TCATS #318 - Back to the Tab

After what seemed like a long time, the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra returned to the Tabernacle this week and will remain there until the summer time. It was good to be back. Yes, the benches are less comfortable for people to sit on. Yes, there are less seats in general. And yes, there's an adjustment period for both the choir and the orchestra (it's a much different experience to sing/play in the Tabernacle because of its acoustic properties). BUT, we are closer to our audience and our audience is closer to us--and in my opinion, that alone is worth any of the downsides.

The poor tenors had the hardest time adjusting as we all convened for our rehearsal Thursday night. I felt sad for them as they kept being asked to sing higher, sing with better vowels, and to sing with the rest of the choir. The sopranos had their moments too. Altos and basses won the award for the evening, though of course we weren't perfect. At any rate, it was good to be back and I felt that grateful feeling creep back into my heart for being able to be part of this musical missionary organization. 

After the broadcast today (which included singing one of my favorites), we had an extra rehearsal to prepare for both the upcoming Easter Concert (Handel's Messiah) and our performance at the ACDA convention. The latter will include some new pieces we're working on, and that makes me excited. Particularly a new spiritual, as arranged by Ryan Murphy. Extra rehearsals will continue for the foreseeable future as we get everything ready for those two events, and then turn our attention to Conference music, a special Restoration Concert, and then music for the 2020 tour. So much going on!

Until next time, God be with you.

[From our YouTube audience today]