MTC #209 - A Picture is Worth. . .

A few weeks ago, I posted some end-of-year numbers in regards to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. As a follow-up to that post, my good friend Siope Kinikini created the following pictogram of sorts which sums of the year very nicely! And since a picture is worth at least 1000 words, my job is done for the day. :)  Happy New Year everyone!

And until next time, God be with you.

(please click to enlarge/see the details)

MTC #208 - Good & Better

Sometimes in life, it's not about choosing between right and wrong. Rather, it's about choosing between something good (even REALLY good) and something better.

Today I felt like I had one of those good and better choices to make in deciding whether or not to participate in Music & the Spoken Word. My decision definitely had nothing to do with wanting to sing Christmas songs because I really love to do that. Rather, it had everything to do with the fact it was Christmas Eve! I thought of how good it would be to finally sleep in on a Sunday morning, to make breakfast for my family, to sit with them during our one-hour church service, and to get to actually watch a program of music and spoken word instead of being in one. And best of all, I'd be able to watch my beautiful wife accompany the ward choir on her flute (I haven't been able to see her perform for months now, due to choir-related commitments). It all sounded so lovely. So GOOD, right? I even prayed to know what to do in the hopes that perhaps God would indeed, say "Ryan, you deserve to stay home from your choir obligations so that you can be with your family and support your wife with her performance." 

The answer? Well although it sometimes is the better choice to stay home, unfortunately, in this instance, He did not say that. Instead he helped me realize a BETTER choice, at least this time, was to go and fulfill my calling. Not despite it was Christmas Eve, but because it was Christmas Eve--a day in which many of His children traditionally make it a point to seek out a worship service to participate in. And for some, even, it may be the only worship service they attend all year long.

So, just in case that worship service involved watching or listening to Music & the Spoken Word, I sang. 

Just in case someone was surfing YouTube and came across our broadcast, I sang.  

Just in case someone hit the seek button on their radio and "by chance" tuned into the broadcast, I sang.

Just in case someone needed to feel uplifted and buoyed up by the Christmas spirit, I sang. 

And for dedicated listeners and those who were counting on a live performance of the Choir today, I sang.

I thank my fellow Choir and Orchestra members, along with all of the staff and stage crew, for their good examples and their sacrifices in singing/playing/working today. I thank my wife and family for their understanding. And I thank a God who is kind and patient when I sometimes would choose good, rather than better or best. 

To each of you, a very Merry Christmas! And just in case you missed today's broadcast and would like it to be a part of your Christmas Eve, you can find it HERE. (It includes one of my favorite Christmas songs--Wexford Carol)

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #207 - Christmas Concert 2017

There is always so much in my heart I want to express after performing in the Christmas Concert. There's the wonderful, inspiring, and fun Christmas music itself. There are the guest artists who always shape and influence the concert tremendously. There are the hundreds and hundreds who work so hard, and on so many big and small details, to make the concert look festive and appealing and to sound so great. There's the artistic director, music directors, and the producers who spend months and months figuring out the theme, settling on songs, coming up with choreography, and praying for inspiration as it all comes together. And of course there's the choir, the orchestra, the dancers, the bell ringers, the actors, and the guest artists who put in so many hours rehearsing and perfecting. It's all a beautiful Christmas miracle, I tell you. A miracle that was shared with the 63,000 audience members this past weekend, and with millions more in the future. 

I have a few personal favorite moments to share, but just want to say up front how grateful I am that I had yet another opportunity (this makes four Christmas Concerts for me) to be a part of the Christmas musical magic this year.

Favorite #1: Yes, along with most of the crowds of people who saw the concert, I really enjoyed the organ and drum "duet" of "I Saw Three Ships." Wow! Every year, Richard Elliott steals the show with his organ wizardry. But this year, it was added upon by three of our percussionists who were simply going to town on the drums. The organ arrangement of this classic Christmas song is my new favorite forever more and the drum accompaniment was simply amazing.

Favorite #2: Ever since the Choir was introduced to the song "It is Well With My

Soul", it has quickly become a favorite of mine. So, it was with great happiness that the concert's 2nd half theme was all centered on telling the backstory to that song. The inspirational experience of how the Spaffords never lost hope--never lost faith--and were able to bless the world through their kind and charitable giving, was a perfect tie-in with the spirit of Christmas. 

Favorite #3: It was fun and rewarding to watch Hugh Bonneville and Sutton Foster weave their talents into the songs and the narration they shared. Exceptional. And, the few times they made mistakes during rehearsals, they simply moved forward, learned from them, and went on to give near-perfect performances. Whether it was realizing Downton

Abbey's Earl of Grantham was actually there, on the stage, or seeing Sutton's wild enthusiasm expressed in her arm waving to the choir, I found myself smiling many times.  

