MTC Week #57 - Connecting with Emotion

The Giver: Just like music, there's something else you can't see with your eyes. Something that's deep inside you:  emotions.
Jonas: You mean, like "feelings"?

The Giver: Feelings are just fleeting--on the surface. But emotions, they are very deep. Primal. They linger. Jonas, you might not understand where you are or what is happening, but don't think about what you are seeing. Listen. Listen to what's calling inside!

(from the 2014 film, THE GIVER)

An interesting aspect of our humanity is how we influence others and let others influence us--through emotions. Such emotions find their way to the surface in various ways--through conversation, through experiences, through anticipation, and through various modes of expression, such as music.

Choir this past week was full of connecting with that emotion.

At Chorale every Tuesday, after we have been rehearsing for awhile, Ryan

Murphy pauses for 5 minutes for what is called "Joys and Concerns". This is a time when choir members can share joys they've experienced or concerns/trials they are having. Personally, I must admit that I found this weekly ritual both interesting and perplexing. I kept thinking "We all know probably less than 10% of the people in this room. So why would anyone want to open up and risk sharing personal feelings?" After awhile however, I gained respect for what this ritual was trying to accomplish and for the people who chose to participate each week. 

Individuals stood up and told of sons or daughter getting called on missions; of anniversaries being celebrated; of those who were just diagnosed with cancer or other life-threatening diseases and needed prayers; of getting promotions at work. There were the funny joys of having a car heater finally fixed so journeying to the Tabernacle each week could be more enjoyable. And there were some very open concerns shared--one who shared it was his goal to lose weight, or one hoping to conceive after years of not. As I listened and connected with the emotions being expressed, I realized the importance of "Joys and Concerns": such sharing helps us connect with others and helps us love them. Which in turn helps unite us as missionary choir members. 

And as human beings.
===============

Emotions seem to be running high with ACDA on the near horizon. Our beloved directors are, shall I say, a little stressed out. And understandably so. (For all of you who may not appreciate what performing at ACDA is all about, it's like having all of the best football coaches come together to watch YOU play with reporters ready to call out your best--or not so best--plays). As they strive to help us sing the very best we can sing, we as choir members are faced with the continual opportunity to connect with that emotion being expressed and let it work within us for our good. In so doing, our hard work will lead to musical excellence and a feeling of confidence as we perform at these ACDA concerts. More importantly, we'll be prepared to change lives and influence those who listen. They'll connect with us, and us with them.
===============

Speaking of emotions, I did want to make mention of one of the pieces we sang today. It has a rather plain title: "Psalm 148". Most of those who are familiar with Christian music would recognize it's tune as "All Creatures of Our God and King". But there's just something about the notes and the arrangement and the words (which, by the way, don't follow the lyrics of "All Creatures..."). This piece is heavenly and wonderful and very much worth connecting to emotionally. As the last note is sung and Bro. Wilberg motions for us to cut off, the notes we had been singing just reverberate through the Tabernacle. It's simply amazing. 


Until next time, God be with you!

Singing "Psalm 148".

MTC Week #56 - Twists, Turns & Patterns

Putting on your Sherlock Holmes investigative gear, what do these five things I experienced in the last few days have in common?
1) watching Thomas lead his fellow teenagers out of a maze in "Maze Runner"
2) seeing a soccer ball go back and forth, this way and that way
3) memorizing music
4) a Jenkin Lloyd Jones quote, used by President Gordon B. Hinckley
5) finding out the company I'm employed at is having a layoffs soon

Those of you who are fairly bright and pick up on clues left for you (like reading the title of this blog), would conclude that all of these things relate to twists, turns, and patterns. Life seems to be full of these. It's truly ironic that as we try and stay on the "strait and narrow" path, the more twisty life sometimes becomes. The irony doesn't stop there though. In order to stay on the strait and narrow, we need the twists and turns. As we adhere to promises that are sure, gospel principles that don't change, and Christ who forged the strait path Himself, we'll navigate the twisty turns and find patterns that enable us to continue moving forward.

