MTC #238 - "You Did Well"

I really enjoyed the Mormon Tabernacle Choir experience today. I mean, I usually do and I'm always grateful to be a part of this wonderful labor of love. But some days everything just seems to go perfectly--hitting all the notes correctly, loving all of the songs, sitting next to fellow basses who have become really good friends, having good conversations with people during the walks to and from the Tabernacle, feeling the Spirit, and the list goes on. Today was one of those perfect days.

It was only made more perfect with what happened after the broadcast as I was waiting for the others in my carpool to put their music back and get changed back into their normal clothes. As I stood by the tunnel connecting the Tabernacle to the Conference Center parking lot, I watched as one of the electric carts approached and began to go by me (these carts are driven by security as they typically shuttle general authorities, relatives of those authorities, and otherwise VIP folks). As I turned to see who was sitting on the back of the cart, it was none other than President Dallin H. Oaks! He had come to watch the broadcast today as Leticia Oaks Strong was a featured violinist on one of the songs we performed (who did an amazing job, by the way). At any rate, our eyes locked and with a big smile he said "You did well today. Thank you."

Cloud nine.

I'm grateful for genuinely good people. I'm thankful for music. I'm thankful God blesses each of us with talents. I'm thankful for a loving family and caring friends. I'm thankful to feel positive and uplifting emotions. And I'm thankful when things just simply work out.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #237 - Pioneer Day Concert '18 (Reinvent & Recognize)

 
I was skeptical, at first. 

I was skeptical that this 2018 Pioneer Day Concert could be as good or as great as the other concerts we've been a part of.

Perhaps my skepticism came from the number of songs the Choir was performing (fewer than usual); or the songs themselves which we've sung many, many times; or maybe even the less-than-usual number of pieces that the guest artists and the Choir sing together. Whatever the reasons, a few things really helped me (any maybe some others) come to enjoy and appreciate this concert much more that I originally thought I would.

First, the beloved songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein that we've sung a lot over the years are beloved because of their fun melodies, their brilliant composition and lyrics, and the relatable and lovable stories they tell. These songs have stood the test of time and if I ever find myself becoming tired of singing them, then it's up to me to reinvent and recognize their greatness. So I did! And doing that, made all the difference.

Second, although I missed not having more of the songs be collaborative with the guest artists, I simply let that go and found a lot of enjoyment in watching Matthew Morrison and Laura Michelle Kelly enchant us with the beautiful songs they sung and the characters they portrayed. What talented individuals they are.

And along with being great singers, they were very thankful for this opportunity and gave the choir and orchestra a lot of very nice compliments.

Third, the magical energy of concerts in general, the feedback from the crowd, and the excitement of our first-year members (since this was their first concert) all combined to really make this a meaningful and enjoyable event. 

I must mention some thank-you's. Thanks to Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy for working so hard to put it all together (along with the team of individuals who assisted). Thanks to the wonderful orchestra that had a lot of music to learn and played so beautifully. Thanks to my fellow basses who knew the songs well and were a pleasure to sing with. Thanks to those choir members and friends I got to converse with and who helped me come to the important need to reinvent & recognize. And thanks to Laura and Matthew for agreeing to come and share their talents with so many. 

I think the only sad thing about the concert was that it was Ryan Withers' last one. (see my last blog post) Through the course of the two evenings, I, along with many who love Ryan, took pictures, gave hugs, and signed his hymnbook (see last pic below). I will miss him.

And with that, it's on to a fairly normal (or should I say "abnormal") choir schedule for August--which, without a doubt, everyone will enjoy.

Until next time, God be with you. 

PS: I always mention this as a highlight when we have guest artists, but today after Music & the Spoken Word, we sang "God Be With You 'Till We Meet Again", to Laura and Matthew, and they seemed to absorb every word. It was a neat experience.

MTC #236 - Of Many Things

So much to say, so I'll get right to it!

First, the Choir returned from a successful tour to the West Coast. I talked to several who had the opportunity to go and they had nothing but great things to report. You can read all about the touring adventures by clicking on the following links. More stories await you should you choose to Google them.

San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus Gets to Sing with the Choir
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir Visits Vancouver for First Time in 32 Years
Mormon Tabernacle Choir finally returns to Bay Area after 13-year wait
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Concludes 2018 Tour in Seattle
She joined the renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Now a teacher who inspired her will watch her perform 

Second, today was the 90th anniversary of the first airing of Music & the Spoken Word. Lloyd Newell dedicated today's spoken word to talk all about that. You can read it HERE. I don't know how many millions of people have found peace and inspiration through listening to this program over the past 90 years, but what a blessing it is that this program has endured and continues to uplift people throughout the world each week.

Third, it is was with great sadness that I heard from President Jarrett today that my good friend Ryan Withers is leaving the choir shortly. Ryan joined the choir the same time I did and it's been fun to get to know him over the years. All of the basses and baritones can testify of Ryan's dedication and optimism--not to mention his friendly smile and his delight in infusing humor into conversations. Ryan, you will be MISSED. (see some pics below)

Fourth, have you ever thought of auditioning to become a member of the Choir? Well, now's the time! Applications are being accepted through August 15th! You can read all about the process HERE. Yes, the process is quite involved and can be intimidating. But if you feel like this might be the opportunity for you, please try. You certainly don't want to look back and think, "could I have made it in if only I had tried?"

Fifth, this week is our "Music for a Summer Evening" concert (otherwise known as the "Pioneer Day Concert"). Come join us this Friday or Saturday for some top-notch entertainment with guest stars Matthew Morrison ("Glee", "Finding Neverland") and Laura Michelle Kelly ("Mary Poppins", "Finding Neverland"). If you are out of state (or just would rather watch it from the comfort of your own home), discover alternate viewing options HERE. 

Lastly, I just want to say how much I missed the Choir experience during the past four weeks. While I was grateful to spend time with family at Bear Lake and Nauvoo, it was great to be back today. I feel very blessed.

Until next time, God be with you.

The "Ryan" photo, with Ryan Withers on the far left.

 

Ryan in the middle

On Tour

LtoR, 5th from top