TCATS #312 - By the Numbers! 2019

Numbers never tell the whole story. There's always so much more behind them. But they do tell one side of the story and each year I like to compile them and see how things turned out. I do this partly because a find it interesting, and partly because my friend Siope (See-oh-pay)--who has become our unofficial choir statistician--produces a pictogram each year to show the numbers in a fun and interesting way and consults with me in doing that. Anyway, without further ado, here's how things ended up. Hope each of you have a fun closing-out of 2019 and are looking forward to the adventures that 2020 will bring. 

Until next time, God be with you!

(Click to enlarge)

Stats below are duplicated above, just in a different format. The above pictogram is more complete.

Broadcasts: 52

Events: 13 (Easter Concert, April Conference, Tanner Gift of Music Concert, Pioneer Day Concert, Sissel Recording Project, Mini-Concert for US Governor's Association, Recording Session #2, Mini-Concert for UN Civil Society, President Nelson's Birthday Concert, October General Conference, Temple President Seminar, First Presidency Devotional, Christmas Concert)

Number of Songs Sung: 384 (multiple instances of concerts only counted once)

Most Sung Song: 7-way tie--> How Firm a Foundation, Love Divine All Loves Excelling, America the Beautiful, America the Dream Goes On, Press Forward Saints, Guide Us O Thou Great Jehovah, I Think the World is Glorious (four times each)

Most Worn Tie: Red Snowflake (7 times) and Yellow (7 times)

Least Worn Tie: Hypno (1)

Most Worn Suit: Charcoal, Black and Blue all tied (14 times each)

Least Worn Suit: Blue Blazer (8) (not counting Creme coat or Tux)

Most Worn Dress: Blue (12)

Least Worn Dress: Black (4)

Number of Extra Rehearsals: 40!

Albums Released: 2 (Let Us All Press On, Angels Among Us)

TCATS #311 - Sick

Friday morning, I woke up with a scratchy throat.

The first thought I had (thinking the throat issue would lead to a cold) was "How am I going to sing with my son for our family talent show this coming Monday?"
The second thought I had was "What am I going to do about Sunday morning with the Tabernacle Choir? Should I go and observe the broadcast, staying away from people? Should I go and try and sing if I felt up to it? (sometimes God does miraculous things for singers who are supposed to sing) Or should I just stay home."
My third thought, thinking more long-term, was "What about Christmas and my daughter's wedding next week!"

For my first thought, I pinned down my son after he got home from school and told him we needed to record the song--right then and there. That way, if I really was getting a cold and my voice was shot on Monday, we'd still have something to share at the talent show. Thankfully our recording turned out pretty well ("When Your Feet Don't Touch the Ground", from the musical FINDING NEVERLAND), despite my tendency to get emotional--which I always do when I hear or sing that song.

For my second thought, as Saturday night came and I was out with my wife doing a little shopping, the decision became clear given the state of my nose and my voice: I'd need to stay home.

I texted my carpool and a few others and gave them the news. 
Reply texts came back:
"I'll be praying for you!"
"Bummer Ryan! Feel better soon."
"I'll sing extra for you tomorrow."

Then I went to bed hoping a miracle would occur overnight.

Well, that didn't happen. If anything, the cold was worse (the only good part about it being worse was that it validated my decision to stay home). So, after my family left for church, I turned on Music & the Spoken Word and enjoyed the last Christmas episode of the year, bundled up on the couch wishing I was at the Conference Center feeling healthy and singing. But, it WAS sort of nice to be on the couch, and it was definitely fun to feel the Christmas spirit while seeing my fellow choir friends giving their best. 

As for my third thought... well, the jury is still out.  
I'll keep my faith and hope high.

Until next time, God be with you.

PS: tune in next week for some very interesting year-end choir statistics!

TCATS #310 - Christmas Concert 2019

This year's Christmas Concert with guest stars Kelli O'Hara and Richard Thomas

marked the 20th anniversary of when the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra began putting on Christmas concerts in the Conference Center. (There's a great article about that, HERE, if you're interested) After twelve extra rehearsals, various regular rehearsals, and lots of outside memorization time, the choir and orchestra thoroughly enjoyed sharing their talents and testimonies of Christ through music and song for this concert. The guest stars didn't disappoint in the least, and the dancers were the sweet icing on the cake--bringing the music to life!

 

(There's a two-minute video clip of some concert highlights, HERE)

I have a few favorite moments of the concert that I'd like to share.

First, this year the choir did something they've never done before in a Christmas Concert (or any concert for that matter). We began the concert at the back of the Conference Center--a grand processional that included walking to the rhythm of "Star in the East", holding candles, and working our way up to the choir seats. This all took lots of practice as the coordination and timing of the various lines of choir members needed to be precise. When it was all said and done though, I think the audience enjoyed it. And for me personally, I had some sweet moments of feeling like I was bringing my little light (which, to me, represented my personalized devotion) to the baby Christ child that holy night so long ago. For other choir members, they were just happy to see the smiling faces of audience members--which we normally don't get to see since we're so far away from them. At any rate, it was a fun and memorable way to start the concert.

