great day
When on this earth he comes again
To rule among the sons of men.
Fear not, though the enemy deride;
Courage, for the Lord is on our side.
We will heed not what the wicked may say,
But the Lord alone we will obey.
Press on, enduring in the ways of Christ.
His love proclaim thru days of mortal strife.
Thus saith our God: "Ye have eternal life!"
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
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| My wife Jennifer and one of my sons Joshua at the Sun PM session |
2 - Feeling the support of friends and family, particularly my wife and kids who allow me the time away to do this. It's not easy but my wife doesn't complain one bit and my kids work hard to pick up the slack. THANK YOU!
1 - Being able to listen to modern day prophets and apostles. I relish Conference every April and October and being able to sing in the Choir made it an even more cherished experience. I love what these brothers and sisters say to us and am grateful that in this world of shifting values and general chaos there are voices reminding me what is good and true.
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| President Thomas S. Monson (middle) with his counselors Henry B. Erying & Dieter F. Uchtdorf |
It's now onward and upward to learn music for our upcoming performance of The Messiah.
Until next time...God be with you!
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