MTC Week #125 - Of Deportment, Wardrobe Changes, & Gentri

Every so often, the members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square need reminders regarding "issues of deportment." And Thursday night was one of those reminder nights. As our Temple Square visitors had already taken their seats to watch our rehearsal, it was a good old public flogging! :)  The main concern was talking at any time during rehearsal, followed by the use of cell phones, and gum chewing. We were also reminded of the need to take our music home and spend time rehearsing it, particularly since there is so much to learn and memorize in preparation of our upcoming tour in June and our Pioneer Day concert in July. 

So let it be said, so let it be remembered.

On Tuesday, the men of the choir got an email from the Wardrobe Committee saying that we'd be wearing a new tie on Sunday and we were to learn how to tie the "trinity knot." They even provided us with a YouTube video showing how

Click to enlarge (to see the trinity knot!)

to tie knot. At first there was some discussion on our Facebook group that the email was a joke. But if some thought that, they didn't think that anymore after a confirmation Thursday night. I must say, I think the knot looks great! It's cool, it's different, and I think it helps the choir men look a little more fashionable. As I walked into the changing room this morning, it was

New purple dresses

rather funny to see how many of the men were standing in front of the mirrors with looks of confusion on their faces as they tried to tie the knot. It was fun to help a few of them--though I think, in retrospect, while the results looked just fine, I did the steps completely opposite. It's one thing to tie the knot on yourself using a mirror. It's another to tie the knot on someone else! Ah well. Good intentions! Anyway, I also have to mention that men weren't the only ones to debut a new wardrobe change. The women debuted a new purple dress which looked really nice! 

GENTRI - performing on today's broadcast (5/22/16)

The broadcast today was wonderful. We had some guests with us--the Gentlemen's Trio, GENTRI. They did a couple of solo pieces and we all sang a piece together at the end. These three are a very talented group and it was an honor to have them as part of the experience today. Audience members thought so, too, as the Tabernacle was packed. I particularly loved hearing them perform the song "Home."  (Here's a link from today's performance) It was a really touching song that caused me to ponder on someday going home.

After the broadcast, as we typically do, we sang God Be With You to those in the audience. And today, of course, we sang it to our guest artists as well. GENTRI left the stage with tears in their eyes and smiles on their faces. 

Until next time God be with you.

MTC Week #124 - Waiting (All Loves Excelling)

Thursday night at rehearsal, I was SO excited to discover that we'd be rehearsing and performing Love Divine, All Loves Excelling. This song is definitely one of my favorites. The words, combined with the notes and the orchestral arrangement just connect my heart with heaven like few songs do. As such, when I noticed all of the visitors coming into the Tabernacle to listen to the rehearsal, I was really happy that they'd get a chance to hear this song. 

The moment soon came when our director asked us to pull out the song. We did so, and started rehearsing certain sections of it. About five minutes into rehearsing it, I noticed some individuals in the audience getting up to leave (which, of course, happens all the time during the hours of our rehearsing). In this case though, on this night, I wanted to yell out "Wait! Don't go! You'll REALLY want to hear this song in its entirety. Just stay a few minutes longer." 

Of course, I did not yell. But as I saw them go, my heart was saddened. If only they'd wait just another five minutes, they'd be able to hear this magnificent piece from beginning to end! A piece that surely would lift their hearts and lighten their burdens. 

In my momentary despair, my focus shifted to the many, many who were staying. And suddenly I was glad again. The empty seats left by those who had left, were still empty. I was grateful they had come and hoped they felt happy being there. But I had a happy heart for those who were staying. 

As I thought about this experience afterwards, I thought about how many times in life we give up, don't endure, or cast off patience as a trait we (ironically) don't have the patience to acquire. Since it's hard to see the bigger picture, we sometimes don't realize that a glorious dawn is just moments away. Obviously, I'm in no way labeling those who left the rehearsal as impatient--they are simply fitting into my analogy! But it just impressed me that there are often great rewards in waiting. And, may I add, hopefully waiting. 

At any rate, if you have a few minutes, you are invited to listen to Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, HERE, from today's broadcast. (The link won't last long, so here's a previously released version just in case). Singing it today was everything I hoped it would be.
 

Until next time, God be with you. 