From #1, I learned that we can't give up. We need to face our fears, sometimes leave our comfort zones, and notice patterns of truth to help set us free.
From #2, I learned that what might be conceived as random "kicks and passes" may very well be patterns leading to "scoring a goal". 

From #3, I learned that it helps to actually look for the patterns. What can first appear to be disheartening and difficult can, as patterns are discovered, become easier and achievable. 
From #4, I was reminded that "Life is like an old time rail journey…delays…sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling burst of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.”
From #5, both my dear wife and a good friend from choir reminded me that twists and turns in employment (should they happen), can lead to other doors and opportunities.

So what does this all have to do with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir experience this past week?  Well, aside from memorizing music, not too much I suppose. But there was one sentence in a piece we sang this morning that ties in very well with this theme. It comes from "The Lord My Pasture Will Prepare", and it says "to fertile vales and dewy meads, my weary, wandering steps He leads." God leads us all and He helps us navigate our twists and turns. And He will (if we allow Him) lead us to happiness each and every day.

Until next time, God be with you.

PS: Those of you interested in seeing our upcoming ACDA Concert on Saturday, February 28, can find details HERE. Tickets are available starting this Tuesday.

MTC Week #55 - Of Spirituals and Journeys

Our broadcast today consisted of nothing but spirituals in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and all that Mr. King (and many other individuals) stood for. I don't know of anyone who doesn't enjoy listening to a good spiritual. The only thing better than listening to one is singing one! In fact, I was half-hoping that as I walked into our dressing room this morning and looked at the whiteboard telling us what we were wearing, that it would say "New blue robes and grey slacks!" And then as we started rehearsal, Mac would tell us that we were going to do a little soul-filled choreography, clapping, and hallelujahs. 

Didn't happen.

But that's OK. We had a great time singing these songs anyway! 

While I was singing, I started to think about what these songs really meant to the African-Americans from whence they came. I'm not a music history expert, but to me, I think about our brothers and sisters who were bound down by the shackles of slavery, the reality of oppression, and the bane of bondage. It was a time of awful inequality. These songs, these beautiful songs, express the feelings of their hearts and how, a midst their afflictions, they found solace in God and the good news of the gospel. These sacred tunes

of the heart speak of hope of a better world and of being saved from their oppressors. And they speak of ultimately finding peace in the One who they knew loved them when love was so hard to find.

Though inequalities and racism still exist today, I think the message found in these spirituals can continue to promote love, peace, faith, and solace. And hopefully progress can continue to be made by all mankind to show genuine love to all.
-------------

Tues night at choir school

Switching topics, I wanted to comment on the Choir School journey that began Tuesday night with the 1st years. Suffice to say, I was impressed. I was impressed with their attitude and with their musical skills. In fact the couple of basses sitting behind me seemed to catch on to the notes and rhythm better than some of us 2nd years. There was an excitement and energy in the air, and it was great to be back with Ryan Murphy and to be singing a great work: Requiem, by Mozart. For the next four months, we'll be preparing to sing Requiem at a concert to be held April 17th and 18th. Those close to Salt Lake City won't want to miss this inspiring event!  

From today's broadcast. No robes, swaying, or clapping, but we put our hearts into it!

Until next time, God be with you!

MTC Week #54 - The New Recruits

On my way to get my music folders for Thursday night's rehearsal, who should be coming down the same hallway but several of the new recruits (a.k.a. new volunteers, choir school & chorale members, newbies, greenies, freshmen, or any other fitting 1st year labels). They were on their official tour of the tabernacle at it's endless maze of subterranean hallways as part of their first night at Choir School. I just smiled at all of them, thinking back to a year ago when it was me on that tour--nervous, excited, humbled, and in awe. 

