TCATS #473 - Craig Jessop

Today's Choir experience was unique in three ways.

First, because of M. Russell Ballard's funeral on Friday, the stage area in the Tabernacle was transformed into more of a hierarchical podium which resulted in absolutely no room for the orchestra. As such, the songs we sang this week were accompanied by the organ (kudos to the organists who quickly adjusted and were able to make this work at a moment's notice!). 

Second, as luck would have it, I woke up this morning and my right front tooth's veneer had broken off. Which left me with just half a tooth! Let me tell you how excited I was to smile today--not! I think I was able to hide it fairly well but conversation with others was awkward as I tried not to say very much--and singing itself was challenging too because I wanted to keep my upper lip from going up too high on my face thus exposing my half tooth. Ug. I suppose the only good thing about it was that I became very grateful (very quickly) for teeth that look normal and realized how much confidence is tied to the ability to make facial expressions as needed without being embarrassed. 

Third, and most important, was that we had a guest conductor today, Brother Craig Jessop. Craig was the conductor of the Tabernacle Choir from 1999 to 2008. It was delight to be conducted by him today. He's a very kind and loving person who cares passionately about the music, but even more passionately about the people singing the music. He just seriously radiated love. At rehearsal Thursday night, he took some time to speak of his time as conductor and why he specifically chose the songs that we performed, today. During our rehearsal this morning, Mack shared his love of Craig and named a few significant things Craig did to help further the mission of the Choir during his tenure. He said that Dr. Jessop was a man of vision with talents to implement his visions which helped shape the Choir into what it is today. Anyway, I was very much uplifted by the whole experience (despite being self-conscious of my tooth issues). 

Craig Jessop

Our learning of Christmas music is in full-swing! As is the case every year, we have SO many pieces to become familiar with. This coming Sunday, we'll start work on a processional that will be part of the concert (I won't say more so as to keep the details a surprise). Learning that will take considerable time so we've been asked to spend as much outside time as possible learning the pieces and even memorizing the words to some since we won't always have access to the teleprompters.  Of course my favorite day in all of this preparation is the Tuesday and Wednesday of the actual concert week when we finally see all the parts and pieces come together. It's all very magical and a highlight of my overall Christmas experience.

Until next time, may God be with you.
 

While singing "Did You Think to Pray"