So every year, various companies that support and facilitate family history, put on a global conference event "where people of all ages learn to discover, share and celebrate their family connections across generations through technology." This event is called RootsTech. This year, the event planners invited the Tabernacle Choir to participate, by having them showcase songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein in an evening concert titled "It Runs in the Family." Oscar "Andy" Hammerstein III hosted, and sprinkled throughout the concert was dialogue and video telling the history of the Hammerstein family--and even a video highlighting members of the choir who have had siblings, parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents sing in the choir before and/or with them. [See a short summary video and some pictures, HERE]
To be completely honest, in the days leading up to the concert, I just wasn't feeling very thrilled to participate. It had nothing to do with the event itself, it was just lots of things happening on the home front, and life in general had my attentions turned elsewhere. In addition, the songs we were to perform were ones that we sing very often during broadcasts or other concerts throughout the year.
That said, when I arrived Thursday night out of breath (traffic issues caused delays in getting there in time), I had a little "attitude readjustment" session within myself, and remembered some important things. First, how great I think family history work is, and how important it is to locate information on ancestors and learn their stories. Second, that music is an important part of my current family and the families I come from. And third, that I had an opportunity to help do some good--to both entertain and uplift by singing some songs that have certainly endured the test of time.
Remembering all of those things, the concert turned out to be a beautiful event. I think my favorite part was when guest artist Dallyn Vail Bayles sang two solo numbers--just him accompanied by the piano. I love Dallyn's voice and the gentleman on the piano was amazing. I was all smiles.
I'm grateful for family history. I'm thankful that families can be together, forever. And I'm thankful for the musical tapestry that runs through my ancestry.
Until next time, God be with you.
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