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.
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| Most of the songs we sang this weekend |
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