Second, the Tree of Life scene was really touching. We had sung the Tree of Life

before on other concerts and at an official recording session we had a while back. It's a song composed by Mack Wilberg (lyrics by David Warner) that describes what the Tree of Life and its fruit represents: the love of God--and how that love helps us personally and how its meant to be given away to help others. A friend of mine expressed his thoughts about this scene in which several of the dancers were depicting this "love of God" theme. And I completely agreed with his assessment: that even though this wasn't a Christmas song per se, it's what Christmas is all about--feeling the love of God and His Son, Jesus Christ, and then expressing that love to others.

Third, I loved the story that Richard Thomas (the narrator) shared--about a boy surprising his father on Christmas day by waking up before 3 AM to get the milking done. The story itself was touching, but the part that I liked the most came from these lines: "Milking for once was not a chore. It was something else--a gift to his father, who loved him." I think that whenever we can make the transformation from doing good and important things because we have to or because we're expected to, to doing them because we truly love the person we're doing them for, then we truly have reason to celebrate.

Lastly, because of where I was standing (right by the edge), I was able to see a bunch of young kids come on stage right in front of me and then lift up the lights they were holding as part of a larger presentation going on. The kids were smiling from ear to ear. And as I watched them combine their lights together, holding them up high, I thought about the responsibility we all have to lift up our lights--our goodness, our happiness--and share it with others. When we do that, and when we combine our light with the light of others, it's truly a force for good in this world.

Well, I could go on and on about other elements of the concert (the nativity scene was cool, too), but I'll just end my thoughts by saying once again how grateful I am for the blessing of singing with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. I'm grateful for my family who (especially this past week) has been there to support me during what's normally a busy time anyway. Thanks fam! And I'm also grateful for my close choir friends who's support I both enjoy and rely on.

Merry Christmas everyone! And until next time, God be with you.

PS: As always, the crowd went wild over Richard Elliott's organ piece (which was accompanied by a bluegrass band). Every year we expect an outstanding performance, and this year he continued to live up to that expectation!

 

PPS: Some additional articles HERE and HERE.  

Photos above courtesy of Deseret News.

About to rehearse the Processional

Wes and I had the responsibility of being two of the "line leaders" for the processional

 

The view from where I sat (rehearsal)

Some of my choir buddies!

TCATS #309 - Ripple

Well, it's late, I'm tired, and I still have a blog entry to write! Forgive me if this is a bit of a jumbled mess. At least I can get points for being consistent every week! 

A couple of weeks ago, I gave a talk in my ward about the Tabernacle Choir. I started off answering some commonly asked questions about the Choir, and then ended with saying some words about an important topic--the need for each of us to play our part. Along with just sharing some thoughts on that topic, I actually read one of my previous blog posts about it (HERE) and hoped that someone listening would get something worthwhile from it. After the meeting, a sister in the ward related how my words had helped her see her calling in a new light. And then today, two weeks later, another sister I didn't even know came up and said how it had made such an impression on her that she had thought about it all week and even talked about it with several of her friends who were, in turn, impacted as well. 

This got me thinking about one of my favorite TV shows: Joan of Arcadia. Like many shows I've liked over the years, it got canceled way before it was time--the producers of the showing saying that public interest in faith-themed shows had started to lag. A sad commentary if true. At any rate, the show was about a girl named Joan (who went to Arcadia High School) who was approached by God throughout the week to do certain things. Things that, to Joan, simply didn't make sense. They were often things she didn't want to do, and were things that were outside her comfort zone. Trusting God, though, she typically did them. And while it wasn't always obvious what came of them, sometimes Joan was able to see the incredible ripple effect. She would do something, which affected person A, who was able to affect person B, and cause person C to be steered in a direction that actually saved a life, or mended a strained relationship or increased someone's hope (the list goes on).

Point being, our actions have consequences and ripple effects--many of which we don't get to see. Combined with that, if we all realize we have a part to play, and then actually play that part, our ripple effects for good can be quite profound. A smile, a heart-felt text, a hug, face-to-face words of gratitude, letting people in and being a good listener to people--these things and so many more can uplift and inspire and really truly make a difference. 

This falls in nicely with the Christmas theme of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: LIGHT THE WORLD, one person at a time. So go ahead--try it. Be yourself. Play your part. Do good. See the ripples. And light the world.

Until next time, God be with you.

PS: It's Christmas Concert week this coming week and I just want to thank my dear wife and kids ahead of time how much I appreciate their support during a week I'm gone every night. Also, thanks to my fellow friends and colleagues in the choir who also support and uplift and make it all fun. Couldn't do it without you guys. Love you all.

TCATS #308 - Welcome, Christmas Season!

The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square kicked off the Christmas season with a round of Christmas songs today for Music & the Spoken Word. Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Joy to the World, For Unto Us a Child is Born, The Holly & the Ivy and a few others rang through the choir loft and out into the audience testifying that Christ is truly the reason for the season.

And truly He is!

