As you've undoubtedly heard, the Tabernacle Choir organization has finally released details as to when the Choir will return to both sing and perform. The official date is August 26th, with the first live performance of Music & the Spoken Word to be September 19th. Some have asked "why August 26th? Why not sooner?" While I'm not sure I know the official answer to that question, it probably has something to do with family vacations. The Choir is always at its lowest numbers during the summer as members take time to spend with family, so I think the leadership just thought it'd be best to wait until summer is nearly over.
Between now and August 26th though, we've been given some specific marching orders! We're to memorize, memorize, and memorize some more. I've commented on the advantages of memorizing music several times on this blog. Namely it helps keep our eyes looking forward so that those watching can look into them (one of Mack's famous sayings is "people listen with their eyes"). It also helps us focus on what we're singing about, more. At any rate, one of Mack Wilberg's goals is to have us all know more songs by heart. So for the next six weeks, we've been given a list of songs that we'll be singing between now and the end of the year (and beyond) and we're to do our best in getting them memorized.
So what do I think about finally going back?
Well, I'm excited, of course. This pause has been very long and difficult.
That said, it won't exactly be EASY to go back. Knowing how busy the Choir usually is, it will take some time to readjust to that rigorous schedule. We've got to get our voices back in shape, we have lots to memorize already, we have General Conference to prep for, and then if all goes as planned, we have a Christmas Concert to prepare for as well (not to mention our standard weekly broadcasts).
And then there's the social aspect of it all. I've come to realize that one of the reasons I used to look forward to Choir every week was because I got to see, talk with, and interact with a few key people. Sure, interacting with everyone around me was nice too, and I really enjoyed the actual singing of songs and what that did for my spirituality, but a key highlight was my interaction with a few core friends. I've decided, however, I don't really want to take that approach anymore. And I feel like I'm ready not to. I want to go to rehearsals and performances with more of a missionary mindset. I want to just enjoy whoever I'm around and get to sing next to. I want to be saturated with the beauty of the music and become a better person because of it--while all the time helping audience members connect with it too. I want to be more confident in who I am and find an optimal balance in the amount of strength and friendship I draw from those around me. I want a harmonious balance. And most of all, I want it all to both add-to, and enhance, my inner peace.
Because isn't living with peace (and helping others achieve it) what it's all about anyway?
Until next time, God be with you.
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