Favorite #4: The concert ending with the traditional "Angels from the Realms of Glory," never gets old for me. I love that song--both its message and its majesty. The last 30 seconds is just emotionally overwhelming as the choir is singing full power, the orchestra is serving up delicious melodies and harmonies, the organ is blasting, the bells are ringing with all their might, and the soloist leads out with familiar melody. Gloria, in excelsis deo! 

Favorite #5: The magnificent trumpet players. Mack said it was always a dream of his to get a group of herald trumpeters on stage, and his dream came true. Their sounds was only matched by how official they looked. Nicely done.

Favorite #6: This year's concert featured a song that the audience helped us sing--"Jingle Bells." Mack had no idea if this part of the program was going to be successful or not as there were some definite challenges. One of them being trying to keep 21,000 people together singing a version of Jingle Bells that was a bit different than what they were used to. But wow! The crowd loved it every single night. And it was fun to have them join in the singing. 

Favorite #7: Along with singing some songs arranged by Mack, I enjoyed singing some songs arranged by Ryan Murphy as well. Whether it was traditional Christmas favorites, or other tunes that fit right in, he really has a gift. Singing them was a treat. 

Favorite # 8: Those dancers! Wow. They add so much to the concerts and I'm so grateful for their talents. They just bring the music to life. 

Lastly, one of my favorite moments comes on Sunday, post-concert, when, after Music & the Spoken Word, the Choir gets to sing "God Be With You" directly to the guest artists (and sometimes, members of their family, too). As we do, I always have a hope that they'll never forget their short time with us, and that the feelings they felt will hold a special place in their heart. We certainly won't forget them!

And those are my favorites! A special thanks, as always, to my wonderful wife Jennifer, and my five kids, as they sacrifice so much so I can be a part of this. A big kudos to them.

Merry Christmas everyone. Until next time, God be with you.

View from the audience

My view!

 

My seatmates for this concert. Thanks guys!

MTC #206 - By the Numbers

'Twas another fun Christmas broadcast today with overwhelming support from a very large crowd at the Conference Center. It seems as though nearly everyone loves Christmas music, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir certainly enjoys singing it! Following the broadcast, we stayed for another 90 minutes to focus on more Christmas Concert preparations. This coming week is the Choir's busiest week, but it's great to see the concert all come together and to see everyone's hard work pay off. 

In other news, as the year is quickly coming to an end, I thought I'd go over "the numbers" since sometimes they can be pretty interesting. Some of my friends in the choir will undoubtedly put together really cool info-graphics that will have a lot of these numbers included, but for now, here's what I've put together:

15: number of significant events the Choir presented/participated in*
52: number of Sunday broadcasts
37: number of extra rehearsals
124: number of trips to Salt Lake for performances & rehearsals (for me)
2912+: number of miles driven
320+: number of songs we sang (approximately)
376: number of current choir members
4: number of songs that tied for the most sung song of the year^
0: number of times the men had to tie their tie using the trinity knot

*=Gary Herbert Inauguration, US President Inauguration, Roots Tech Concert, General Conference (x2), Easter Concert, Recording Sessions for future CD (x2), Special Canadian Broadcast to celebrate 150 years as a country, American Guild of Organists Concert, Pioneer Day Concert, Days of '47 Rodeo Arena Dedication, The Primary Children’s and Families’ Cancer Research Center Dedication, 150th Tabernacle Commemoration Broadcast, Christmas Concert

^=according to my log, the songs that tied for the most sung were:  It's a Grand Night for Singing, Battle of Jericho, I Think the World is Glorious, and They, the Builders of the Nation (all songs were sung four times each)

There you have it! What a year.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #205 - What Shall We Give?

It was a rather long and tiring day for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, but a rewarding one as well. We started at 7:25 to rehearse for the broadcast at 9:30, did the broadcast, spent 90 min. afterwards rehearsing for the Christmas Concert, then went home for four hours, only to return to the Conference Center at 4:30 to rehearse for, and then perform at, The First Presidency Christmas Devotional. Eleven songs in one day. I loved them all, though, and I particularly liked the song "What Shall We Give?"

The passing of my sister this past week was still very much on my mind today. Much was spoken about her yesterday at the funeral, but the main theme that came to the surface was service and love. Mary was one who loved much and gave much. And she loved and served through her own pain and sorrow, which made it even more special and noteworthy. 

As I ponder what I'm supposed to give during this Christmas season (as the song repeatedly asks each one of us), I think that following the example of my sister--and many others I know who love much--would be the best gift. There are a lot of people out there in the world who could use a smile or some kind words or an arm around their shoulder or a nice text or phone call. So when I come in contact with people this month, I consciously want to think "How can I show this person love?"

Would you like to join me?

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #204 - Into Christmas We Go!

