TCATS #464 - A Tidbit or Two.

I don't have too much to report on today even though it's been a few weeks since I last posted. General Conference, as well as the Easter-themed Music & the Spoken Word, have both come and gone and we're now looking ahead to our tour to Mexico City in June. While it's not been announced yet exactly what songs will comprise our tour repertoire, I suspect we'll be singing many of the same songs that were performed on previous tours. The two songs I know for sure will be included are the ones with movement: Ah El Novio!, and Betelehemu. Mack gave us directions on Thursday night to look over these two numbers so that we could start rehearsing them this coming week. I'll need to take some time to do that since the last time I performed those was in 2018. Along with those two songs, I'm sure we'll also include as many Spanish songs as we can (we have two learned, and perhaps a couple of others might be on their way). 

While I didn't stay for much of the "Release Program" today (the program each April where we say farewell to those leaving the Choir), I do have a few thoughts to share about this prevailing tradition. 

It struck me the other day as I was thinking about it that it's a bit odd that we have this tradition in the first place. There is no other calling in the entire Church that is attached to such a grand farewell. Cameras today were taking snapshots of each of the individuals within this "release group"; video cameras were focusing in on them as they sang their last Music & the Spoken Word; they were recognized by Lloyd Newell after the MSW program had concluded which generated about 30 seconds of clapping and a standing ovation; they were spotlighted in this Release Program following MSW in which those attending watched a short video of each of the releasees--videos that included thoughts and experiences about their choir experience overall; and they were given a plaque at the end of the program along with a photo shoot opportunity.  

I think about the Relief Society president who labors for years loving and serving and sacrificing for the sisters in her ward; I think of the teachers who prepare lessons every week, praying and pondering on their materials and delivering it to the members; I think of the bishop of a ward who serves for 4-6 years carrying such a heavy load as he cares for hundreds of people and their spiritual and temporal needs; I think of the stake president who usually serves upwards of 9 years, overseeing the thousands of people in his stake. And heck, let's not forget the nursery workers who are probably the real stars of the show! My point is, the only recognition these folks get at the end of their service is contained in the momentary act of members raising their hands to signify a "job well done!". That's it. 

So why should choir members receive so much more? 

It just doesn't make sense. At least to me. 

Ah well. A lot of things lately don't make sense. 

And until they do (or until next week), God be with you.

PS: my favorite song today that brought me a measure of much needed peace was "Hear Him". It's one of the things I'm trying to do better at it--hearing God, recognizing when He speaks to me, and understanding how best to move forward with personal revelation. You're invited to listen to that song yourself and receive. . .