I reflected on this new group, again, as I was singing on the Music & the Spoken Word broadcast. They were all perched up in the balcony seats observing the choir taking mental notes of how we looked, how we sang, how Bro. Wilberg conducted, and how we sounded. And I suspect at least a few of them sat there looking on, thinking "Am I really here? Am I really going to sing with that choir in a few months? Am I good enough? Can this really be happening?"

Happening it is, my new friends! And I look forward to meeting the 43 of you this coming Tuesday as us "2nd years" join you for chorale and what promises to be an incredibly fun time with Ryan Murphy as the chorale director. 

So, amidst all of the incredible songs we both performed and rehearsed today which I could probably write pages and pages about (thankfully for you, I won't), I just found myself measuring my excitement and thankfulness levels compared to a year ago. And honestly, although there are those times when rehearsals seem to drag on a bit or patience is tested when certain sections can't seem to get their parts, or we hear for the upteenth time how we need to sing more in pitch with high vowels, I'm still extremely excited to be a part of this great organization. I hope all choir members, whether they've been in for one year or 15, take the time to capture the excitement all over again and simply feel the wonder of it all. As a fellow friend and choir member put it, "I try to remind myself how blessed/lucky I am to be [here]. I think of the thousands of people who come to hear us and how truly unique/special/famous the choir is and the number of people who would do anything to have my seat. It's really been one of the richest blessings of my life."


Until next time, God be with you.

MTC Week #53 - Standing on the Promises

As was the case Christmas week, the choir had another week off this past week due to New Year's Day landing on a Thursday. So, Mac Wilberg and Ryan Murphy again chose songs today that the choir was mostly familiar with so that we'd be able to quickly get them ready for the broadcast. Fortunately, most of the choir members were in attendance today and I think we looked and sounded fairly complete.

After a few announcements--one of which was about the tour participation roster being posted tomorrow (roster=those who have been selected to go) and the need for those going to find a roommate--we launched into our rehearsal which seemed to go much more smoothly than last week's.

One of the songs we sang today was "Standing on the Promises". We had performed this song back in May but this time I thought more about the words

and how they applied to me in my life right now. While 2014 could certainly be described as a monumental year in the life of me and my family, part of what made it monumental were the trials. It's a bit ironic that in order to grow and move forward in life (and ultimately find happiness), one must go through hard

times. That's just the way it is. But what makes going through trials a positive and rewarding experience in the end, is being able to stand firmly on the promises of God. Through His son Jesus Christ, He is there to help us. He's there to love us. He's there to extend kindness and show us miracles and give back to us much more than we could give Him. While His love to us is freely given regardless of what we do, if we choose to follow Him, specific and wonderful blessings follow. Stand firmly on the promises with faith and then, whether it's immediate or some time down the road, the blessings will be given and we'll be all the more grateful for them.

Standing firm is hard. Walking in the dark or the dim, hoping for more light, is not easy. Having faith that things will work when "reality" seems to speak loudly that they won't, is difficult. But the promises that light will come, that faith will be rewarded, that God will extend mercy, will all be realized if we stand firm.

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
List’ning every moment to the Spirit’s call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,

Standing on the promises of God.


I'm thankful again to be in this choir and for the many blessings that flow from the music I get to sing and the people I get to interact with. 

Stand firm...and until next week, God be with you!

MTC Week #52 - Looking Ahead

It was a bit of a rocky morning for the Choir today. Chalk it up to the holidays or the fact we didn't have a Thursday rehearsal or that everyone had to wake up early this morning or because we had over 80 members of the choir missing or maybe it was just a combination of all of those possible reasons. But suffice to say, we weren't quite "in the game" and it manifested itself in various ways. The women couldn't quite sing in tune on a particular song and after Mack observed us on camera during the run-through, he reported that we all "looked dead." He proceeded to give us a motivational speech of sorts meant to inspire us to look alive and be happy to be singing about the new year approaching. And I think most of us took it to heart and did better during the actual performance. 

