MTC Week #65 - Of Warland, McDonald, and Pilgrim's Hymn

The Chorale continued learning Mozart's Requiem this week. It's not quite "crunch time" but the concert is only three weeks away and we still have some perfecting to do for sure. Ryan gave us some high praise for the type of choir he feels we are, and have become. That was gratifying to hear. And as a bonus, the basses in particular were having a very "on" night Tuesday.  He said he was doing an experiment to see if the more praise he gave us the better we would sing. I think it worked! While I won't miss the time commitment that Tuesday rehearsals demand of me, I will miss working with Ryan in a smaller choir setting.

Dale Warland

So Thursday night was pretty crazy. We rehearsed for just a bit and then guest conductor Dale Warland took the podium to conduct "Pilgrim's Hymn." While I was not familiar with Mr. Warland, he certainly did a great job directing this wonderful song and making sure it fit his vision of what he wanted it to sound like. From Wikipedia, "Dale Warland (born April 14, 1932) is an American conductor, composer, founder of the Grammy-nominated Dale Warland Singers, scholar, teacher, choral consultant, and renowned champion of contemporary choral composers. Warland is one of only two choral conductors (along with Robert Shaw) inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame."

Following that, Bro. Wilberg took us through some additional pieces in preparation for Sunday and then we ran through two pieces which we were going to sing at a mini-concert later that evening. In no time at all, the time to depart for that concert was upon us and we boarded the buses for a short ride up the street to the Grand American Hotel.

Audra McDonald

This mini-concert was a non-publicized event for the choir, but the event we were singing at was certainly no secret. Gail Miller, wife of the late Larry H. Miller, was honored at a banquet where she was given the "Giant in Our City" award by the Salt Lake City Chamber. The choir sang two numbers at the end of that banquet, beginning with "One Person" and ending with "Climb Every Mountain." The latter featured a soloist, Audra McDonald who did a pretty fantastic job. One choir member described her as having a "chocolatey mezzo voice" (thanks Alex) and I think that fit rather nicely. Again from Wikipedia: "Audra Ann McDonald (born July 3, 1970) is an American actress and singer. She has appeared on the stage in both musicals and dramas, such as Ragtime, A Raisin in the Sun, and Porgy and Bess. She maintains an active concert and recording career, performing song cycles and operas as well as performing in concert throughout the U.S. She has won six competitive Tony Awards, more than any other actor, and is the only person to win all four acting categories." I might add that Ms. McDonald joined the Tabernacle Choir back in 2004 as a guest soloist for the Christmas Concert.

Which brings us to today's Music & the Spoken Word broadcast. It was another inspiring event and the Tabernacle today was packed (Spring Break?). There are several pieces we sang today that touched me, but I wanted to highlight the one conducted by Mr. Warland called Pilgrim's Hymn. When we sang this song last Fall, it just so happened that the composer, Stephen Paulus, passed away on that very same day. (More on that, and the song, HERE) I find that rather remarkable. The second verse is my favorite:

Even with darkness sealing us in,
   We breathe Thy name,
And through all the days that follow so fast,
   We trust in Thee;
Endless Thy grace, O endless Thy grace,

   Beyond all mortal dream.
  
While lyrics can be interpreted numerous ways, for me, this says that even though we go through dark times that cause our faith to waver, we can trust in a loving Heavenly Father who's grace is unmatched. Who's grace enables us to not only get through the darkness, but to learn from it.

And with that my friends, the Choir now turns its attention to General Conference which will commence this coming weekend. We'll have some extra rehearsals this week to prepare for this inspiring event--and we even had one today right after the broadcast. It was great not only practicing the hymns, but it was really fun to have all of the new choir members join us as they will be singing at Conference as well. 

