MTC #182 - Of Guest Artists, Cancer Research Centers, and a New Hymn Arrangement

This past week, a couple of interesting choir events occurred. First, it was

announced on Monday who our guest artist would be for the upcoming Pioneer Day Concert. As you've probably heard by now, Christopher Jackson (who played George Washington in the hit musical HAMILTON) is the one who will be joining us July 14-15 as we present an evening of song in the Conference Center. Tickets for that event sold out in less than a day, although there are ALWAYS seats available for those in the standby line. So if you'd like to come, and don't have a ticket, come a bit early to stand in line and you'll get in.

The second event happened on Wednesday. Some members of the choir (the event wasn't mandatory since it was in the middle of the day) participated in the dedication of The Primary Children’s and Families’ Cancer Research Center, funded in part by Jon Huntsman. I was not able to attend, but aside from it being a very hot day to stand in the sun and sing, those who participated were grateful to be there. At Thursday night's rehearsal, Mack Wilberg gave his

thanks to those who participated--particularly for enduring the heat. He also shared part of a thank you note that President Uchtdorf sent to him, in the which he gave his heartfelt appreciation for service rendered. He also said that he was tempted to ask God for some clouds to cover the sun temporarily, so those in the heat could have some relief. But after pondering that, he finally concluded "Who am I to tempt God?" :) We all had a good laugh.

So my heart went out to the newer choir members this week as we sang four pieces memorized today, and will have four pieces memorized for next week, too. And in addition, most of the songs on the Pioneer Day concert will be memorized. I especially cringed when Mack told them they'd need to memorize "Cohan's Big Three" (or HERE) which is a collection of patriotic songs with not only a bazillion words in it, but that includes a very fast tempo through much of it. I remember having to memorize that one myself, and it took considerable time. That said though, all this memorizing is just part of the package deal. It's part of the calling to be a Mormon Tabernacle Choir member. Besides, it's so much more rewarding when you get to sing a song memorized. You are free to focus more on the words and inject the music with feelings and emotions.

The last thing I wanted to mention was that Mack debuted a new hymn arrangement today: "It is Well With My Soul". The hymn's words were written by Horatio G. Spafford, who wrote them out of grief, hope, and faith following a terrible tragedy. I'm glad I got to sing it today, to not only help share it with our listeners today, but to honor Horatio's ability to overcome his trials and continue forward in faith. It is a beautiful song, and one that reminds all of us that something great can come from tragedy.

So that was the week! Never a dull moment.

Until next time, God be with you.

The largest audience for Music & the Spoken Word that I've ever been a part of. Many of them were associated with the Millennial Choir who had congregated in SLC this past week.