Unfortunately, sometimes it's difficult to stay reminded of that. 

Just last night, my wife and I were at the grand opening of the Barnes & Noble bookstore in Farmington and were trying to find a Christmas-themed picture book (we purchase one each Christmas season as a family tradition). We looked in one spot that a B&N worker pointed us to, but were disappointed to find that none of them were even remotely connected to the true meaning of Christmas. We then found another display of holiday books, only to be equally disappointed. Finally, we came across one small section of one bookshelf where lo and

behold! There were actually a few that DID have Christ as their theme. We finally settled on one titled SANTA'S PRAYER which had the following description: "Celebrate the real reason for the season with Santa as he takes time from a busy Christmas Eve to pause and offer a prayer to the Lord. On Christmas Eve, a brother and sister stroll through their town, excitedly discussing the gifts they hope to find under the tree. Then they suddenly spy Santa quietly slipping into the church. They follow him inside, where they witness his humble prayer at the altar crèche and hear his greatest holiday wish: that children understand that Jesus is the focus at Christmas . . . and always."

Perfect! 

Another example of Christ being hard to find in Christmas was mentioned by a member of a local congregation I worshiped with today. She stood to share her testimony and mentioned that last year, each time she'd get in her car, she'd turn on the Christmas radio station to enjoy Christmas music. She'd also hear that same music played at stores or shopping malls or on predefined Pandora or Spotify Christmas playlists. To her dismay, though, by December 25th, she was really sick of Christmas music! And then she realized why: almost none of the songs she had been listening to were true Christmas carols that spoke of Christ. (As an aside, if I'm out shopping and have to endure "Santa Baby" or "Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time" or "Mele Kalikimaka" or "All I Want for Christmas" just one more time, I think I'll run out of the store like a crazy person!) Do non-Christ centered Christmas songs have their place? Sure. Who doesn't enjoy Jingle Bells or White Christmas or Frosty the Snowman sometimes? But I'd argue that the songs that endure in your heart and bring hope and peace won't have themes of roasted chestnuts or jingling sleighs. Rather, they'll connect you with the babe in the manger, who "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man," who lived and loved perfectly, and who gave his life for each one of us.

I hope we can all find ways to keep Christ in Christmas this year. It's unlikely the world will help with that. It'll be up to us to proactively make that happen.

Until next time, God be with you.

(A few pics from today's broadcast)

 

TCATS #307 - Atypical Thanks

I'm grateful I was back with my choir family Thursday and today after not singing in the Sunday broadcast for the past three weeks. Today, of course, was our "Thanksgiving Special" and the songs and the message all centered around the theme of gratitude. As such, I thought it would be fitting to express ten reasons I'm grateful for my continued time with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Keep in mind that these ten reasons aren't going to be your typical reasons--I have those reasons and have expressed them in this blog before (getting to sing, the people, the music itself, the guest artist experiences, etc). But these are some atypical reasons that go down to the tiny details.

10. I'm thankful for plastic water bottles that don't make those crinkly noises when you pick them up. I recently discovered the Evian brand water bottle and it's the perfect height, is QUIET, and has an easy to screw on cap. Does it cost more than the popular Kirkland brand? Absolutely. But a few Evian bottles can go for months by refilling them.

9. I'm thankful for the people who choose the background lighting and patterns and scenery that gets displayed behind us. We don't notice it at the time we're singing, but when I review the performance on Youtube or TV, I see what a great job they did.

8. I'm thankful that not everyone arrives at the Tabernacle for choir at the same time. I was getting dressed this morning in the blue suit and red snowflake tie and had plenty of room to do so. Getting back into "regular" clothes afterwards, though, isn't so roomy!

7.  I'm thankful for multiple bathrooms that are available to use when nature calls. Yes, the Conference Center men's bathroom could use more stalls (there's typically a line for those during break), but it's just nice that there's one there.

6. I'm thankful for friends to talk to during breaks and even friends who wait for you as you exit the stage or as you pick up your music and have a long walk ahead of you to the Conference Center or the Tabernacle. The conversations that ensue are usually uplifting and bring a smile to my face.

5. I'm thankful that I'm not always on ROW #6. Even though I'm assigned to row #6, I often get moved down to #5 or #4 because someone else is absent and the spaces need to be filled in. Row #6 is the most crowded row out of them all. Someone felt a need to stick an extra seat into that row when there really wasn't enough space to begin with. 

4. I'm thankful when I'm walking to and fro and other members of the choir that I pass in the hallways look me in the eyes and with a smile, say "hello Ryan". 

3. I'm thankful for family members and friends that say how much they enjoyed another performance of ours, even when they've already heard the songs a million times.


2. I'm thankful for the organ solo that occurs AFTER the broadcast each Sunday. I don't get a chance to just sit there and hear it too often, but when I do, I'm always thankful because it's always so moving.


1. I'm thankful every time I finally make it to my seat and have about 5 minutes before rehearsal starts. I love to just sit there, look around, notice people, enjoy the familiarity, and count all of my blessings for being able to be there in the first place.    

