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)