I got to rehearsal Tuesday night and while sitting there waiting for it to begin, I suddenly realized that something was different. I looked around, and it quickly became evident what that "something" was: Christmas decorations! Boughs of pine lined the banisters and drooped from the balcony, interwoven with lots of miniature lights. Other decor had also been hung to symbolize the season and bring a festive spirit into the Tabernacle. Later in the week, Temple Square flipped the switch and millions of lights brightened up the night, symbolizing how Christ is the light of the world. And, on a personal note, my family and I decorated our house yesterday with our traditional variety of Christmas items, including a nativity set, stockings, miniature lighted trees, and the "main" Christmas tree. My son and I even strung lights on the outside of our home (which I can't say was lots of fun, but the results were satisfying). 

Welcome Christmas!

While this season is filled with lots of stress related to demands on time and financial resources--which, at times, can almost overshadow the wonderful parts of this season--I am grateful for several things related to Christmas. The first is an emphasis on Jesus Christ and His birth into this world (with activities our family does throughout the month to focus on that emphasis). The second is additional time to be with family. The third is watching various videos that help keep my Christmas in perspective (including this new one). And lastly, it probably comes as no surprise that I really, really enjoy Christmas music. Especially singing it. But listening to it, too.

On that note, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir commenced its "Extra Rehearsal for Christmas #4" today after the broadcast. With six more to go, and some outside memorizing time, we'll be ready to present the 2017 Christmas Concert in a few weeks. I feel extra grateful to part of the Choir during Christmas time. Yes, it's a lot of time away from home (and I'm always so thankful for my wife and kids' support), but getting to sing so many wonderful Christmas songs is always a highlight for me. I've said it before, but I truly believe that God has inspired musicians around the world and throughout time to compose and arrange some of the BEST music this world has to offer--music infused with the spirit of Christmas. 

Favorite Christmas songs of mine? There are many, but my top three may very well include The Wexford Carol, The Drummer Boy, and Angels from the Realms of Glory.

I hope your Christmas season is off to a meaningful start!

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #203 - The Wonder of Gratitude

From time to time, it becomes necessary for us in the Choir to be put in its place.

Today was that day.

Obviously, each rehearsal is filled with suggestions and instruction from our conductors on how to sing better--to sing with better vowels, to sing more in tune, to sing with more unity. And the list goes on. But when we are stopped four, five, or six times to fix a certain note or set of notes, it's both embarrassing and frustrating. Embarrassing because we're better than that. And frustrating because it's really difficult to know sometimes whether it's you who is being counted as one of the singing offenders. One might say, "Well you should know, shouldn't you?" I would argue that it's not always that easy. Today's main problem was singing in-tune. Our pitch just wasn't high enough. And not just for one song, but for multiple songs.

If I was one of those individuals not singing high enough, my apologies. I was certainly trying!

Along with the choir being called out for intonation issues, we were also reminded of what a privilege it is to be in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. We should never feel entitled. We should never feel apathetic. We should avoid feeling content. And we should always feel grateful. 

I appreciate re-hearing that counsel and I thought it not only applied to singing in this great choir, but also to other aspects of life. Regardless of our religion or beliefs, regardless of what type of responsibilities or challenges we have, we would do well to be hard workers, to be concerned and passionate about the opportunities we have in our lives, and to be more grateful for all we have. 

Speaking of grateful, I saw a very uplifting movie over the weekend called WONDER. It was about a 10 yr-old boy with a severe facial deformity and the interactions he had with people as he went through a transition from home schooling to public schooling. I walked out of the theater with increased gratitude for both kids and adults who are kind, loving, and can see past their own self-interest to help others. And I was reminded how being grateful can put my own trials in perspective. After all, everyone is dealing with something.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. 

Until next time, God be with you. 

Was grateful to sing today, and to sit next to Siope. It was our first time singing together!

MTC #202 - 4600

For the 4600th episode of Music & the Spoken Word today (that's a lot of episodes!), we celebrated by paying tribute to our veterans. The music we sang spoke of their bravery, their courage, their sacrifice, and their love of country and freedom. We're grateful for them and humbly acknowledge that the freedoms we all enjoy, today, have been preserved by their hard work and sacrifice. So to veterans everywhere, we thank you.

Following the broadcast, the choir was involved in a special project that was rather galactic in nature (sworn to secrecy) and then we continued our journey to learn Christmas music for our upcoming concert. Just how many of these extra Christmas rehearsals do we have, you might ask? Eleven of them--each about 90 min. long, with some being as long as 120 min. So, if my math adds up, that's roughly 18 hours. We've been sworn to secrecy as to WHAT we'll be singing and any other Christmas Concert details, but rest assured it will all be great.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #201 - Reaching Out

One of the greatest Christian beliefs is that all of us are brothers and sisters. And as such, we have a responsibility and opportunity to be kind and loving to each other. It's the "we're all in this together" mentality--and that God uses people in our lives to do what He'd do if He were here on earth (help, uplift, love, and inspire).

