As is the case each year at this time, the Choir started rehearsing at the Conference Center instead of the Tabernacle to accommodate the larger crowds that come to Temple Square during the summer months. As we gathered in the choir seats, one thing became very obvious: there were a lot of men absent! In fact, most of them were tenors, interestingly enough, and there were so many gone that poor Bro. Gheris (who, along with his wife Deb, make the seating assignments) had quite the time trying to re-arrange everyone. Since seating on Thurs nights reflects where we should sit Sunday morning for the Music & Spoken Word broadcast, the rearranging was a necessity. Bro. Wilberg gave us all a mini-speech about summer attendance. He realizes that summer equates to vacations and family events. Which he wholeheartedly supports. "But when you are in town", he said, "please make sure and be here ready to rehearse and perform." Why would somebody not want to be here? I thought... I hope I never get into that mindset. I still pinch myself each time I'm there to make sure it's all real.
The rehearsal went well, except that I didn't have two pieces we were singing. Three things I learned from not having music: 1) choir members are very willing to let you look off their copy (even sometimes just giving it to you) 2) the library is not open after choir rehearsal is over, and 3) check the music in your folder BEFORE going to the choir seats. Lessons learned.
So while rehearsing with Ryan Murphy before the broadcast started, he told us the story behind one of the pieces (I really like when he does that). The song "O Love That Will Not Let Me Go" is about a man (George Matheson, the
lyricist) who was engaged to get married to the love of his life, and at the same time, found out he was going blind. As his bride to be came to terms with this news, she decided that she would not be able to go through with the marriage and live the life of someone being married to a blind person. As George dealt with this tragedy of losing his bride-to-be and losing his sight, he had every reason to be upset with God. But he did not go down that path. He chose HOPE, and let the love of God envelop and comfort him. A love that would "not let him go".
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| George Matheson |
It's true. God's love is always there. The prophet Isaiah says how God's "hand is stretched out still." It's still there--all the time. And especially when we're going through hard times.
(Here is a performance of the song you can take a look at)
Bro. Wilberg reminded us of some important upcoming performances... Next week, for rehearsal, over 100 choral directors involved with the 2015 ACDA Conference are coming to observe us so of course he'd like us at our best for Thursday's rehearsal. The upcoming conference (early next year) is being held in Salt Lake City and apparently we're going to have a large role in that. We have the Pioneer Day celebration concert and then the Deer Valley concert. Never a dull moment and lots of great music!
Until next time...God be with you.
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