MTC Week #77 - And We're Off!

The time has come. 

All of the preparations have been made for the Choir's departure on Wednesday and we're all excited to go share the gospel message to our friends on the East Coast. It was strange saying goodbye to Choir friends today. It wasn't your typical "see ya." It was "see you in D.C.!" A bit strange, but true. And exciting!

The two concerts we put on for the public this past week went well. Bro. Wilberg was pleased with them, for the most part--but we spent this morning after the broadcast to focus on a few pieces that needed some last minute touchups. Some of us were quick to admit, too, that we needed to spend a little more personal time getting some of the words solidified in our minds. On this point, everyone can relate to your high school or college days when you crammed for an exam. You may have "pulled it off" and scored fairly well. But retaining the info you crammed in your head wasn't so easy to recall days, weeks, or months down the road. 

So it is that some of us find ourselves in the same situation, musically speaking. Much of the music we're taking on tour (about half) consists of songs we prepared for ACDA in February. And I don't think I'm alone in saying that several cramming sessions took place for ACDA! Such cramming all paid off since ACDA was one of the best musical experiences I've ever had. But now, trying to remember it all for the tour. . . well, it's been challenging. I've been determined though to really "own" these pieces and I'm confident that God will help me recall the words and notes I've worked hard to learn.

So with that, we're off to the East with hopes that it'll indeed be a fun and memorable journey. May there be a good balance of sightseeing, yummy food, and excellent performances. And most importantly, may the people who hear us feel an added measure of love and peace from a Heavenly Father who loves them very much. 

One parting note. I've never missed a week in posting to this blog. However, for the next two weeks I'll be focusing on the responsibilities and opportunities related to this important tour. So look for a fun post-tour wrap-up when I get back. Besides, our social media committee has asked us to let THEM create the original tour "play-by-play" content which will be posted via the Choir's website and via Facebook. I plan to share those as they are published each day during the next two weeks.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC Week #76 - Nine Days & Counting

The excitement for our tour to the Atlantic Coast is building, and this past week some important pre-tour events occurred to help us in our preparations. 

First, we received our "Tour Packets" which we've been anxiously awaiting. These packets contained all sorts of goodies, including a very detailed itinerary, which flight we'd be on, and page after page of instructions and information to digest. While I cannot go into details regarding the itinerary (we've been asked not to), I can summarize by saying that while we do have "free time" to do some sight-seeing, our schedule is pretty packed. Some interesting numbers:

592 individuals going on tour
3 chartered flights
11 buses to take us from one performing venue to the next
3 different hotels
9 concerts at six different venues
34 songs, memorized
3 outfits for the men (2 suits + tux)
3 pieces of luggage each

Second, we had a mandatory tour meeting after the broadcast today which included all of those going on tour (performers, guests, staff). Four staff members spoke and everything from luggage, to security, to venues, to social media was covered. Most of it was in our tour packet, but it was nice to have it reiterated and to meet altogether. (Wow! There's a lot of us going... A large part of the main floor of the Tabernacle was filled) Near the end of the meeting, President Jarrett concluded with a letter from President Monson who reminded us of our purpose, said our families would be blessed, and said he'd be praying for us. It was comforting to listen to and a perfect way to end.

This week we'll be performing two pre-tour concerts. The reason there are two is because we're doing mainly two different programs while on tour (different repertoire for each, with a few songs overlapping). Concerts start at 7:45 and will likely go to 9:30 or thereabouts. No tickets required, so feel free to come if you'd like. I promise you won't be disappointed!

To end today's post, I just wanted to share the public affairs statement and the general mission statement of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir: 

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is a unique musical organization that transcends cultural and generational boundaries to unite people around the world through music. The mission of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra at Temple Square, Temple Square Chorale, Bells on Temple Square and Staff is to serve as goodwill ambassadors for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and through music, prepare the hearts of members and non-members throughout the world to actively follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.

For all of us who are part of this organization, we hope we are doing just that. (And hope to do that on tour!)

Until next time, God be with you!

MTC Week #75 - What Will YOU Be Known For?

August 5, 1922 – May 30, 2015

Choir members were given an invitation on Tuesday of this past week, to sing at Elder L. Tom Perry's funeral--on Friday, June 5th. As many as could, arranged their schedules to be there and Thursday evening, we went through the Sunday broadcast music as quickly as possible so we could focus on the four pieces we had been asked to prepare for the funeral services. 

Pieces we sang (courtesy Ryan B.)

The surviving Perry family members had made some specific requests for what they wanted us to sing.  And while three of those were in the range of very familiar to somewhat familiar, one of them was not familiar at all (to almost everyone). It was called "Still, Still With Thee," and was composed back in 1855 by Felix Mendelssohn. I can't say I was a big fan of singing this one. And to be honest, in looking at the other three pieces as well, I was hoping that we'd get to sing at least one song that matched Elder Perry's enthusiasm in life (a rousing rendition of "Called to Serve" perhaps?). But, we didn't. And that's OK. This funeral was not for me or for Elder Perry himself, it was for Elder Perry's family. It was their time to say

farewell and it was their time to pick some songs that would bring them the most comfort and peace. So I'm glad we got to sing the songs that we did, for them. 

The funeral itself was a positive, peaceful experience.

I was grateful to hear the tributes given (click HERE for a very quick video summary of the event), and was grateful to have some time to think about what I have learned from Elder Perry throughout my life. President Monson said of Elder Perry: "He was blessed with an abiding faith, an optimistic attitude and a charitable spirit" and that "along with his faith, commitment and energy, Tom Perry was one of the most kind, considerate and gracious men I've ever known." It made me think...what will I be known for?

Aside from the funeral, we had our normal broadcast this morning as usual. I really enjoyed today's broadcast. With two songs memorized completely, and the other two very close to being memorized (though they weren't required to be), I went into the experience feeling confident and able to focus on sharing my testimony rather than thinking too much about getting the words right. Plus, the songs themselves were ones I really love. Particularly Psalm 148 and High on a Mountain Top!

Lastly, today was our last "extra rehearsal" for our upcoming tour. Next Sunday after our broadcast we have a tour meeting and then two pre-tour concerts the following week (which anyone can attend). June 24th will be here before we know it! I'm grateful, once again, to be part of this wonderful organization and thankful to sing and associate with members of the Choir. 

Until next time, may God be with you.