I just want to thank all of the choir members who continually live up to this Christian belief. At choir today, I think I received more "hello's" and "how are things going?" and questions regarding my well being, than I have in recent memory. I also received at least three genuine hugs from my fellow brethren in the choir. Needless to say, I felt very loved and felt very grateful as well. 

One of the songs we sang today had the following words:

Come home, come home,
Ye who are weary come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling;
Calling, "O sinner, come home!"

One primary interpretation of these lyrics is about turning to God through repentance. Those who have turned away from Him, or who are upset at Him, or who are determined to live life without Him, or have even strayed only a little (isn't that all of us, at times?) have a continued invitation to come back. And what better way for God to follow-up with that invitation, then to inspire those around us to show love and kindness? 

God is counting on all of us.

-----------------------------------

Switching topics, we officially kicked off the the rehearsals for our upcoming Christmas Concert. While the "choir train" never stops throughout the year, it certainly kicks into a higher gear for the next month and a half. Lots and lots and lots to rehearse. But what better music to sing than Christmas music? 

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #200 - Never a Dull Moment

200.
This week marks 200 weeks since becoming a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. This choir has been referred to as "the train that never stops"--and indeed, it is that. While there are weeks that are certainly more exciting than others, even the "normal" weeks have something uplifting and worthwhile.

This past week at rehearsal, we were able to have a couple of interesting guests join us in the choir loft. The first was Spencer Cox, who is currently the Lieutenant Governor for the state of Utah. I honestly didn't recognize him at first--only that he was of some official importance since there was a camera honed in on him and our other guest for most of the rehearsal. The second guest was Luis Miranda, who's the father of Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of the Broadway hit musical, HAMILTON. Luis is heading up the Hamilton Education Program, which will allow students (including those attending Title 1 schools here in Utah) to see the musical when it comes here soon. He said it's always been a dream to sing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, so I guess he had his dream come true Thursday night! 

Today's broadcast was full of great music and many of the lyrics were "just for me." I had two friends come to the broadcast--two foreign exchange students from Germany who have come to visit us for a week. They very much enjoyed the 30 minute program, and their favorite was the spirited "Battle of Jericho". 

I don't know how many more years I'll be in the Choir. But here's to another 100 weeks I suppose!

Until next week, God be with you.

MTC #199 - G-B-D-A-D-G (Lullaby)

Oft times, the reality of certain emotional events or occurrences in life don't really sink in until long after they've come and gone. But several of those sank in, today, as the Choir sang a song called "A Lullaby".

Words just can't describe how beautiful this song is. Everything from the lyrics (which are taken from a poem by Eugene Field), to the orchestral arrangement, to the standout piano solos/accompaniment, to the chord combinations. Composer Ryan Murphy couldn't have done any better. And while the tragedy at Sandy Hook several years ago was indeed, a terrible tragedy, I'm thankful that this song came to be, because of it.

As I sang the words today, I was rather an emotional mess. I thought of my daughter, Rebekah, now attending college and soon to leave for a mission. I thought of all of my kids, now many years past their infant stage of life--and longing to get that time back when I could hold them in my arms again. I thought of singing songs to them when they were little, and when life was simpler. I thought of my brother and his wife just recently having to endure a still birth. I thought of the many parents who lost their little ones on December 14, 2012, in Newtown, Connecticut, and any parent who has had to endure the death of a child. 

With all of these thoughts and emotions going through my heart, it was difficult to get through the song at all. Particularly when the choir sang, and the orchestra played, a particular chord combination (as notated in the title of this blog entry). I've said it before, but I'll say it again: there are certain note combinations in songs I've sung over the course of my life, that seem to have some direct link into my emotions. They are so strong that it's all I can do to  keep singing and stay composed for those in the audience listening. 

As I pondered on the experience I had today, I was again grateful for the gifts in this life--one of those being little children. And I was grateful that good things, beautiful things, can come of tragedies. 

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #198 - Of Brother James & Hans Zimmer

The longer I'm with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the more music I get to sing. But even though each year is filled with new pieces to learn and perform, there are favorites that continue to remain favorites. One of those is called Brother James' Air, which we got to perform today. Brother James refers to the composer of the song, James Leith Macbeth Bain (1860–1925), who was a Scottish hymn writer, religious minister, and author. The song's lyrics are based on Psalm 23. They talk of being led, of being restored, of being comforted, and of receiving goodness and mercy. And that is why I love them so much. The music itself brings out the feelings and emotions of these lyrics and I'm so grateful for Brother James being inspired to compose such beautiful music.

In stark contrast, I was able to sing some backup vocals for a very different type of music this past Friday--music from Mr. Hans Zimmer. He's a genius composer for movie soundtracks, including such films as The Dark Knight, Pirates of the Caribbean, Gladiator, Wonder Woman, Man of Steel, Inception, The Davinci Code, and many, many others. The background about how this opportunity came about it is a little bit lengthy and I honestly don't know the details, but a friend of a friend is affiliated with a local talent agency who secures performers when such a need arises. The Hans Zimmer touring group (who has been on tour this year all over the world) was doing a performance as part of a NuSkin event at the Vivint Arena last Friday and needed both orchestra members and singers to help with the performance. I was recruited along with some others and we had a fantastic time being on stage with Hans and his touring musicians.

