MTC Week #56 - Twists, Turns & Patterns

Putting on your Sherlock Holmes investigative gear, what do these five things I experienced in the last few days have in common?
1) watching Thomas lead his fellow teenagers out of a maze in "Maze Runner"
2) seeing a soccer ball go back and forth, this way and that way
3) memorizing music
4) a Jenkin Lloyd Jones quote, used by President Gordon B. Hinckley
5) finding out the company I'm employed at is having a layoffs soon

Those of you who are fairly bright and pick up on clues left for you (like reading the title of this blog), would conclude that all of these things relate to twists, turns, and patterns. Life seems to be full of these. It's truly ironic that as we try and stay on the "strait and narrow" path, the more twisty life sometimes becomes. The irony doesn't stop there though. In order to stay on the strait and narrow, we need the twists and turns. As we adhere to promises that are sure, gospel principles that don't change, and Christ who forged the strait path Himself, we'll navigate the twisty turns and find patterns that enable us to continue moving forward.

From #1, I learned that we can't give up. We need to face our fears, sometimes leave our comfort zones, and notice patterns of truth to help set us free.
From #2, I learned that what might be conceived as random "kicks and passes" may very well be patterns leading to "scoring a goal". 

From #3, I learned that it helps to actually look for the patterns. What can first appear to be disheartening and difficult can, as patterns are discovered, become easier and achievable. 
From #4, I was reminded that "Life is like an old time rail journey…delays…sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling burst of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.”
From #5, both my dear wife and a good friend from choir reminded me that twists and turns in employment (should they happen), can lead to other doors and opportunities.

So what does this all have to do with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir experience this past week?  Well, aside from memorizing music, not too much I suppose. But there was one sentence in a piece we sang this morning that ties in very well with this theme. It comes from "The Lord My Pasture Will Prepare", and it says "to fertile vales and dewy meads, my weary, wandering steps He leads." God leads us all and He helps us navigate our twists and turns. And He will (if we allow Him) lead us to happiness each and every day.

Until next time, God be with you.

PS: Those of you interested in seeing our upcoming ACDA Concert on Saturday, February 28, can find details HERE. Tickets are available starting this Tuesday.

MTC Week #55 - Of Spirituals and Journeys

Our broadcast today consisted of nothing but spirituals in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and all that Mr. King (and many other individuals) stood for. I don't know of anyone who doesn't enjoy listening to a good spiritual. The only thing better than listening to one is singing one! In fact, I was half-hoping that as I walked into our dressing room this morning and looked at the whiteboard telling us what we were wearing, that it would say "New blue robes and grey slacks!" And then as we started rehearsal, Mac would tell us that we were going to do a little soul-filled choreography, clapping, and hallelujahs. 

Didn't happen.

But that's OK. We had a great time singing these songs anyway! 

While I was singing, I started to think about what these songs really meant to the African-Americans from whence they came. I'm not a music history expert, but to me, I think about our brothers and sisters who were bound down by the shackles of slavery, the reality of oppression, and the bane of bondage. It was a time of awful inequality. These songs, these beautiful songs, express the feelings of their hearts and how, a midst their afflictions, they found solace in God and the good news of the gospel. These sacred tunes

of the heart speak of hope of a better world and of being saved from their oppressors. And they speak of ultimately finding peace in the One who they knew loved them when love was so hard to find.

Though inequalities and racism still exist today, I think the message found in these spirituals can continue to promote love, peace, faith, and solace. And hopefully progress can continue to be made by all mankind to show genuine love to all.
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Tues night at choir school

Switching topics, I wanted to comment on the Choir School journey that began Tuesday night with the 1st years. Suffice to say, I was impressed. I was impressed with their attitude and with their musical skills. In fact the couple of basses sitting behind me seemed to catch on to the notes and rhythm better than some of us 2nd years. There was an excitement and energy in the air, and it was great to be back with Ryan Murphy and to be singing a great work: Requiem, by Mozart. For the next four months, we'll be preparing to sing Requiem at a concert to be held April 17th and 18th. Those close to Salt Lake City won't want to miss this inspiring event!  