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Until next time, God be with you.

TCATS #306 - Noticing the Other Person

I recently returned from a vacation to Jamaica which was absolutely wonderful. It did, however, cause me to miss two Thursday night rehearsals, plus a Sunday performance/rehearsal. As such, I was again in "observing mode" today. Thankfully, my friend Ryan was also in observing mode so we observed together--enjoying five great pieces that the choir performed for Music & the Spoken Word. My favorite of the bunch was Standing on the Promises. That song never gets old and never disappoints. There's so much of life that takes a toll on your faith and distracts you from what's most important. And this song always reminds me that things will be OK (actually, more than OK) if we stand on the promises that God has given us. And by standing, I mean living each day relying on those promises to be delivered as we strive to follow Christ.

As I was contemplating what to write about today, my wife gave me a good idea--so I'm going to go with it. :) During the past six years I've been in the choir, my wife and I will find ourselves at family events or going out with friends. And inevitably, the topic of conversation will either start with, or gravitate to, the Tabernacle Choir. The questions might be directed to me ("Ryan, so how's the choir going?") or when my wife is without me, she'll get the questions ("So how is Ryan enjoying the choir?"). When I get the questions, my good wife patiently smiles and listens--sometimes contributing experiences or insights. And when she gets the questions, she is obviously nice and answers those questions the best she can.

I am, of course, grateful for the interest people have about the choir and I recognize it's an easy and obvious topic to ask about. Their sincere desire to learn more is something I appreciate. However, I often feel bad that my wife repeatedly gets the short end of the stick. How I've wished that at least some of the time, people would come up to us and ask how she's doing. Or, at the very least, ask "So Jenn, how is it supporting Ryan in the choir? What are some of the highs and the lows you've been through?"

Like I said, people mean well and neither my wife nor I hold any sort of grudge towards anyone asking about the choir. It just illustrates an important principle that we all need to be aware of more often: sometimes it's the other person who could use the attention.

So, next time you're in a situation where you have the opportunity to talk to the less-noticed person--the one who may not, for example, be singing with a world-renowned choir that travels the the globe and sings to millions each week--take it! I guarantee that the person will be very grateful. And then, afterwards, when the conversation is needing a new direction, the obvious topic at hand is always one you can turn to. 

Until next time, God be with you.

TCATS #304 - Players on a Stage

I missed rehearsal for the week, so I was on the sidelines to watch the broadcast today. Sometimes when this happens, I actually get a little sad that I'm not singing. But today I was content to just sit and watch, next to my good friend Jason-- who was also content to just enjoy the observation experience. 

There were a few moments when I just looked around and noticed all of the "players" in this Tabernacle Choir experience. And as I did so, I thought about the famous words that Shakespeare once penned: "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances." 

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square will continue moving forward year after year as it's always done since 1847 (1929 began Music & the Spoken Word). The singers, the choir leadership, even the conductors will play their part for a time and then they will make their exit. Their replacements will then make their entrance. Those new players will contribute what they can, enjoy the marvelous experience it is, enrich others' lives, and then move on to something else. 

On the one hand, such an observation makes me feel rather unimportant. After all, one day some other individual will join the choir as a new addition to the bass section and he will inherit "my" number: B-108. All of my music markings--especially all of those arrows I drew pointing upward to help encourage me to sing just a little higher--will be his now. He might even sit where I sat, adding his voice to the voices of many others.

On the other hand, because I know that at some point that day will come, it's important not to minimize anything in "the now." No one understands this more right now than my friend Ryan, who only has six months left in the choir (having served all of his allotted 20)! He's been experiencing several last moments for months now and each time we have a concert or some other performance, it's usually the last of that type, for him. Who can even count all of the hours put into 20 years of service? It's unbelievable. And it definitely means something. He has been but one player on the stage. But all of those hours have helped to change him--and to change so many others. That's what consecrated service does to the giver and receiver. It changes them for the better. 

So, far be it from me to change Shakespeare's quote. But if I did, I would substitute the word "merely" for "vitally important". 

For truly, everyone is.

Until next time, God be with you.

TCATS #303 - What Choir Gives Me

Nothing too out of the ordinary happened this week--either at rehearsal on Thursday or on Sunday for Music & the Spoken Word. I did, however, get to miraculously sit next to my good friend Wes (which usually doesn't happen), and, they did announce the guest artist for this year's Christmas Concert (which you can read all about HERE). Other than that, a fairly "normal" choir experience this week. 

As such, I just thought I would selfishly reflect on what choir gives me--what it gives me today and what it has given me during these past almost six years.

<>Face-to-face Social Time: Because of my work from home employment situation, I'm secluded in my home office a lot and often feel socially starved. I talk to several people on the phone throughout the week, but I really miss face-to-face time with people. Choir provides that for me. There isn't a lot of social time at choir, actually, but I take what I can get. And through the years, some of my fellow choir members have become cherished friends.

<>Spiritual Experiences: my spiritual experiences aren't limited to choir, of course, but there are many to be found at choir. The music we rehearse and perform always has a positive, uplifting message and those messages, combined with the actual music, feed my soul.