You may be thinking "Do those movie soundtracks have any words to sing?"  Well, no, most of them don't. So we did a lot of ooo-ing, and ahh-ing, essentially providing the notes to various chords that were being played by the other musicians. But talk about a stage! The lighting, the special effects, the overall sound--it is really too hard to describe. While I think us 24 singers had an important part to play, most of that importance was probably more for looks than anything else. The singing itself was challenging--not because we hadn't learned it well, but because it was so hard to hear ourselves sing. When we took our places on stage, each of us was outfitted with a mic headset, along with an earbud for each ear so we could hear each other. But the music was so loud that we mostly

had to go by how the notes felt--which was a very new experience for most of us. Usually when you sing a note, you know you're singing that note because you can hear yourself sing the correct pitch. But if you can't hear the pitch, you suddenly have to rely on how it feels in your throat, mouth, and head.

At any rate, it was quite the cool experience. I still wake up every day with the theme song to Pirates of the Caribbean in my head, but I'm grateful I had the opportunity. Mr. Zimmer is an extremely talented guy and his movie scores are just incredible. Where would movies be without him and Mr. John Williams? I have to confess, though, that as I was sitting on stage during the performance of The Dark Knight (one in which we didn't sing in), with fog swirling all around me, and a million lights going every which way, and deafening loud bass sounds about to tear me apart, I had this new found appreciation for the music, spirit, and simplicity of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. :)

(A special thanks to my wife who didn't see much of me last week at nights so I could rehearse; to Michelle who helped put together audio recordings to assist in learning the bass notes; and to Tammy & Meredith & Greg for the opportunity!)

With that, I'll end for today. Just a reminder, though, about tickets for the Christmas Concert. They'll go on sale THIS Saturday at 10 AM Mountain Time. Go HERE for more information.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #197 - Simple

A blessing I received 32 years ago said that throughout my life I would "live simply". I've pondered that word "simple" ever since then, trying to discern its true meaning. When I joined the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, I fell in love with one of the songs we sing quite often that has "simple" for its theme. A song called "Simple Gifts". 

The song mentions that it's a gift to be simple, and that true simplicity is gained when we're going through the process of bowing and bending and turning to "come 'round right." To me, this means that as we go through the ups and downs of life, the painful experiences as well as the joyful ones, that we are letting all of these experiences and emotions steer us in the right direction.  I don't think simple necessarily means easy. In fact, living simply can, paradoxically, be hard to do. And sometimes the choices we make don't allow ourselves to "come 'round right"--we don't "turn" to God and follow his commandments. But when we do, we find that the simple life is the best life, all things considered. 

Speaking of simple, today's broadcast was anything but, for many involved. Due to Elder Hales' funeral on Friday, the space the orchestra normally occupies was instead occupied with a rostrum and seating for general authorities. As such, the program for Music & the Spoken Word had to be reprogrammed with different songs that were for organ only. Also, several of the songs we sang today were accompanied by a few orchestra members--which made the music even more beautiful, but which required some tricky logistics in getting stands and mics and people on and off the stage at the right time. It all worked out of course, thanks to everyone working together, and the result was a very beautiful program, if I do say so myself.

To end this post, FYI, the artists for the 2017 Christmas Concert will be announced on The Doug Wright Show Thursday, October 12 at about 10:30 a.m. (time subject to change.). This year the ticket request date will be Saturday, October 21 at 10:00 a.m. This will give more people a chance to hear the artist announcement and also to set up the username and password required to request tickets. More details and an instructional video on the account setup will be forthcoming. Keep an eye on this website. 

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #196 - 187th Semi-annual Conference

For no other performances is the Tabernacle Choir so visible to the world, then during General Conference. And, I might add, for no other performances are the choir seats so fully occupied as during General Conference. I'm sure that has to do with a number of reasons. One of those may be because there's a rather special feeling each conference as the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints instruct and edify members of the church who have come together in unity to listen. Another reason (in all honesty) might be the that some choir members just like the possibility of being on TV as they know friends and family from across the world, will be watching! 

The choir members worked hard in preparing for this weekend. With the several extra rehearsals and all of the outside-of-choir memorizing, many hours were logged in making sure we knew the notes, the rhythm, and the words (that goes double or triple for the newer members of the choir). The choir presidency and our directors always approach Conference preparations with a reverence as they, and all of us, realize that the songs we sing will portray a message and a spirit that someone might be praying to hear and to feel. Each rehearsal for conference not only starts with a prayer, but ends with one as well. And the directors put in extra hours praying about which music to sing and also listening to recordings of each rehearsal to find every little detail that needs to be cleaned up and put into shape. 