After all, we need to sing our best and look our best for every performance. Those watching and listening are ready to be inspired. They are ready to find peace. They are ready to think more about Jesus Christ. And if we don't do our very best (regardless of fatigue or minds-prone-to-wander or being few in numbers), then we, by default, let someone down. And we don't want to do that.

I suppose there's a gospel principle in all of this which ties directly to enduring to the end. It's easy to keep going forward with a happy cheerful attitude when everything is going well in life. It's easy to live up to commitments and deliver on promises when trials are at a minimum. But when situations are less than ideal...well, then the test commences. Can we play the game of life with a smile then? Yes, yes we can.

Well...looking ahead to the rest of this year, I thought I'd just take a minute to let you all know what's in store for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. 2014 seemed like a whirlwind. A great, exciting, tiring and overwhelming whirlwind. But I'm sure that 2015 will have it's own challenges and rewarding opportunities as well.

Here are a list of events upcoming:

1) ACDA: As mentioned before, between now and the end of February, we'll be preparing for the ACDA Conference Concerts (February 26th-28th). 
2) General Conference: We'll then turn our attention to getting ready for General Conference in April
3) East Cost Tour: Next up will be lots of rehearsals for our New York tour (June-July)
4) Pioneer Day Concert: Right after the tour, we'll be performing our annual concert to commemorate the pioneers
5) General Conference: conference again in Oct
6) Christmas Concert: weird to think about preparing for this again so soon after just being done with the one this year.

And on top of this, the first year members, which, come January, will become second-year members, are required to re-attend Choir School to sing with/assist the new first-year members. This will be every Tuesday thru the end of April. It's strange to think that I won't technically be a "newbie" any longer (and it will be fun to see all of the new people). However, I realize that I still have a lot to learn. And I'm reminded of this all the time when Bro. Wilberg has us pull out a piece of music and says "Now this is one that we all know well...". I always smile at that comment because while that's not true for me today, perhaps someday, it will be.

Until next time, God be with you!

MTC Week #51 - He is the Gift

Today's Music & the Spoken Word marked an end for singing (and thoroughly enjoying) Christmas music with the Choir. I think some of the most powerful songs ever written are the ones that testify of Christ's life and His importance in our own lives. And certainly a lot of the Christmas music does just that. I love to picture myself as one of the characters in these songs. Whether it's being one of the heavenly hosts praising God during the visit to the shepherds, or the little drummer boy who realizes his gift of playing the drums for the baby Jesus is gift enough, or one of the wise men determined to make a long journey to see the Christ child, or a shepherd boy testifying to a king that someone greater than him has a message to share to the world.... There are great feelings to be had when you liken all of those great songs to yourself. 

Yes, I'll miss those songs.

One other thought:

As I was sitting in Church today listening to the lesson, the instructor mentioned he had listened to the broadcast today and the song that touched him the most was "Come, All Ye Faithful." We've all heard that song dozens of times--but this

time, the title of the song really stuck out to him. Here is a plea from Christ to come. Come to Him. Come everyone who has faith and is trying to live a good life. Through HIM, you will find peace and hope and the abundant rewards of your faith. 

We come to Him when we live as He did. When we serve others. When we recognize, and give thanks for, blessings. When we go out of our way to help another in need. When we ponder the scriptures or spend time in prayer. When we realize we messed up and seek forgiveness through repentance. When we put our arms on the shoulder of someone needing a smile and kind word. When we shoot off a text of appreciation or give someone a call who could use some cheering up. 

What can you do today or this week?

Lastly, I just want to say how grateful I am for a very busy, stressful, but miraculous year. Being in the choir has been marvelous and all of the hard work has paid dividends 100 times over. Each time I go to choir, I still think "Can this be? Am I really here?" New friends and soul-stirring music have been incredible. Life outside of choir has been stressful and busy as well but tender mercies from heaven have caused me to realize that without a doubt, the Lord loves me and my family, and He loves each of you as well. To all of you who have played a part in my life this year, THANK YOU.

And Merry Christmas!

Until next time, God be with you!