Once a year, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir says farewell to those in the choir who have reached the age of 60, or, who have served in the choir for 20 years (whichever comes first).
Today was that day.
I really didn't know any of the retirees too well. But I've had the opportunity to sit next to/sing with some of them which has provided time to get to know them a little bit. They are great people--and even those I didn't get to know or have a conversation with, I will miss their "hello's" and friendly smiles in the hallways.
I think the most poignant moment for me was when, during rehearsal, we had the retirees stand to be recognized. I looked over at one of the baritones and as we clapped, tears just started trickling down his face. At that moment, I had a choice. I could try and feel what he was feeling. Or I could keep that part of my heart closed. I chose the latter. I didn't want to even try and feel what he was experiencing. In reality, I couldn't anyway, because I wasn't him. But to tackle that reality is not something I wanted to do today. My time will come soon enough.
As one of the goals of this blog is to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the choir, I wanted to share how a Retirement Ceremony works.
Following the broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word, all of the choir members go back downstairs to change into their normal Sunday attire, put away their music folders, etc. While this is happening, the stage crew is busy clearing off the orchestra setup, and exchanging music stands for rows of nice cushioned chairs for each of the retirees to sit in. The non-retiring choir members come back up to the choir loft and sit wherever they'd like while the stage crew finishes setting up.
About 10:30 or so, the ceremony starts with President Jarrett giving introductory remarks to those in the audience (which consists of family and friends of the retirees--many of who came around 8am to see the choir rehearse, and then perform Music & the Spoken Word). Following the remarks and an opening prayer, each retiree comes to the front podium where President Jarrett gives them a plaque and Director Mack Wilberg reads a short 2-3 minute letter that the retiree wrote. These letters often include highlights of the retiree's experiences with the choir, what they will miss, the support they've received from family and friends, and sometimes a particular mention of individuals who have helped them in their journey.
When all of the letters have been read, the retirees stand up, face the rest of us in the loft, and get to hear the choir members sing "God Be With You 'Till We Meet Again."
It's all quite an emotional and tearful time for those leaving.
And even though I didn't know them too well, I'm sincerely grateful for their service and contributions over the years. They have helped touch countless lives with their talents and testimonies.
Next week, of course, we'll welcome in those who will take their place.
Until next time, God be with you.
(Pictures of the Retirement Ceremony, credit Facebook)
People.
There are so many people--each with a story of their own. Sometimes when I'm out and about, or waiting in a line, I look around at all of the people around me and think how fascinating it is that each has a unique life, each has joys and sorrows, and each has been through countless experiences that have shaped them into who they are today. While we all differ from one another in this way or that, there's one way in which we are all the same: we have a Heavenly Father and Mother who love us and who know us.
As we were go through our rehearsal this morning, I was struggling to put my whole heart and soul into what I was doing. I was happy to be there, but I just wasn't quite connecting with the songs I was singing. As I looked out at the people who started filing into the Tabernacle, I saw them take their seats and saw many of them take out their smartphones to take some pictures or film the choir as we sang. This isn't unique--it happens every week. But for some reason as I watched them do that today, it jarred me out of my connecting struggles and made me realize, AGAIN, that there will be many in the audience and around the world who watch and listen to the music today and will be touched. In fact for some, it might be the only time this week when they'll be surrounded by truth and light and perhaps feel lifted and lightened. And loved.
I'm thankful to them for helping me reconnect and be in the moment.
My two favorite songs from today were If You Love Me, and In the Garden. The
chorus from the latter impressed me. I thought about all people having this experience with their Savior:
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
I'm grateful for people in general. I'm grateful for Heavenly parents. I'm grateful for a Savior. And I'm grateful for a good life.
Until next time, God be with you.
After four (Dec - Mar) very busy months with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, all roads were leading towards taking a little break. So that is what I did. Instead of rehearsal Thursday night, I went to my wife's flute recital and was also able to attend my son's cub scout activity. I felt happy to go to these events and support my family. Then, this morning before Church, I took the opportunity to have some long overdue father interviews with my five kids. It was nice to visit with each of them and hear what was on their minds and in their hearts. I re-realized the value of these visits and was glad that we were able to talk about things and set some goals as well.
As far as choir-related thoughts, the broadcast this morning was really nice to watch (on my comfy couch). The choir was joined by the BYU-Idaho Collegiate Singers who sang two numbers on their own, and joined the choir for a couple of others. I'd have to say, the sound they produced was a very pleasing one and I'm grateful they were able to share their talents and testimonies with those listening throughout the world.
Short and sweet this week!
Until next time, God be with you.
I always enjoy Conference weekend as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir gets the opportunity to sing at three of the six sessions. The hope of the Choir, as always, is that the testimony of Christ we share through the songs we sing, reaches the hearts of those who listen and helps them feel a positive something--maybe a feeling of greater hope, a building of faith, a strengthening of courage, or an increasing of righteous desire.
At any rate, I wanted to jot down a few things I observed Saturday and Sunday that brought a smile to my face:
I saw many, many choir members pouring over the music before rehearsal, after rehearsal, during breaks, and in the hallways, trying to memorize the words. I smiled because I was right there with them. And because it made me happy to see their dedication.
I saw choir members quietly visiting with one another as they were waiting for rehearsal or conference to begin. I smiled because it's nice to be part of this choir family.
I saw brand new choir members (aka first-years, new recruits) take a seat in the choir loft, full of anticipation and excitement to finally add their voice to the choir and sing to millions of people for the first time. I smiled because I remember that feeling. And because I always want to keep that feeling.
I saw general authorities of the Church greet each other with love, and smiles, and big hugs. I smiled because isn't that what life is all about? Loving others?
I saw Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy give a lot of thumbs-up after our performances, letting us know we sang well. I smiled because, well, it feels good to know our hard work paid off.
I saw several brethren around me shed tears of emotion during, and after, singing "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing." I smiled because I was one of them and because I felt so grateful for all of the miracles God has given me, and others who are dear to me.
I saw hundreds of volunteers play their important part of usher. And I saw other volunteers work security, ensure the sound systems were working, place fresh glasses of water by the apostles' chairs, and even prepare food for all of those who needed nourishment to continue their service. I smiled because service is such a beautiful thing.
I saw a text come in from my wife between sessions, encouraging and cheering me on. I smiled because I love her and I couldn't be a part of this without her support.
Finally, I saw over 60,000 people fill the Conference Center, eager to hear the word of God through prophets, apostles, and other leaders of this great Church. And as our prophet walked off the podium and waved to all of them, they waved back. I smiled because it's wonderful to be with so many other people who share my beliefs and who work so hard to be good, each and ever day. Inspiring!
Until next time, God be with you.