It's a great undertaking, but one we're all happy to be a part of. 

As an interesting aside, we sang two songs during Conference that were specifically for President Monson (two of his favorites). The first was Consider the Lilies, and the second was Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd. We hope he felt our love for him as he wasn't able to attend any of the sessions this weekend.

With the conclusion of Conference, the Choir now turns it's attention to Christmas music. Yes, it's only October. And we probably won't immediately jump into it. But, the Christmas Concert, which is certainly the most popular concert we put on, is only about 11 weeks away. Which, really, is just right around the corner.

Until next time, may God be with you.

PS: Below are some Twitter feedback pics, along with a few others (click to enlarge). 

PPS: A big thanks to my wife and kids who are always such a support! I love them so much.

Most of the songs we sang this weekend

MTC #195 - Happy Birthday Tabernacle!

Today was a special day for the dear old Tabernacle. She turned 150! It seemed only fitting that we dedicate today's Music and the Spoken Word program to celebrating not only this unique and important structure, but those who helped worked so hard to build it. There's a great write-up here, and here, if you'd like to check 'em out. One paragraph from Bro. Newell's spoken word today: 

"Just as people have personalities, this building has a personality. Like the pioneers who built it, the Tabernacle is hardy and resilient, yet warm and welcoming, venerable while also true to its humble roots. And even after all these years, it retains its original pioneer character. Other than some seismic and technological updates, the Tabernacle’s unique appearance, its 19th-century craftsmanship, and its renowned acoustics have remained unchanged. This beloved companion and friend is today, as it was 150 years ago, a peaceful place of history, beauty, worship, and refuge."

Along with the other great songs we sang today, my favorite was "The Spirit of God." Almost every time we sing that song, I feel like the choir is joined with individuals from the other side of the veil, many of who were present at the Kirtland Temple Dedication in 1836 when the hymn was first sung. There's just something special about that song. Each  time I get to sing it, I get tingly and teary. 

Three choir members providing the opening for The Spirit of God

I have to comment on one other thing today that impacted me--unrelated to the Tabernacle's birthday. When Jason (middle, above) started singing the first verse, Mack Wilberg, who was conducting, was carefully paying attention to how the solo was sounding. A few seconds into it, he gave a warm smile and encouraging gestures that instantly communicated back a sense of confidence and gratitude. Then when Matt (right) came in, the same thing occurred after he pointed down, signaling Matt to adjust his pitch down just slightly. I can't really describe the whole interchange, but it was as if Mack was lending them not only his music expertise, but his love, encouragement, and gratitude as well. 

On one level, love is what the Tabernacle is, and has always been, about. It's a building where people from around the world both perform, and listen, to songs and music about the love that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for everyone. It's a place that provides encouragement and peace for all who enter. I'm really grateful that I get to sing in this building each week, and see how the spirit here impacts so many. 

Until next time God be with you.

One of the veterans of the choir pointed this out to me. If you look at
the back of Tabernacle, where the light shines in the corner, you'll note
there are four "sentinels" keeping watch over the building.

A copy of the program from today's broadcast. Also, they gave us
this cool commemorative "150".

MTC #194 - Recording + West Coast Tour

Back in May of this year, we started a recording project which we left half undone. This past week, we finished it. From the link above, you can read about how recording sessions go. But to give you an even better perspective, you can watch this video, HERE, that our audio/video team put together. The captions for this short video say:

It takes 85 Instruments... 150 Blankets... 450 Volunteers... Over 31,000 Hours... to make one GREAT album. Coming May 2018 from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.

While it's always a blessing and privilege to be part of a new CD project, I don't think you'd here any MoTab member say "Give me another week of recording!" We're all excited though, about the finished product coming out next year. Hopefully the publicity department will soon release details regarding the content of the new CD.

Speaking of the publicity department, they were busy near the end of this week announcing the 2018 tour. Turns out we'll be headed to the West Coast, including California, Washington, and Vancouver. You can read all about that here, and here. For me, the best part about going on tour is not so much where we go, but the people we get to sing for. Our musical message is for everyone, and we're thrilled to share it every two years, outside of Utah, in cities and countries all over the world.

Behind the scenes, choir members are figuring out if they'll be one of the ones going on this tour. There are always work, family, and personal considerations, and several hope that their spouse will be selected to go (being able to go on tour, and to have your spouse join you, is mainly determined by the choir member's attendance record for the past year). Roommate selection comes next, followed by many extra rehearsals to memorize 20+ songs as part of the concert that will be presented. It's all quite a process! Not to mention the choir staff preparing buses, flights, accommodations, and a hundred other details that will ensure the success of the tour.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #193 - It Isn't Fair, But it is Well

Life isn't fair. Sometimes it's rather easy to get upset at God who clearly could alleviate suffering, right the wrongs, and make things fair. And I admit, that I have had such times when I have been angry. Logically, it doesn't make sense to get mad at a Heavenly Father who gives so many blessings and, at the very very least, reaches out and is willing and wanting to help us through our trials. But when you're going through pain, it's human nature to be mad at someone. Particularly Someone who could step in and take the pain away.

