MTC Week #95 - Brushing Up, One Chance, & Guest Artists

Twice a year, regardless of the length of service in the Choir, Choir members are required to attend an "in-service" session to brush up on their singing skills. This might strike some as kind of funny since Choir members are singing all the time. Aren't such singing skills reinforced and emphasized during normal rehearsals?

The answer to that question is "yes". However, there's not enough time during normal rehearsals to focus on any one skill. So, during in-service, a few skills are selected and our instructor assists us in applying those skills to our singing. We also get the opportunity to do some in-depth listening (imagine four sets of risers, each with five rows, facing into each other). As we sing, we hear each other a lot better than we do in the loft. They record us, as well, so we can listen and critique how well we're incorporating the skills being taught.  

This past Thursday, the basses and altos had their in-service turn (meeting separately). Our instructor was a gentleman from BYU who assists individuals in preparing to sing in Men's Chorus there (sorry I can't remember his name). He knew his stuff, and it was a good opportunity to remember, learn, incorporate, and improve.

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On the broadcast today, we sang some beautiful arrangements of the following: How Great Thou Art, Psalm 150, When You Wish Upon a Star, Simple Gifts, and O God, Our Help in Ages Past. I'll mention some quick thoughts on the first two. 

I really love the lyrics to How Great Thou Art. My favorite verse is

When Christ shall come,
With shouts of acclamation
And take me home
What joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration
And there proclaim,
"My God, how great Thou art!"

I can't wait for that day. I can't wait to go home.

As for Psalm 150, this song may have a somewhat boring title, but the music was absolutely terrific--and just in time for all of you Halloween fans out there. It starts off as something you might hear when watching a suspenseful scary movie. Give it a listen. 

As we were ending today's broadcast with the traditional "God Be With You 'Till We Meet Again," I looked out in the audience for someone to directly sing to (like I always do). My focus settled on a guy on the third or fourth row. His fingers kept going up to his eyes to wipe away tears--probably at least three times. I don't know his story, or if he'll be back, or if his circumstances in life will prevent him from ever returning. But it reminded me that every Sunday, the Choir has one chance. One chance to sing our testimonies and allow for the Spirit to impact the lives of those who listen and experience.

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To end the blog post for today, I wanted to mention that they announced the guests artists this week, for the Christmas Concert. You can read all of the fun details HERE. We're having not one, not two, but six guests join us on stage for what I'm sure will be a fantastic concert. For those of you who are wanting tickets, you can request to be added to the random ticket selection process HERE. May the odds be ever in your favor.

Until next time, may God be with you.