Four times a year, the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square performs patriotic music, and today was the first of those four for 2019. President's Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day. There wasn't anything too unique about today's "President's Day Special", but it was both fun and encouraging to sing about the United States on an ideal level, and those people who have played a part in what this nation stands for. One of those people was featured on the Spoken Word portion of the program--George Washington. Here are a few sentences from his tribute:
"...more important than all of this is the imprint he left on the lives of the people who knew him—and, indirectly, on every American ever since. He was deeply respected for his unique combination of ability and humility. And in turn, he showed deep respect for others—especially those who stood by his side and fought for freedom in perilous conditions. The idea that General Washington would stop to help men build a bridge is perfectly believable because that’s the kind of person he was. The poetic words written for his eulogy in 1799 are just as true today as they were then: he was “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.” "
During the break between rehearsal and performing this morning, a few of us were going over the lyrics to John Williams' majestic piece "America, the Dream Goes On"--a song which was on the program. There are places in that song where the lyrics just move right along, so we were trying to memorize them a little bit. One person chimed in with parts of the song he liked--particularly the snare drum and how it sort of creates a picture in your mind of galloping on a horse. One person mentioned how he liked the lyric that talks about a song being sung in places where "you'd think there'd be no song at all." One mentioned how the song HAD TO BE tied to some patriotic movie (I mean, we are talking about the master movie soundtrack composer, John Williams!) At any rate, these are the types of fun discussions we have backstage--along with non-music related topics of course.
Before rehearsal today, the birthday committee announced to everyone that it was Mack Wilberg's birthday this coming Wednesday. We all stood and applauded while Mack quickly left the stage. He doesn't like such attention. But we're definitely grateful for all he does for the Choir organization. So happy 64th birthday Mack!
That's about the scoop of it today. We're releasing a new CD in about four weeks and I'm especially happy to be a part of this one. Check it out HERE.
Until next time, God be with you.
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