<>Quality Singing: when I graduated from BYU and performed my last concert with the BYU Concert Choir, I thought that my time of being able to sing with really talented singers (on that scale) was probably over. From that point, up until the time I joined the choir, I have been able to enjoy several small-group performances (mostly at church) that were made up of truly talented singers. But there's nothing quite like being surrounded by 90+ basses who know how to sing. We all make our fair share of mistakes, but overall, it's a heavenly experience.

<>Sharing the Stage with Guest Artists:  Just within six years, I've been able to perform on the same stage with many, many professional singers. Heck, I even got to be on the same stage as the Muppets! From Santino Fantana, to Laura Osnes, to the King's Singers, to Rolando Villazon, to Hugh Bonneville and Sutton Foster, to Matthew Morrison and Laura Michelle Kelly to Kristin Chenoweth to Sissell and many others. Just wow.

<>Gospel Insights: when memorizing songs and studying the lyrics, I've been taught a lot of insights about how to live the Gospel better. My personal strength has been renewed and my testimony deepened. My desire to follow Christ has been increased. And my love of family and friends has sweetened. 

I don't know how much longer my choir journey will be, but I'll continue to enjoy the blessings it gives me each and every week!

Until next time, God be with you.

Some pics from today's broadcast

TCATS #302 - Tears + Surprise Visit

The choir arrived a half-hour early Thursday night to join the orchestra in rehearsing a bit, and then performing for a group of newly called temple presidents and their wives. It was a rather small audience (<100), but there was nothing small about our performance. We really tried to sing with our hearts and give these good brothers and sisters an experience that would not only help them feel God's love, but also give them courage as they began their labors at various temples around the world. After we sang our final number "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling", I looked out and noticed the majority of them wiping tears from their eyes. After standing and clapping, several put their hands on their heart and looked up to us as if to say "Thank you--we received what you wanted to give."

A really great experience.

Afterwards, we launched into regular rehearsal thinking the night would play out like any other Thursday night rehearsal. But about 1/2 way through, Ryan Murphy stopped and said that we had a surprise. On cue, Kristin Chenoweth came walking out on stage (along with her manager and some others in her party). We arose and started clapping as she made her way to the conductor's podium to say a few words. You can read all about the experience HERE, but there were two things that impressed me. First, she said that out of all the experiences she's had performing (and you can imagine she's had A LOT of performing experiences), performing with the Tabernacle Choir was in her top THREE. Wow. Second, as she sat down on one of the benches in the Tabernacle to watch a little bit of the rehearsal, you could tell just how excited and happy she was to be here. Her face had a permanent smile on it while we sang the piece she heard the most of: When the Saints Go Marching In. 

She's just a great person. Period. Rick Elliott summed it up best when he said “She’s the kind of performer that just exudes so much love and warmth that people just respond. When you’re performing with somebody like that, it affects the whole performance. We love Kristin and it is a real treat to work with her.”


Other than that, today's performance of Music & the Spoken Word went really well. My favorite song of the five was a piece called "The Ground". I've never loved that title. But then I got to thinking about it. We owe a lot to the ground. Our food comes from the ground. Our cities are built upon the ground. All of the beautiful trees and plants are rooted in the ground. And it can be so beautiful--just like this song is! You're invited to click the link above and give it a listen. Three minutes of peace.

Until next time, God be with you. 

PS: Our Christmas CD and DVD just went on sale recently (featuring Kristin Chenoweth) and you can find them HERE. Also, if CDs aren't your thing anymore, you can stream the music from Spotify HERE and Apple Music HERE.

TCATS #301 - Of Anton, Capacity, & Christmas

Today we were pleased to welcome Anton Armstrong as a guest conductor for two of the songs we sang on Music & the Spoken Word. Anton is the music conductor at St. Olaf's College in Minnesota (read more about him HERE) and while I don't know much about the art of conducting, I sure thought he did a really great job. Sure, I love Mack's and Ryan's style, but it's always refreshing to have someone else at the helm for a bit! At the end of the run-through, after having called us friends several times during the rehearsal, he let us know how much he looks up to us and how grateful he was for the opportunity to conduct us. It was a heartwarming moment. His personal philosophy regarding music is right in line with the mission of the Tabernacle Choir: "I want the power of music — that Spirit — to transform those who perform and those who will hear the message. For me, that is a very powerful reason for doing what we do."

Following the broadcast, we turned our attention to....yep! You guessed it. Christmas music. Nothing like Christmas music in October :).  My family is especially smiling about this because they know how much I'd rather save Christmas music for the month of December. But, that's just not possible in this case. At any rate, we looked over three pieces of music and then did some recording of one of the songs so we could start to memorize the words and the notes. 

Some people have asked me who the guest artist is for this year and when tickets will go on distribution. Well, the guest artist has not been announced yet, but will be announced on KSL radio at 9:00AM on October 25th. I've heard absolutely zero rumors about this year's guest, so your guess is as good as mine. 