As we sang It Is Well With My Soul, today, I thought about this paradox we all have to live with: it's only through pain and challenges and suffering that we can grow, become more empathetic, and more humble. All of these hard things, if accepted the right way, can make us better. They can be "well with [our] soul[s]". I don't know why it had to be that way, but it is that way, and in the end, I am grateful for a God who has blessed me with so much. While the thorns remain, at least I have the blessings to fall back on, and my faith that one day, everything will be made right.


Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul

I invite you to listen to this song today. Musically, it has all of the grandeur of other Mack Wilberg "big and powerful" arrangements. But more importantly, it can help remind you that if you're striving to do what's right, then everything that follows is, indeed, well with your soul. Somehow.

Until next time, God be with you. 

Singing It Is Well With My Soul today, 9-10-17.

MTC #192 - The White Coat

The choir members who know me, know that my least favorite suit coat to wear is the white one. I cringe every time I arrive at the Conference Center and realize that I have to wear it.  

The funny thing is, there are a lot of people (both in and out of the choir) who actually like the white coat. Even this afternoon when I walked into church, the usher game me a smile and said, "You all looked so great in your white coats today!" I smiled back, of course, but couldn't quite agree with his assessment. 

It got me thinking, though, that everyone is different. People like different things and have their own opinions of what tastes good, what sounds good, and what looks good. And just because those opinions may not match up with mine sometimes, that's OK. There's plenty of room for varying opinions--which, at the very least--should be respected. 

When I was little, one of my favorite story books, according to my mother, was one titled "How Joe the Bear and Sam the Mouse Got Together." When Joe and Sam first met, they quickly discovered that while they had the same goals and generally enjoyed doing the same things, there were plenty of differences. Joe liked a big house, Sam liked a little one. Joe liked to play football, while Sam liked baseball. Joe liked to ride a bike slowly, while Sam liked to ride his fast. Given all these differences, they were about to part ways. But then they passed an ice cream shop and came to realize that there was one thing they could agree on: they both loved all sorts of ice cream! The book ends with Joe and Sam doing their own thing most of the time. But everyday, at 3:00, they would come to the ice cream parlor and enjoy ice cream together.


While the white coat is not my favorite, there are plenty of other people watching the choir, who love it. And I should just be grateful (and I am) that I get to wear the coat in the first place! Because each Sunday, at 9:30, audience members from around the world and performers from all walks of life, have the great opportunity to put aside other things in their lives and simply enjoy beautiful music, together. 

And what a great thing that is.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #191 - Children of a King

Days after entering the MTC as a young 19-yr old missionary, the realization of what I had gotten myself into hit me in a way that I had never before experienced. The weight of learning the Japanese language, of living in Japan, and being away from family and friends was almost more than I could bear. 

As we attended various devotionals and meetings designed to both educate and inspire us as missionaries, I was hoping and praying to feel a feeling that I could rise above my discouragement and accomplish this great thing. But instead, I just felt more overwhelmed at my inadequacies and limitations. One night though, we all filed into a very large room where a general authority was prepared to address us. The opening song was, no surprise, Called to Serve. As I had sung that song many times before, I didn't think it would contain the answer to my prayer. But thankfully, it did.

While we were singing, we came to the lyric "sons and daughters, children of a King". And as I sang that, an undeniable feeling of hope, love, and confidence just swept over me. The thought then came to my head "You can do this Ryan. You are the son of a King who loves you." How grateful I was for that experience which not only helped me then, but helped me throughout my mission, and still helps me today.

This morning, as we sang Called to Serve, my mind and heart went back to that night in the MTC, and I felt those feelings all over again. How thankful I am that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us and can help us get through hard things. 

Until next time, God be with you.

From today's Music & the Spoken Word broadcast, 8/27/17

 

MTC #190 - People

I don't get a lot of face-to-face human interaction outside my home (aside from my beloved family, of course). The main reason for that is because I actually work from home, full-time. There used to be an IBM office in Salt Lake City that I'd drive to, and work from, once a week, just for an opportunity to get out and see other people. But that office was shut down earlier this year. 

Church doesn't help, either. My ward alternates between meeting at 9am one year, and 1pm the next. So on the years it meets at 9, I don't get to go (which is this year), since I'm busy fulfilling my Choir responsibilities.

I do, occasionally, go to the store, or drive to a "kid event", and see people then. But it's typically a quick "Hello! How are you?" followed by a 15-30 second response. 

All of this sometimes makes me feel socially starved. 