From today's broadcast. No robes, swaying, or clapping, but we put our hearts into it!

Until next time, God be with you!

MTC Week #54 - The New Recruits

On my way to get my music folders for Thursday night's rehearsal, who should be coming down the same hallway but several of the new recruits (a.k.a. new volunteers, choir school & chorale members, newbies, greenies, freshmen, or any other fitting 1st year labels). They were on their official tour of the tabernacle at it's endless maze of subterranean hallways as part of their first night at Choir School. I just smiled at all of them, thinking back to a year ago when it was me on that tour--nervous, excited, humbled, and in awe. 

I reflected on this new group, again, as I was singing on the Music & the Spoken Word broadcast. They were all perched up in the balcony seats observing the choir taking mental notes of how we looked, how we sang, how Bro. Wilberg conducted, and how we sounded. And I suspect at least a few of them sat there looking on, thinking "Am I really here? Am I really going to sing with that choir in a few months? Am I good enough? Can this really be happening?"

Happening it is, my new friends! And I look forward to meeting the 43 of you this coming Tuesday as us "2nd years" join you for chorale and what promises to be an incredibly fun time with Ryan Murphy as the chorale director. 

So, amidst all of the incredible songs we both performed and rehearsed today which I could probably write pages and pages about (thankfully for you, I won't), I just found myself measuring my excitement and thankfulness levels compared to a year ago. And honestly, although there are those times when rehearsals seem to drag on a bit or patience is tested when certain sections can't seem to get their parts, or we hear for the upteenth time how we need to sing more in pitch with high vowels, I'm still extremely excited to be a part of this great organization. I hope all choir members, whether they've been in for one year or 15, take the time to capture the excitement all over again and simply feel the wonder of it all. As a fellow friend and choir member put it, "I try to remind myself how blessed/lucky I am to be [here]. I think of the thousands of people who come to hear us and how truly unique/special/famous the choir is and the number of people who would do anything to have my seat. It's really been one of the richest blessings of my life."


Until next time, God be with you.

MTC Week #53 - Standing on the Promises

As was the case Christmas week, the choir had another week off this past week due to New Year's Day landing on a Thursday. So, Mac Wilberg and Ryan Murphy again chose songs today that the choir was mostly familiar with so that we'd be able to quickly get them ready for the broadcast. Fortunately, most of the choir members were in attendance today and I think we looked and sounded fairly complete.

After a few announcements--one of which was about the tour participation roster being posted tomorrow (roster=those who have been selected to go) and the need for those going to find a roommate--we launched into our rehearsal which seemed to go much more smoothly than last week's.

One of the songs we sang today was "Standing on the Promises". We had performed this song back in May but this time I thought more about the words

and how they applied to me in my life right now. While 2014 could certainly be described as a monumental year in the life of me and my family, part of what made it monumental were the trials. It's a bit ironic that in order to grow and move forward in life (and ultimately find happiness), one must go through hard

times. That's just the way it is. But what makes going through trials a positive and rewarding experience in the end, is being able to stand firmly on the promises of God. Through His son Jesus Christ, He is there to help us. He's there to love us. He's there to extend kindness and show us miracles and give back to us much more than we could give Him. While His love to us is freely given regardless of what we do, if we choose to follow Him, specific and wonderful blessings follow. Stand firmly on the promises with faith and then, whether it's immediate or some time down the road, the blessings will be given and we'll be all the more grateful for them.

Standing firm is hard. Walking in the dark or the dim, hoping for more light, is not easy. Having faith that things will work when "reality" seems to speak loudly that they won't, is difficult. But the promises that light will come, that faith will be rewarded, that God will extend mercy, will all be realized if we stand firm.

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
List’ning every moment to the Spirit’s call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,

Standing on the promises of God.


I'm thankful again to be in this choir and for the many blessings that flow from the music I get to sing and the people I get to interact with. 

Stand firm...and until next week, God be with you!