Today's broadcast was probably my 400th+ broadcast of all time and sometimes (as you might imagine) I just like to find unique or interesting aspects of my weekly experience. The songs we sang today were fairly typical ones, but if I had to assign a percentage to each of the songs (indicating how often the basses actually sang), it would look like this:
Standing on the Promises (85%)
I Know That My Savior Loves Me (20%)
Dearest Children, God is Near You (10%)
Down to the River (60%)
As I Have Loved You (25%)
Press Forward Saints (100%)
As you can see, we started strong, ended stronger, but had a fairly limited "middle"!
Being a bass is interesting. We rarely get the melody, several songs are full of repeated lines, we can never sing high enough (just ask Ryan Murphy in particular, haha), and we're often told to sing less or sing so we can be "felt but not heard." It's sometimes a thankless job, but someone's got to do it! Every so often we have those moments when we get to shine in all our "lower glory". I guess being a bass is a lot like life, actually: full of routines, supporting others, being content, and only occasionally enjoying those moments full of joy and splendor.
During the break today, Wes and Patrick and I talked about the two options we get to pick from in regards to activities in the Philippines. One option is to tour Corrigidor Island (WWII related), and the other is to enjoy Pico de Loro beach. Pros and cons to each, but we decided to go with the beach. Amidst our concerts, rehearsals, and service activities, it'll be nice to have a little downtime.
One other choir-related thing that was kind of fun. So my good friend Ryan was in the Choir for 21+ years, having been released just a couple of years ago. At the time of his release, he emailed me a letter that he wanted me to print off and give to the new choir member who would be inheriting his choir number (B077). Sadly, none of the new folks coming in were given that number. So it's just been sitting inactive for quite a while now. That all changed, though, when this recent round of newbies started their Choir journey in 2024. Working in the library, I noticed that B077 had finally been assigned! And just as soon as this guy completes Choir School and actually joins the Tabernacle Choir (in April), I'll have the letter right ready to give to him.
To end today's post, I wanted to share one portion of that yet-to-be-delivered letter as I think it embodies the Choir experience really well:
"You will sit by many other basses. It can sometimes be hard to get acquainted
with others, but it’s worth it. The choir is full of people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Some of them will become dear friends. Some of them will need support and encouragement. Some of them might have a unique way of lifting and strengthening you. As we sing together, the Spirit often works miracles in conveying the message to the hearts of those listening. Most of the impact you will never know, but don’t forget that it is so very real. More often, you’ll be the one impacted. Enjoy this great blessing and never take choir membership for granted."
Until next time, God be with you.
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| From today's broadcast, 1/14/24. |
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