I therefore savor my times when I do get to interact face-to-face, and right now, I have the Choir to thank for those times. There actually isn't a lot of time to socialize at choir. But the few conversations on the ride to Salt Lake, or before rehearsals, or during breaks, and after performances, are conversations and interactions that I cherish.

So thanks, Choir--for each of you individually--who help to alleviate my starvation reality. 

One of the things I look most forward to, after this life is over and we've moved onto the next, is to rekindle relationships I've had with people in this life, and with people that I got to know during the pre-mortal life. If we truly lived for thousands of years (know one knows exactly how long) before this earth life, just think about how many people you interacted with and how many conversations you had with them! It's astounding, really. 

Humans are just social creatures. Regardless of where you are at on the shy or outgoing scale, deep down, we all need love and at least some attention from others. I'm therefore thankful for all of those people in my life who provide that for me.  I hope we can all strive to love, and let others love us. 

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #189 - Abide With Me

'Twas a fairly standard week for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Those actually don't happen very often, so we enjoy them when we get them. 

A few things I wanted to mention. . .

First, we were released from rehearsal about 20 min early on Thursday for our annual ice cream social. Nothing too grandiose, but it's nice to take opportunities to be social with choir members instead of always singing with them. So many people to get to know. And, of course, who would ever want to pass up free ice cream?

Second, our director Mack Wilberg debuted an original piece today on Music & the Spoken Word. It was titled "The Tree of Life". While it's not my favorite by him, I still enjoyed singing it and particularly liked the words as they likened our life's journey to going through Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Third, my favorite piece today was one performed by The Bells on Temple Square. With beautiful accompaniment by the orchestra, their rendition of Abide With Me was so, so pretty. You can take a few minutes to listen to it HERE.

Lastly, the choir is getting very eager to learn where they'll be going on tour next year. The East Coast tour of 2015 was announced in April of 2014. And the European tour of 2016 was announced in July of 2015. So, you can see that since it's now August, we're expecting it to come any day now. We have been given one hint as to whether it will be somewhere in the US, or somewhere outside the US (or a combination of both), but I can't comment on that until such things are officially shared by the Choir organization. At any rate, we're thinking the destination will be announced fairly soon.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #188 - Another "One" Story

After Music & the Spoken Word was over this morning, President Jarrett came up on stage, followed by several other people who stood and faced the choir. With some emotion, Pres. Jarrett then told us that back in 2007, when the choir was on tour, it gave a "concert for one" at a hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. The "one" was a woman who had just been diagnosed with cancer and was going through her second round of chemotherapy. She and her family were understandably devastated at the realities of cancer and the potential for a shortened life. 

That woman was one of the ones standing on stage, and as she took the microphone, she told us how thankful she was for what the choir had done for her so many years ago. She is now cancer-free. And as she thought back to one of the darkest periods of life, she is grateful that music of the choir played a role in securing hope and faith that chemo would work and she'd be able to get through the trials she faced. Her husband, and parents, also on stage, were grateful as well. 

I was not with the Choir in 2007, but I'm grateful to belong to an organization of 700+ people who recognize the worth of "the one". Week in and week out, we hope that "the one" is reached by our music and message, and whoever that person is, he or she finds the hope and strength to carry on, and the peace that comes from a Father in Heaven who loves each one of His children.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #187 - Collin

Since this past week with the choir could be labeled "business as usual", I just want to take the opportunity to briefly post about someone who really impresses me. His name is Collin. He's not a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, or even a member of the Orchestra at Temple Square or Bells on Temple Square. Rather, he's a member of the stage crew. And a unique one, at that.

The Choir and Orchestra, and everyone else involved with the "choir family" relies on the stage crew A LOT. They have a big job--a rather heavy job--as some might say. Each week there are chairs and stands and microphones to put out and take down. They make sure the podium is adjusted correctly. They make sure safety barriers line the stage to keep us all from accidentally falling off. They also wheel the piano in and back. And when the Bells join us, their job multiplies at least three fold as there are mats to lay out, tables to put up, and table clothes to spread. And, I can guarantee they do much more than I can visibly see or describe since a lot of their work is backstage. 

So what makes Collin unique? Aside from probably being the youngest stage crew member, he has one hand that doesn't quite function fully. So much of the help he provides, he does so with one hand. 

If you stop and think about that a moment, you'll realize what courage and faith that must take. Carrying this, putting up that, adjusting this, unfolding that. You'd think a major prerequisite to performing stage crew work would be the use of both arms and hands. But Collin pulls it off with just one--and does a fantastic job at it. I see him there nearly every Sunday, serving along side the rest of our great stage crew. And often I think, if Collin can do what he does, certainly I can do the things in my life that I feel unqualified, at times, to do. 

So thanks Collin. I've never talked to you and I'm sure you don't know me. But I sincerely appreciate your example of faith and devotion. Keep up the good work!

Until next time, God be with you.