As for tickets, the choir leadership decided it best to go back to the random selection process for tickets. Check out the Choir's website for more details on how that works.

Lastly, I wanted to mention a good problem that we seem to be having each week. It's called FILLED TO CAPACITY. As early as the start of this year, I don't remember so many people coming each week to watch Music & the Spoken Word. I mean, there would be weeks where it would be filled, yes. But not so consistently--until now. It's great to see that so many people are interested and come to be uplifted. But at this rate, I'm not sure where they are going to start putting everyone :)

Oh, and lastly lastly, I got called today to officially serve in the library. Several weeks ago, I posted about my subbing in the library and now I get to serve there week in and week out. It's all great though. Lots of friends in the library and it's actually kind of fun. I guess God had a plan all along regarding this.

Ok. I think I'm done.
Until next time, God be with you.

TCATS #300 - #GenConf189 [What I Saw & Felt]

Post #300. 
Have I already spent 300 weeks in the choir? 
My wife, who is such an incredible support to me, would answer that question with an emphatic "yes"! (And in all seriousness, a big thanks to her for years of going to church without me, cheerfully enduring all of the choir conversation when we meet with friends and family, holding down the fort when I'm at regular rehearsals and all of the extra rehearsals, and helping me make sometimes difficult choir-related decisions. SHE IS THE BEST)

This weekend was the General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As such, the choir was busy preparing for that event by rehearsing not just on Thursday, as we normally do, but on Tuesday evening as well. There are plenty of official reports about Conference itself (HERE and HERE, just to name a few) and probably some mention of the Tabernacle Choir providing the music for three of the sessions. But rather than give a play by play or a general overview or a top ten list, I just want to write about a few things I saw and felt as a member of the Tabernacle Choir participating in this worldwide Church event.


>>I saw so many volunteers everywhere I looked. The hundreds of ushers, the florists (shout out to Andrew!), the camera technicians, the overall timing and production coordinators, the security personnel, those driving the electric carts to shuttle general authorities and their families, those preparing and serving food, those putting out water next to each chair on the stand...the list just goes on and on. I felt very grateful for all of them.
>>I saw a special needs young lady just a few rows from the front with family on either side of her. During one of the congregational hymns, her family helped her stand and swayed her arms to the pulse of the music. Perhaps she couldn't hear very well and they were helping her get a sense of how the music felt. At any rate, it brought a smile to my face.
>>I saw several general authorities heartily congratulate Elder Johnson after he gave his talk and made his way back to his seat. There were a couple of handshakes given to him, but hugs were the most common form of "job well done!". It was nice to witness such loving support--support that the men and women who lead the church give to each other often.
>>I saw Bishop Gérald Caussé come up after the last session of conference and give handshakes and hugs to Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy, as well as taking the time to wave and smile to the choir and the organists. 
>>I felt overwhelmingly happy while singing "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" (will be posted HERE soon) as the last song at the Sunday morning session. That song never disappoints. I just always pray while singing it that I won't cry too much (because that would cause a very running nose and a froggy throat--neither of which are conducive to singing!). 
>>I saw groups of choir members chatting during the breaks--smiling, laughing, and enjoying one another's company. In the choir loft, quiet talking before the sessions or rehearsals centered around various aspects of the music, how fortunate people felt to be there participating, funny mishaps from past conferences, and inquiries about things going on in each other's lives. 
>>I saw Nathan Wright. And I felt sad that this conference marked the end of his choir journey that started back in 1998. I gave him a big hug afterwards and wished him good luck in his future endeavors.
>>I felt grateful for a few particular friends in the choir, who's hugs, smiles, words of encouragement, fist-bumps after nailing a song, and excellent musicianship are soooo appreciated.
>>I felt pleased when our directors Mack and Ryan told us how happy they were with all of the work we put into conference and how well all the songs went. 
>>I felt grateful to dedicate the song "More Holiness Give Me" to my wife. Every conference, I dedicate one song to her (which mostly just means I think of her while I sing it--and she knows I'm thinking of her) and this time, since her yearlong goal for 2019 was have more holiness in every part of her life, she chose that one. Which of course fit perfectly.
>>I felt grateful, too, as I just sat there for a few minutes and looked out at the 21,000+ individuals who were seated in the Conference Center. As they eagerly awaited instruction on how they could improve their lives, I thought how amazing it is that there are so many people in this world, and each one is someone who God loves and treasures.  
>>Lastly, I felt eager to be more loving, kind, and supportive to everyone around me. 

My hope is that I can do just that. 

Until next time, God be with you. 

Hanging out with good friends at lunch!

 

TCATS #299 - Kind

Sometimes it's difficult to be kind.
I'd like to think I'm generally a very kind person. And I think I am. At least, that's what people say about me. But I've come to realize that often there's an adverb attached to my version of kind that I'm not so proud of. 

Selectively.

There were a few things that happened both at Thursday's rehearsal and Sunday's broadcast that caused me to think very critically of some individuals. There were even other people around me that felt the same way. And when you hear of people agreeing with you, there's a sense of justification that creeps in which seems to make it all OK. I mean, if so many people think a certain way, and I think that same way, then my opinions and feelings have been validated and I should just move on.