Wow...has it really been a year since I was in their shoes?
Yep.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC Week #64 - What I See

{After I took my seat in the choir loft for Thursday's rehearsal and Sunday's rehearsal, I went on an observation and pondering spree...} 

I see choir members lining up to put names on the prayer roll. Each name has a story; each name is tied to a difficult trial. It's not my place to know them or know about them. Only to exert my faith in behalf of them. Do I do that?

I see choir members who have come early and who are sitting--some listening to the orchestra, some looking at music, and some who seem to be just thinking. I wonder what they think about. Are they feeling blessed to be there? Are they just glad to step out of their normal day and offer a prayer to God through the song in their heart?

I see people's faces pressed upon the observing window at the back of the Tabernacle. Are they just curious or are they that eager to come in and take a seat to listen, and to experience? Do some come in with heavy hearts and burdens that need to be lightened? Do they know that they are prayed for and that music will, indeed, lift their spirits? 

I see men of all ages who make up the stage crew and continually lift, reposition, arrange, assemble, and take apart. Is it "just another day at the job" for them? Do they know how grateful we are for them? Do they stop to think that their consecrated efforts really do matter in the grand scheme of this particular work of salvation?

I see our tireless conductors rehearse with the orchestra. How many hours they put into preparing, arranging, composing, listening, and reviewing (let alone conducting) I'll never know. What was their day like on this particular day? What personal struggles do they deal with that they have to set aside so that they can effectively fulfill the divine role they've been given while the whole world watches? What refining has taken place because of those struggles--refining that impacts and shapes the continual destiny of the choir?

I see those who are tasked with assigning seats to choir members and constantly make last minute seating decisions. Do they know the power they wield? Do they know that who we sit by affects all of us on a professional, social, and otherwise personal level? Do they know we're thankful for them?

I see the lights from up above and all around. Oh so many lights! Whose faces will they illuminate for the cameras today? Will those faces illuminate back the light of Christ? Will their countenances reflect their testimony of love? 

I see all of us as we stand, ready to sing. There are so many of us. We sing as a group made up of individuals who do their best. Do we remember that while our calling to sing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir carries with it prestige and honor, we recognize that strength for any person comes from humility and dependence on a Heavenly Father who loves all of His children? Do we remember to celebrate all of the people in the world who deploy their talents in the benefit of their fellow brothers and sisters?  I hope so.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC Week #63 - Absence (A Special John Doe Interview)

Thanks for joining me for this little interview with choir member Bro. Ryan Pitt as we explore one of the realities of mortal life and singing in the choir. . .

Q: So you were marked absent for Thursday's rehearsal and Sunday's performance. What happened?
A: Well, as what happens to all choir members at one point or another, I was out sick.

Q: Sorry to hear that. Are you feeling better?
A: Thanks for asking! Yes, yes I am...Certainly on the uphill.

Q: Do you plan to get back on schedule this week?
A: Indeed, that is the plan. 

Q: I'm sure the choir missed you. What happens when choir members are out sick or otherwise are gone for whatever reason?
A: LOL. I'm not sure the choir missed me per se. There are over 400 of us. And one of the reasons there are that many is so that when people are out, the choir can still function and carry on in its mission. The reality though, is that even though you're not missed from a numbers perspective, you are missed because of the individual contribution you make to the whole. Your talent, your testimony, your preparation, your prayers for other choir members and those who listen each week--all of these things are important for the choir to achieve its mission.

Q: What is your attendance requirement anyway?
A: We're asked to be in attendance for at least 80% of the rehearsals and performances. Each section leader in the choir takes roll at the beginning of rehearsals and the results are handed in each time. Even being late is noted in the roll. Six tardies turn into one absence. That all said, our choir handbook says it best: "Choir leaders have indicated on numerous occasions that 100% attendance is not expected of anyone. There will be times when your family needs you or something else arises. Serve in your Choir calling with commitment, but always put first things first."

Q: If you're just not feeling quite up to par but still feel good enough to go to choir, what are your options?
A: You can go and sit in one of the designated places to observe the choir (and even sing too, if you feel up to it). Taking this option will give you attendance credit.

