MTC Week #104 - Of Endings & Looking Forward

Today's Music & the Spoken Word broadcast marked the last one for the year 2015. And with it, marked the last choir event of the year, as well. 

While I really don't like endings too much, I recognize that with each ending, there's a new beginning. And beginnings are a time to learn from the past, improve, and move forward.


This past year was a very full one for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Here are a list of highlights:

*Singing at the American Choral Directors Association conference
*Mini-concert at the Grand America to honor Gail Miller
*April General Conference
*The Chorale Concert, featuring 1st years and 2nd years (with a few other volunteers who joined us)
*Going on tour to the East Coast for two weeks
*Summer Celebration of Song (Pioneer Day) Concert
*Singing at Elder Boyd K. Packer's funeral
*Singing at Elder L. Tom Perry's funeral
*Singing at Elder Richard G. Scott's funeral
*October General Conference
*Singing for the World Congress of Families Convention
*Christmas Concert

I learned a lot from these events and singing every Sunday. One of the most important things I learned was the constant need to be "in the moment" and to focus on the messages of the songs we sing. It is easy to get into "coast" mode and work hard, but not go that extra step to be fully invested into the music's message and remembering how many people are listening. Can my voice, in a sea of 400 other voices, infused with the spirit of truth and peace and testimony of Jesus Christ, contribute to some listener's life in a positive manner? Can someone's life be changed, for good, if I work hard and do my part? Absolutely. I believe that. So in the spirit of improving, that it what I want to focus on for 2016.

Moving forward, here are a list of events that will occupy the time, attention, and dedication of the Choir for 2016:

*Tanner Gift of Music Concert, featuring Mahler's 8th Symphony
*The Messiah Concert, to coincide with the release of The Messiah, on CD
*April General Conference
*Preparing for, and going on a three-week tour to various cities in Europe
*Pioneer Day Concert
*October Conference
*Christmas Concert
*probably at least three or four other impromptu events that seem to get added to the calendar

I just want to end by saying how grateful I am for the opportunity to sing with the Tabernacle Choir. I mention this blessing often, but that's because I feel grateful for it so often! The songs, the words, the talents, the people, the music, the dedication, the emotion. It's all such an important part of my life. And I'm thankful for people everywhere, who use their God-given talents--in a great multitude of ways--to bless the lives of others. 

Until next time (year), may God bless you.