From today's broadcast

MTC Week #123 - Mothering Hearts

There was nothing too out of the ordinary with Thursday's rehearsal this past week. We came, took our seats, had our seating rearranged, went through warm-ups, and then launched into learning four songs (five for the women) designed to pay tribute to mothers. It was, however, unusual to see several guys with cameras taking footage of us rehearsing. And there was even a young family sitting out in the benches, getting filmed as well. But, as is sometimes the case, no mention was made by our leaders as to who they were or why the filming was happening. Ah well! So it goes :)

From the songs we rehearsed, of note was one that was new for 2016, titled "Mother, I Followed Your Footsteps," by R. Ross Boothe. As far as songs that pay tribute to mothers go, this one was quite beautiful with some really nice lyrics as well. In fact, they honestly made me think of my own mother and of my wife as she continues to fulfill her role as a mother. Here are a few of the lyrics:

Mother I followed your footsteps;
You were my guide every day.
You chose the path of the Master,
So I learned to walk in His way.

Starting each day in devotion.
Praying to Father above.
Rising to see every blessing from heaven.
I learned to feel God's love. 

Morning till evening I followed.
Seeing the good you would do.
Learning that I was Gods child in your keeping.
I yearned to be like you.  


While I am, of course, absolutely glad that we have a day to celebrate all the good that mothers do, I also find myself sensitive to two groups of women that may not find a lot of joy in this day. The first group consists of women who have not been blessed with the opportunity of having children--despite their many prayers and longings of their hearts. I was thus very grateful that Lloyd Newell, giving the Spoken Word, was sensitive to this special group of women, by saying: "Today we honor mothers—our own and the women around us with mothering hearts, whether or not they have been blessed with children." There's little doubt that many of these women who can't have children, but long for them, would be wonderful mothers if given the chance. And I have no doubt that someday, whether in this life or the next, they will have that opportunity.

The other group of women are mothers who, upon hearing such lyrics as the ones above, feel like they have failed, are not measuring up, and don't deserve to be honored at all. To them I offer a quote given by Jeffrey R. Holland, who said:

"To all mothers in every circumstance, including those who struggle—and all will—I say, 'Be peaceful. Believe in God and yourself. You are doing better than you think you are. In fact, you are saviors on Mount Zion, and like the Master you follow, your love never faileth.’ I can pay no higher tribute to anyone."  (from the talk "Behold Thy Mother", Oct. 2015 General Conference)

Whether or not these women feel like they failed with this or that within their motherhood role, I hope they know that at the very least, the love they have and show to their children is love that does not fail. Your children will feel it and greatly benefit from it, every single day.

Thank you, mothers, for all you are and all you do.

Until next time, God be with you. 

Me and my Mom!

 

MTC Week #122 - Hello to 46!

Aside from 46 new members joining us today, it was an odd Sunday morning for me. Due to some high winds in my city last night, sleep wasn't too plentiful. And after getting ready for the day in the dark (power was out), I started my drive into the Tabernacle passing trees that had blown over, fences that had toppled, our local Subway sign that had been blown down, and saw debris everywhere--not to mention having to treat all of the traffic lights as 4-way stops. Then, after getting into the dressing room at the Tabernacle, I discovered all of my suits had been officially moved by the wardrobe committee to a different "locker"--which took me awhile to find. Then, after taking my normal seat on the edge of the bass section, I was moved to the border of the baritone section and sang bass surrounded by baritones. I realized I had to engage my brain a little more than usual to sing my bass notes as no one in back of me or to the right of me was going to help me stay on course. 

Change! It's the one constant in life. But sometimes you get a double-dose of it and you just have to adjust :).

But, I digress...

With a smile from ear to ear, and a feeling of excitement and relief, members of the Temple Square Chorale officially became members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir today! During rehearsal they were recognized, and then again after the broadcast was over, Lloyd Newell had them stand up and officially welcomed them in front of the audience. As I looked at a few of them around my vicinity, I couldn't help but think back to when I was in their shoes. It was one of those moments I can't fully put into words. Amazed, humbled, and full of anticipation and gratitude. At any rate, I'm looking forward to meeting them--particularly those who have joined the bass family (Johnny, Curt, Stewart, Bryan, Steve, and Matt). 'Cause, well, you know...we basses stick together.

The only other news to report is that we have one more week of "normal" (no extra rehearsals), and then we'll have plenty of extra work to do as we learn songs for tour. With our departure date only about two months away, we have much to do. 

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC Week #121 - Farewell to 27

Once a year, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir says farewell to those in the choir who have reached the age of 60, or, who have served in the choir for 20 years (whichever comes first). 

Today was that day.

