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.
It was a busy week for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square as we prepared for our Pioneer Day Summer Celebration of Song Concert on Friday and Saturday of this past week. We met Tuesday evening to rehearse and then again on Thursday. Thursday our guest artist Santino Fantana was there and it was fun to see how all of the songs we've been rehearsing were coming together with him added into the program. What's funny though, is we never once went through the entire program from beginning to end so when we sang the first concert on Friday night, it almost felt like a glorified dress rehearsal :) Such is how it goes with the Choir I've come to find out. It all works out in the end, but sometimes you just never know how it will!
All that said, it was a very fun concert. The conference center's 21,000 seats were almost all filled both nights and the audience seemed to really love Santino. Our local newspapers gave glowing reviews (see HERE and HERE) and you can actually watch the concert on YouTube (at least for now) here. I almost think that the organ and orchestra number stole the show (the crowd went wild and they were instantly to their feet following its conclusion). I tried thinking of my favorite song from a singer's perspective and had a difficult time. I
truly liked them all for different reasons. Some were spiritually moving. Some were just plain fun. And some brought back memories of musicals I've been in or attended. The last song we sang was a "Happy" medley which was a combination of songs that speak of happiness and it was not only a crowd pleaser but one that I'm glad we ended on since the message of happiness is what the gospel of Jesus Christ is all about. To end this week's post, I just wanted to express thanks for a few things related to this past weekend.
was grateful for my fellow basses surrounding me and keeping me on the right notes (particularly on all of the jumps in the pioneer songs).
I made a couple of new friends and that it always a cause for celebration (aren't relationships one of the most treasured things we have?)
was grateful for a teleprompter to remind me from time to time what the lyrics to songs were. I'm not sure all of the reasons why we had one in the first place, and I quickly realized it's only useful to occasionally look at them (when I looked at them too much, my brain seemed to go on autopilot)
was grateful seeing the audience members so happy and excited to be at the concerts. Their applause and smiles and enthusiasm make all this worth it 100 times over
was grateful for the pioneers themselves which is why we had the concert in the first place. While I'm grateful for their sacrifice, I also realize we're all pioneers in some respect, "forging onward ever onward."
was VERY grateful for the song we sang at the end of Music & the Spoken Word today (which was also dedicated to pioneers). The song was Redeemer of Israel (Mack Wilberg version) and there are two reasons why this song means to much to me. First, I just really feel the spirit when I sing it. I get teary eyed every time. They lyrics are powerful and they seem to perfectly combine with the music to just penetrate your heart. Second, it was one of the last songs I sang with the BYU Concert Choir back in 1997 when Mack Wilberg was the director. I remember thinking that it very well might be the last time I get to sing that song in a professional choir setting. It left a hole in my heart. But today, there I was, singing it again and I felt absolutely grateful for the incredible blessing of being in this choir.