Q: Having not missed very many rehearsals or performances during the 15 months you've been in the choir, how did you feel this week?
A: Well, I felt a lot of things. Physically of course, I wasn't feeling well. Emotionally though, I was very sad not to be there. Singing with the choir has become an important part of my life and something I look forward to each week. I kept looking at my watch on Thursday night and this morning, thinking about what the choir was doing. In fact this morning, I happened to look at the clock right at 9:30 and I thought "Here they go! They are right in the middle of singing "Gently Raise the Sacred Strain" and will soon be getting into the prepared repertoire (with special guests, the BYU Singers)." So yeah...it was hard. But I did try to take advantage of my time away by getting my health back and helping with the family when I could. AND, as you probably know, you really appreciate something a lot more when you suddenly don't have it. 

Q: So DID anyone notice (aside from the roll taker) that you were gone?
A: I'm sure some did. A couple of my fellow bass friends even texted to say they missed me and to give their "Get well soon!" well-wishes. So I really appreciated that. It always feels good to know you're missed!

Q: Thanks for this little interview Bro. Pitt. It's been insightful. Any parting words before we end?
A: Thanks Bro. John Doe. I don't think so, other than God be with you 'till we meet again!

MTC Week #62 - Taking a Breath

Given the incredible week we had last week, and the months leading up to last week, this week the choir finally had a chance to "catch its breath". 

For us 2nd-years, we went back to Tuesday night rehearsals with the Chorale, learning Mozart's "Requiem". We hadn't rehearsed if for a month-- so we were glad to get back into such a magnificent piece and start learning it in more earnest. It was good, too, to see and talk to the 1st-years again after a month of really not seeing them too much. About mid-way through, Ryan Murphy opened the floor up to anyone wanting to share any joys or concerns as he usually does Tuesday nights. Most of the comments centered around the spiritual experiences choir/chorale members had during ACDA week. It was a treat to listen to these experiences that further testified of how much impact the events of last week had on so many people. It made me think of this scripture.

Thursday night was a typical rehearsal aside from many choir members being absent. We rehearsed music for the broadcast this morning and just enjoyed doing it in a little less pressured atmosphere :)  In a very uncharacteristic move, Mack made us a little deal. He said if we sang what would become the last song of the evening, in tune, he'd let us go early. So everyone didn't hesitate to do so and we were indeed finished at 9:00. (I just think he recognized how tired we still were, but also just wanted to thank us for all we did recently.)

Aside from everyone being a little sleepy from the time change, the broadcast went without a hitch this morning. I can't say that any one song really made an impression on me enough to expound on it here. But I was just simply glad to be there, doing what I love and praying that those listening today would be uplifted in some way. 

From today's broadcast (3/8/15)

Until next time, God be with you!

MTC Week #61 - Blessings of ACDA Concert Week

What a remarkable week it's been. I sit here somewhat in a daze as to how to describe and document it all. The emotion I'm feeling the most, as I reflect upon the experiences I had, is simply "blessed". 

As a way to expound on that feeling, I'll stick with the tradition I started a few concerts ago, and give you my ACDA Concert Week TOP TEN (in no particular order).

10) I felt blessed to realize the miracle of being able to memorize 26 pieces of music. Such memorization started months ago--from sitting in my office singing along to the practice tracks, to going over them in my head while exercising, to singing them in the car. Preparing and praying DO give way to great blessings. And having the songs memorized gave way to being able to concentrate on the meaning of the words I sang.

9) I felt blessed to hear Bro. Wilberg talk about how much these performances meant to him. He's known about this ACDA opportunity for years now and has been preparing for that long to put together the perfect set of memorable and unique concerts. He likened these concerts to the Olympics--and how there was virtually no margin of error if we wanted to seize the gold. 