(Incidentally, I realized with some irony, that the Spoken Word today was on....you guessed it. KINDNESS. How's that for a slap in the face! God certainly must have a sense of humor.)

At any rate, I'm still working through these "justifiable" unkind feelings and I realize that such a process can take time. But I think going through the process is worth it. After all, harboring unkind feelings does absolutely nothing for the individuals who are at the center of the unkindness. They have NO IDEA I'm thinking those things. But I know. And those feelings do nothing but hurt me. So I will work to resolve because it's the right thing to do.

There was one pretty cool thing that happened today. One of my best friends in the choir, Ryan Bateman, usually sits about three or four rows behind me. Which means that we never sit together for anything. What's interesting is that I used to sit next to him all the time back during my first couple of years when I was on those farther-to-the-back rows. But then I was moved down and our sitting next to each other days were over. Today, though, due to various people missing and the way things worked out, Ryan got to sit right next to me. 

It was a happy day. 

Ryan leaves the choir soon. We're the same age, but he's been in for 20 years--having started his choir journey quite young. So I'm glad we had a little reunion today and in all reality, it will probably be the last. 

But we'll be optimistic. :)

Until next time, God be with you.

Ryan and Ryan

Singing "How Excellent Thy Name" today

 

TCATS #298 - Choir & Orchestra Record....the Avengers?

Once or twice a year, the choir and orchestra go through the process of recording songs that will eventually make their way to something official like a CD or a digital track you'd find on Spotify. In all reality, we record each week as we do Music & the Spoken Word! That program gets sent over the airwaves (TV/Radio) and over the internet for thousands to listen to. But, this particular type of recording I'm talking about is very different. Different because it takes A LONG TIME. Long as in about 90 min for just one 4-minute song. 

Yep. Grueling. 

Full of patience and even more patience. 

BUT, the reward of course, is listening to it later when the editing team has done it's thing and it's as near perfect as we can make it. 

This week on Tuesday and Thursday, we got to record some songs from movie soundtracks---which is a huge change of genre from what we normally record. I can't tell you all of the songs that will be on the forthcoming album (I actually don't know them all yet), but since the public listened to us practice a few tracks for this recording two Thursdays ago, I assume it's safe to say what those tracks were. One was from Prince of Egypt called "Will You Believe". One was from Frozen, called "Eatnemen Vuelie". And the other was a medley from The Avengers!

Regarding that latter song, all I've got to say is WOW. Sure, the choir had lots of ooooing and awwwwing and ohhhhing. But the orchestra stole the show! They did an incredible job playing their part in having this medley come to life. It sounded like were in the middle of the movie with the various avengers doing what they do: saving the planet from the bad guys. 

I have really loved various (more traditional) songs we've recorded in the past. Their inherent spiritual power and message are soul-stirring and emotionally impacting. In fact, some of my greatest moments in the choir have been singing those songs. But doing this Avengers piece was just really unique and exciting and... FUN. After it was over, our private choir Facebook group just filled up with comment after comment about how great it was and how much everyone just loved listening to the orchestra knock it out of the ball park.

Speaking of fun, I had to laugh at some of the choir members who showed up Thursday night with some, shall we say, modified attire. Two baritones a few rows down from me had signs on their backs--one labeling himself as "THOR", the other as "DR. STRANGE". Haha!  

Anyway, it was quite the week. 
Now to turn our attention to upcoming Conference, followed by the Christmas Concert.  

Until next time, God be with you.

Singing "Let Us All Press On" today

 

TCATS #297 - How It Was

I thought that instead of highlighting a certain theme or focusing on one aspect of my Tabernacle Choir journey this week, I'd just tell you how it was. Sound OK? 

Thursday night we returned to the Tabernacle after a summer-long hiatus over in the Conference Center. It was nice to be back, honestly. While I enjoy the nicer temperatures over at the Conference Center, I much prefer the Tabernacle mostly because I feel more connected to the people who come and listen to us sing. They are closer to me--I can see their faces. I can also get a better sense of the feelings they're having as they (hopefully) internalize the message we're so hoping they receive.

The rehearsal itself was pretty normal. We started with a heartfelt prayer offered by a choir member, and then Mack took us through each of the songs we were singing on Sunday, one by one, stopping here and there to correct us. We tapped, we penciled in corrections and important things to remember, and we tried to be patient with each other and the process. Mack turned around to those who had come to watch us around 8:15 and welcomed them, inviting them to come back Sunday morning to watch the performance of Music & the Spoken Word. At that point, the Orchestra left the stage to go home and the choir members remained for another 75 minutes to start work on some pieces we're recording next week: When You Believe (from the Prince of Egypt soundtrack); and The Avengers (obviously from The Avengers movie soundtrack). The former is one of my favorites and the latter was simply fun to sing (no words--just lots of ooohing and oooing and ahhhing). 

