On Thursday of this past week, Choir members received an email asking them to please join an online meeting that would take place Friday morning at 10:30. There was no mention about what the meeting would be about. As such, some speculation began to be passed around as to the meeting's topic. Some of that speculation was positive and optimistic and included things like being invited to sing at some special event, getting a preview on how the Christmas Concert would be, or having the orchestra be able to join us finally for general conference. On the negative side, many of us were dreading the news that our return to the Tabernacle would again be delayed because of Delta variant concerns. And honestly, the more I thought about it all, the more I convinced myself that such devastating news would probably be what we'd end up hearing. I became very sad.
I logged into the meeting at 10:25 and watched a rerun of a General Conference performance as I waited. I also began bracing myself for the announcement.
The meeting began with some opening comments from President Jarrett and a prayer. After which the time was turned over to Bishop Caussé. It didn't take too long for Bishop Caussé to let us all know that the First Presidency of the Church had extended a loving release to President Jarrett and had also extended a call to Mike and Jacalyn Leavitt to serve as co-presidents of the Choir. Additionally, for the first time, President Leavitt would have two counselors to assist him in administratively leading the Choir.
I let out a huge sigh of relief. The date to return and sing was still in place.
As for my thoughts on the announcement, I first thought about my interactions with President Jarrett and how positive they had always been. Having previously been a choir member himself, President Jarrett was able to lead the choir with that invaluable background and employed many other leadership skills and styles to do a remarkable job. He will be missed. I must say though, I'm extra sad that his last year in the Choir had to be devoid of the normal choir experience. 
Mike Leavitt
I don't have too many thoughts/reactions about who will now be leading us. But I have no doubt the Leavitt's will do a great job. And who knows? Maybe with this change the Leavitt's will shake things up a bit--instigate some adjustments and will help lead the 
Jacalyn Leavitt
Choir to new and notable accomplishments.
As a side note, I continued my memorizing efforts this past week. Out of the 20 songs on the list, I have about six left. Some of the ones I just barely memorized will need to be reviewed every few days or so, until the memorization becomes "complete". But it feels good to be making headway. And it feels good to sing these songs again.
Lastly, I continue to pray that the surge in Delta variant cases will subside and the August 26th date of return to rehearsals, will hold. Our weekly newsletter expressed the possibility of a delay so I don't think we're out of the woods just yet. All we can do is watch and see. As can be said about anything, really, it's in God's hands.
Until next time, God be with you.
PS: HERE'S a great article recounting some of President Jarrett's most memorable experiences during his time as President of the Choir.
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