MTC Week #50 - Santino Fontana & the Muppets!

Wow. I'm not sure I'll be able to adequately describe how great of an experience these last four days have been (and actually, the last six). I feel so blessed to have been a part of the 2014 Christmas Concert featuring Santino Fontana and the Sesame Street Muppets. In keeping with concert tradition, I'll record my thoughts and feelings via "Top 10" style. But overall, it was an amazing experience. And before I start with the Top 10, I want to thank my wife and children for being without a dad and husband for a lot of hours during the past couple of months. I appreciate all they did to keep things moving along on the home front!

The Top 10 of What Made the Concert Amazing? (in no particular order)

10. Seeing how it all came together. As a choir, we had practiced our songs for months but were never sure of how those songs would fit into the overall production of the concert. On Tuesday though, as we came together for the first rehearsal with everyone involved, we witnessed the wonder the concert was going to give to all who would see and hear it. Whether it was the playful and fun dialogue from the Muppets or excellent solos from Santino, or the dancers adding movement and flair, or the incredible organ solo, I was in awe at how all of the individual pieces came together to create such a magical program.

9. Watching the puppeteers bring Elmo, Bert, Ernie, Big Bird, Grover, and the rest of the muppets to life. At first I thought that the "magic" would be ruined a bit by seeing what went on behind the scenes. But it was nothing short of incredible to see how these puppeteers put their whole heart and soul into these beloved monsters who have given us all lessons of kindness, love, and respect over the past many years.

8. Hearing comments made from other choir members. Everyone seemed to

have their favorite moments that inspired them or brought them joy. And hearing them talk about them not only gave me some great insights but made me feel all the more grateful. It was great, too, to stand next to a treasured friend as well as hear all of the commentary coming from my fellow basses occupying the top corner!

7. Having the younger kids recognized. This year those as young as 5 were allowed to come to the concerts and Santino took several opportunities during the concert to involve the kids and let them know how special they were. I'm positive that most of them won't forget it.

6. Getting to spend time with choir members. We were with each other A LOT this past week. And while most of that time was rehearsing, we did have some down time to mingle. I had some important, meaningful conversations with some and I was grateful for those opportunities. 

5. Hearing funny portions of dialogue that the muppets gave:
Bert: (upon being asked if he was ready to sing) "No, no, no, SantiNO."
Cookie: (talking about not having cookies) "Tis a disaster of epic proportions!"
Count: (during 12 days of Christmas) "Enough with the birds already!"
Grover: (after realizing they were all late to the concert) "When we go out, just act na-tur-al."
Big Bird: (after being asked if he needed any conducting tips) "no, that's OK. I'll just wing it."
Elmo: (wanting to hear the choir sing) "Please Santino, please, please, please, please..." [while moving around in various begging poses]

4. Looking down at the puppeteers who played Abby and Rosita near the end of one of our choir numbers testifying of Christ. They just had such a thankful expression on their faces--as if they were saying "We're so grateful to be here."

3. Hearing some of the puppeteers in the hallway backstage talk about their experience while being here in Salt Lake. They mentioned how much they had enjoyed it, how they had really been taken care of, and how they loved doing this concert.

2.  Hearing our Choir President say to the choir (paraphrasing) "You know, some people ask me if I ever miss singing in the choir. And usually I say 'no', I had my time and I've moved on and it's OK. But for this concert (getting emotional), you all have the best seats in the house."

1. Looking upon the faces of our guests at the very end of the last concert on Sunday. We had them all turn to face the choir, and then we sang to them "God Be With You Till We Meet Again". The Spirit was very strong and I noticed several of them wipe a few tears from their eyes. I know that they'll never forget this experience. Not only because it was fun and refreshing and it had a wonderful Christmas theme, etc. etc. But because they felt the love we had for them, the prayers that had been offered on their behalf, and felt the truth of this great work our Church is proclaiming to the world: that Christ lives, and He loves every one of us.

Until next time, God be with you!

PS: Some video/pic links here.

MTC Week #40 - 184th Semi-Annual General Conference

I was grateful to be a part of conference this weekend. The Choir worked hard to perfect nearly every note sung and our conductors were pleased with the result. Aside from the technical aspects of how we sounded, there were many songs that really did touch my heart and inspire me to be a better person. I hope that those who listened around the world felt the same way.

There's much I could say about this event but I thought I'd do a "top ten" to mark this event.

I enjoyed...

10) rehearsing in the Conference Center when all the 22,000 seats were empty and then seeing all of those seats get filled up with anxious individuals ready to listen to the prophet speak (and us sing of course)

9) sitting at the end of the 2nd to the top row (in the corner) which allowed me to peer over the edge and watch the prophet and the apostles enter and leave the podium area (and see them wave to the audience--including younger kids whose faces showed light and happiness)

8) munching on some snacks being passed around the bass section while we were listening to the speakers and waiting to sing (thanks to whoever provided the stay-alert goodies :)

7) getting to talk to fellow choir members during the breaks (since, as I've mentioned before, some opportunities are fairly rare)

6) seeing all of the MANY people who contributed the conference experience. There were hundreds of volunteers doing everything from ushering, setting up teleprompters, cleaning the seats, doing the floral arrangements, coordinating the broadcasting aspects, feeding us lunch between sessions, and, well, I'm sure I've just scratched the surface.

5) having bathrooms nearby (this may sound funny, but until just recently, the nearest bathrooms for the men were 5 min away)

4) walking right past David Archuleta, who must have been back stage to be escorted to some place where he could enjoy conference without getting accosted (I should have told him thanks for his latest song but I was so taken back by him actually being there, I was at a loss for words)

3) hearing all of the speakers give their messages (and, in particular, those who delivered them in their native tongue)

2) singing so many wonderful songs. Some of the ones I enjoyed the most were "Praise to the Man", "Softly and Tenderly", "How Firm a Foundation", and "Lo, the Mighty God Appearing". 

1) feeling inspired, warm, comforted, and wanting to follow the counsel given by modern day prophets and apostles. Also, having a prayer in my heart for those I know need particular peace and guidance in their lives.

Until next time, God be with you! (and enjoy some pics below)

Conference Center - Empty

Conference Center - Full

The basses in the corner section.

Bass Section