8) I felt blessed to witness the wonder and results of the first concert we performed--Tues, Thur, and Fri nights. The repertoire was completely devoted to praising God and his son Jesus Christ and was markedly sacred in nature. The emotions coming out of these songs--particularly when experienced in a continuous flowing rendition as it was presented-- was indescribable. 

7) I felt blessed to take a little time after the Friday concert to really process the

ACDA attendees waiting for
the doors to open

experience. I credit a good friend and fellow choir member for suggesting that we take a few minutes and simply think upon what just occurred. Quiet, reflective moments can be priceless.

6) I felt blessed to hear what others (choir members and ACDA attendees) were saying about their experiences. I quote some here: 

"My heart is still shaking with joy. There are not words to express the gratitude I feel for what we've just experienced. It was transcendent, powerful, and spiritual."

"This week will rank pretty high in my tenure with the ‪‎MoTab‬. [Thanks] to our beloved director Mack who said all along that we could do it and pushed us to a higher musical plane--and mostly getting us there to allow the 10% to kick in. It really happened!"

"Last evening I attended the most awe-inspiring music event ever in my life… and I’ve been around awhile and have attended many such music performances. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, orchestra & bell ringers presented 75 minutes of uninterrupted musical oratory that was mind-blowing & soul-soaring in content, presentation & impact. I truly did not want them to stop when it was over. The flawless spiritual connection between the huge choir, the orchestra & bell-ringers in the balconies on both sides of the Tabernacle stage (with its almost overwhelming soaring organ-pipes assemblage), is testimony to the impressive talents of the performers & especially the unsurpassed creative & obviously inspired capabilities of the conductor/director." 

"Mack had us memorize nearly 30 pieces of music for this week, and even though I felt that I was unprepared and completely exhausted, the words and energy always came right when I needed them. I've learned what it feels like to have angels singing among us."

"Seriously- this was the best National Conference I have been to. Last night's Mo Tab concert was Exquisite! Almost converted me!" 

"Singing with thousands of kids, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and Santino Fontana was so amazing. It blows my mind that I got to experience something so special." 

5) I felt blessed to sing next to the individuals I did. It's hard to describe how much it adds to the overall experience when you're standing next to someone who you know loves and appreciates you. 

From today's broadcast

4) I felt blessed to end this great week by being part of Music and the Spoken Word with special guests, the King's Singers. The pieces they sang were nearly flawless but what I'll remember the most was when we had them turn to face us at the end to sing "God Be With You". As their faces started to quiver and their eyes became moist, I knew the Spirit was speaking love and truth to their hearts. What great individuals!

3) I felt blessed to see all of the honor choirs in attendance at our 

Rehearsing the final piece for Saturday's concert

concert Saturday night. There were children's choirs, middle school and high school choirs, and college/adult choirs as well. We were able to sing the last song of the concert with all of them and it was a sight to behold! I can't imagine how it felt to be Bro. Wilberg in directing such a large group. I thought, too, afterwards, that surely most of the kids in these choirs will never forget this experience. And hopefully what they don't forget most of all, are the FEELINGS they felt.

2) I felt blessed when the ACDA executive announced that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir was being inducted into the American Classical Hall of Fame.

President Jarrett receiving the Hall of Fame Award

While presenting the award to the Choir's president, he said “This remarkable ensemble of 360 volunteers has inspired generations of choral conductors such as you and me through concerts, recordings, broadcasts, tours and prestigious appearances at world’s fairs and U.S. presidential inaugurations. Together with the Orchestra at Temple Square, they continue to inspire us with their work.”

1) I felt blessed knowing how much support my wife and kids have given me over the past few months in preparing for this. Life for us lately has reached a crescendo and me being gone so much has been difficult. Thank you Jennifer. I love you. And thank you Rebekah, Joshua, Lydia, Sarah, and Matthias. You guys are the best!

Until next time, God be with you!

Special thanks to all of those who contributed to this blog (pics & comments from Facebook posts)