I really didn't know any of the retirees too well. But I've had the opportunity to sit next to/sing with some of them which has provided time to get to know them a little bit. They are great people--and even those I didn't get to know or have a conversation with, I will miss their "hello's" and friendly smiles in the hallways. 

I think the most poignant moment for me was when, during rehearsal, we had the retirees stand to be recognized. I looked over at one of the baritones and as we clapped, tears just started trickling down his face. At that moment, I had a choice. I could try and feel what he was feeling. Or I could keep that part of my heart closed. I chose the latter. I didn't want to even try and feel what he was experiencing. In reality, I couldn't anyway, because I wasn't him. But to tackle that reality is not something I wanted to do today. My time will come soon enough. 

As one of the goals of this blog is to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the choir, I wanted to share how a Retirement Ceremony works.

Following the broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word, all of the choir members go back downstairs to change into their normal Sunday attire, put away their music folders, etc. While this is happening, the stage crew is busy clearing off the orchestra setup, and exchanging music stands for rows of nice cushioned chairs for each of the retirees to sit in. The non-retiring choir members come back up to the choir loft and sit wherever they'd like while the stage crew finishes setting up.

About 10:30 or so, the ceremony starts with President Jarrett giving introductory remarks to those in the audience (which consists of family and friends of the retirees--many of who came around 8am to see the choir rehearse, and then perform Music & the Spoken Word). Following the remarks and an opening prayer, each retiree comes to the front podium where President Jarrett gives them a plaque and Director Mack Wilberg reads a short 2-3 minute letter that the retiree wrote. These letters often include highlights of the retiree's experiences with the choir, what they will miss, the support they've received from family and friends, and sometimes a particular mention of individuals who have helped them in their journey. 

When all of the letters have been read, the retirees stand up, face the rest of us in the loft, and get to hear the choir members sing "God Be With You 'Till We Meet Again." 

It's all quite an emotional and tearful time for those leaving. 
And even though I didn't know them too well, I'm sincerely grateful for their service and contributions over the years. They have helped touch countless lives with their talents and testimonies.


Next week, of course, we'll welcome in those who will take their place.

Until next time, God be with you.

(Pictures of the Retirement Ceremony, credit Facebook)

MTC Week #120 - We Are His Own

People.

There are so many people--each with a story of their own. Sometimes when I'm out and about, or waiting in a line, I look around at all of the people around me and think how fascinating it is that each has a unique life, each has joys and sorrows, and each has been through countless experiences that have shaped them into who they are today. While we all differ from one another in this way or that, there's one way in which we are all the same: we have a Heavenly Father and Mother who love us and who know us. 

As we were go through our rehearsal this morning, I was struggling to put my whole heart and soul into what I was doing. I was happy to be there, but I just wasn't quite connecting with the songs I was singing. As I looked out at the people who started filing into the Tabernacle, I saw them take their seats and saw many of them take out their smartphones to take some pictures or film the choir as we sang. This isn't unique--it happens every week. But for some reason as I watched them do that today, it jarred me out of my connecting struggles and made me realize, AGAIN, that there will be many in the audience and around the world who watch and listen to the music today and will be touched. In fact for some, it might be the only time this week when they'll be surrounded by truth and light and perhaps feel lifted and lightened. And loved.

I'm thankful to them for helping me reconnect and be in the moment.

My two favorite songs from today were If You Love Me, and In the Garden. The

chorus from the latter impressed me. I thought about all people having this experience with their Savior:

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

I'm grateful for people in general. I'm grateful for Heavenly parents. I'm grateful for a Savior. And I'm grateful for a good life.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC Week #119 - A Break

After four (Dec - Mar) very busy months with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, all roads were leading towards taking a little break. So that is what I did. Instead of rehearsal Thursday night, I went to my wife's flute recital and was also able to attend my son's cub scout activity. I felt happy to go to these events and support my family. Then, this morning before Church, I took the opportunity to have some long overdue father interviews with my five kids. It was nice to visit with each of them and hear what was on their minds and in their hearts. I re-realized the value of these visits and was glad that we were able to talk about things and set some goals as well.

As far as choir-related thoughts, the broadcast this morning was really nice to watch (on my comfy couch). The choir was joined by the BYU-Idaho Collegiate Singers who sang two numbers on their own, and joined the choir for a couple of others. I'd have to say, the sound they produced was a very pleasing one and I'm grateful they were able to share their talents and testimonies with those listening throughout the world.

Short and sweet this week! 
Until next time, God be with you.