Several choir-related thoughts going through my head, which I share below for this theme-less post.
1) In previous posts, I've mentioned the work that's gone on to put together the world's largest Hallelujah Chorus and at long last, the finished product is available to see (click HERE, and be sure and change the setting in the bottom right corner to HD). After rehearsal Thursday night, the Church's missionary department thanked the choir for all of their help in this project. And then showed us the video on a large screen with plenty of speakers, there in the Tabernacle. I thought it was absolutely amazing. My wife and kids saw it this morning and thought so too. Check it out! (about 4 min)
2) I did a Facebook post about this earlier in the week, but if you get a chance to see Singing with Angels--which just came out last Friday--I would encourage you to do so. The common misconception going around about this film is that it's just a documentary about a woman's journey in joining the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It is not that--though that particular storyline is part of the overall plot. To be more accurate, it's a film about a family's life, the struggles they go through, how they pull together, and, how the Choir plays a part in that. Those in Utah and a few surrounding states can see it in theaters, and those in other states--watch for it to come out on DVD later this year.
3) Our extra rehearsals to prepare for our performance of Handel's Messiah, continue with earnest. Both Thursday night, and this morning after the broadcast, Mack complimented the basses several times for their great melisma work. (For those who aren't familiar with that term, there's no shame in that! In this case, just think of a word--like "easy", stretched over lots of 16th notes) Of course, we were happy to take that compliment and tried not to let it go to our heads.
4) There were two songs on the broadcast today that really got to me. One of those, which is no surprise, was Pilgrim Song. I have someone close to me who has, and continues to, suffer greatly. So when I sing the words "When the Messenger shall say, come quit this house of clay, and with bright angels tower" I always think of her. The other song was our closing number, "God Be With You "Till We Meet Again." Sometimes when I really, really think about that song and hone in on someone in the audience who seems to be connecting with the message, I just feel happily overwhelmed.
5) During rehearsal this morning, I thought about the fact that one of the things our directors work with us over and over and over again, is to sing in tune. There are a lot of things to keep in mind, and employ, when trying to do that. But it got me thinking about how life itself is a lot like that. If we liken singing in tune to living the way God wants us to live, it takes constant effort. We'll be going along, doing pretty well with some of the more status quo parts of our life (like singing notes that are in the most comfortable spot of our voice range), but when life gets challenging and we face hardships (like taking a jump from a comfortable note to a much higher one), it's easy to "sing out of tune." Thankfully, we can do things to keep the faith and sing that note almost perfectly through the help of our Savior.
6) There was a young woman who had the opportunity to play with the orchestra this morning. There were at least six individuals filming her from various angles and we were finally told that it had to do with a new series coming out on BYUTV. Evidently it's been a longtime dream for this girl to play the viola with the Orchestra at Temple Square and today her dream came true. It was nice to see it unfold.
7) Lastly, one of our choir leaders today, during the announcements, was pointing out all of the various performances that go on throughout the year with the Choir, the Orchestra, and the Bells. Sometimes we have combined performances, sometimes separate. But through them all, Alex, the stage crew manager, works tirelessly (with many others) to make sure everything is in place to allow the performances to flow smoothly. We gave him a big round of applause. Thanks Alex! And for all those who work with you.
Until next time, God be with you.
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