Our carpool left fairly quickly after rehearsal was over and we enjoyed talking about the night and several other topics as we headed home.

This morning, Willy and I drove in together talking about the events of each others' weekend, and once arrived, we changed our clothes, got our music, and headed up to the loft to get ready for rehearsal. Along the way we said hello to fellow choir members and spent what little time we had before things started, looking at the pieces that were to be memorized for today. I was most worried about the 2nd verse of I Sing the Mighty Power of God just because the lyrics just weren't gelling in my head. It was nice to know I wasn't the only one as Willy was having the same issue, and Dave, sitting next to me, was also struggling. It's a strange thing going into a worldwide broadcast knowing that the potential for messing up the words is a real thing. And the poor tenors and basses on the front row--they are probably even more concerned because those operating the cameras often come right up to them for a very personal close-up! 

We rehearsed for about an hour after no announcements today and an opening prayer. It went pretty smoothly I'd say. So much so that Mack was ready for the run through a whole ten minutes early. So he informed the "people behind the scenes" and they prepped for an early run through--just as people started pouring into the Tabernacle. 

I enjoyed the run through and was able to get the words OK. (Now if I could just get them in the live broadcast!) While not on camera, my eyes occasionally wandered to those coming in and once again, I was grateful to see their faces. During the break, I enjoyed some conversation with Mark and Ryan and Jason, as we discussed everything from marathons to marriage to chocolate. We then got in line to get some shine killer applied to our foreheads and faces, after which we made a trip to the bathroom and then back up to the loft to do some last minute reviewing of the 2nd verse. As I looked at the audience again, I was amazed at how full the Tabernacle had become. There really was hardly a seat left.  

As the broadcast began, my eyes locked with one of the camera techs who was sitting behind a banister in front of me, and he smiled as if to say "Here we go again!" I smiled back and then my eyes focused on Mack and my task at hand. There was lots of good music today, but my favorite piece was Love Divine, All Loves Excelling--which fortunately, we get to sing at Conference in a few weeks. Hooray! As we ended with that song (oh wait! I forgot to mention that I was able to recall the 2nd verse to that one song!), we sang one last number to the audience (God Be With You) and then sat down, feeling grateful for another opportunity we had had to sing our testimonies. With only a few minutes break, Mack got us started on our extra rehearsal today (75 minutes) in the which we again prepped for our recording session next week. This time I recorded the songs on my phone for a fellow choir member who has been gone--which I plan to send to him later today. Hopefully they will help him get ready for next Tuesday when the recording session will commence. 

There you have it. A day in the life....

Until next time, God be with you.

TCATS #296 - Happy Birthday Pres. Nelson!

President Russell M. Nelson knows how to do a birthday right!

The choir and orchestra spent Wednesday night and Thursday night prepping for the festivities, with the actual Birthday Celebration being live-broadcast Friday evening. You can read official news reports of this grand event HERE, HERE, and HERE. My "personal observation" report is below and includes the top six reasons why this was one of my favorite concerts to-date.

Ready? 
Here we go...

6. The concert was one-night only. And it was being broadcast live. All of which meant we needed to do our best and only had one chance to do so. Pressure on!

5. The songs themselves were all ones I really loved both musically and lyrically. It's rare when that happens--so I felt especially excited to perform and put my whole heart and soul into it.

4. It was interesting to see the four guest artists rehearse and prepare. Watching them in this way is always an opportunity for the choir and orchestra to kind of get a glimpse into their personality. I find myself surprised sometimes, when I see how easy-going some are, and how perfectionistically demanding others are. How some are so warm and just want to share their love through hugs, and how others work to maintain professional boundaries.

3.  The person we were honoring was, no doubt, worthy of every accolade. President Nelson is an incredible man who has done so much good in the world on so many different levels. And even though the focus was on him, and singing songs that were his favorites, everything tied back to Christ or attributes of Christ that President Nelson exemplifies and that we should work to exemplify as well.

2. Seeing President Eyring react to the rousing upbeat number that The Bonner Family performed. He was leaning out of his chair so far that I was afraid he'd topple out at any moment! His face had the biggest smile on it, and his whole body was just moving to the beat. I half-joked after the concert to my bass buddies that maybe we'd get more such music in our local congregations! Haha. Nice thought, but probably not.

1.  The song Let Us All Press On (arranged by Richard Elliott). As mentioned, I loved all of the songs on the program, but this one, which we ended with--well, there was just something about it. I felt very "spiritually tingly" throughout the whole number--and especially at the end as we all swelled in volume and emotion: "As we do what's right, we have no need to fear! For the Lord, our Helper, will ever be near. In the days of trial, His Saints He will cheer and prosper the cause of truth!"

If you missed the event, you can watch it HERE.

Until next time, God be with you. 

The Bonner Family, singing their Hallelujah Prophet Medley

Nathan Pacheco and Donnie Osmond after singing "The Prayer"

Jenny Oaks Baker and Family Four, performing a Sound of Music Medley

Gentri performing Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

The basses singing Let Us All Press On

 

Pres Nelson thanking everyone