MTC Week #127 - Europe Tour Prep

Aside from a wonderful broadcast today featuring two of my favorite songs ("How Firm a Foundation", and "Standing on the Promises"), I wanted to jot down a few things that have been going on to prepare for our upcoming tour--which commences on June 27th. On the one hand, I honestly can't believe that time has gone by so quickly and there are only a few weeks left before departure. On the other hand, many preparations for this tour have been underway for quite awhile now and little by little, everything is coming into place.

MUSIC: The tour will feature 22 songs--all memorized, of course. Many of the songs were ones featured on the last tour, so I am familiar with them. They just need a little review. Others have needed lots of work, particularly those that are in the German language. For weeks now, after our broadcasts are over at 10am on Sundays, we've launched into extra rehearsals (10-11:30) to learn these tour songs. While no one likes extra rehearsals, it is a good feeling to feel more prepared. "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." (Doctrine & Covenants 38:30) It's also been interesting to relive some of the East Coast Tour memories that these songs bring to my mind and heart.

PACKING: The choir staff prepared about 10 short videos covering packing, in detail. What to make sure you have, what would be nice to consider, places to purchase various items, tips for how to pack clothes, how to handle laundry for a 20 day tour, how to secure credit cards and passport, etc. etc. They've been informative and while it's taken some time and $$ to pick up some essentials I was lacking, I'm grateful that I'm feeling more ready.

SECURITY: It would come as no surprise that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is concerned for our safety. This can be said of any tour we take. The Church's security department has given us some important information to consider while traveling abroad. Some relate to things talked about in this article. It's been interesting to get out of the "oh, this will never happen to me" mentality, and realize that yes, yes it could.

COMMUNICATION/ELECTRONICS: Not all cell phone plans for communicating overseas via Europe are created equal! I've learned that those who have T-Mobile are pretty much set. Those of us with other carriers need to pay various fees to allow for texting and data usage. Getting a battery pack to charge electronic devices when a power outlet isn't handy was a must and getting a plug adapter was needed too. 


Anyhow, this is just to paint a picture of some of the things that have been going on during the past couple of months to get us all prepared. Our actual itinerary is under-wraps, though you can find the concerts we'll be performing and associated venues, on the MoTab website, here. 

The last preparation I'll mention is the mental prep being done by me, my wife and my kids. There's never been a time in the history of our 19 years of marriage that we've been apart this long. Some may say that 20 days isn't that big of deal. And yes, in the big scheme of things, it probably isn't. But I'll certainly miss them, and I know they will miss me. And mentally preparing for that is no small task. At least for us. But we trust that God will assist us and make everything work for our good. 

Until next time, God be with you.  

MTC Week #126 - To the Fallen

It has been said that sacrifice makes things sacred. If that is true, then military cemeteries. . .are among the most sacred places on earth. For here lie the remains of valiant men and women who sacrificed all earthly comforts to defend their country and those precious principles of liberty and freedom. (Lloyd Newell, The Spoken Word, 5/29/16)

The choir's focus this week was preparing for, and presenting, a special broadcast to honor the fallen, as described in the Spoken Word today. As such, our songs all centered on the theme of patriotism, freedom, the armed forces, and God Himself who oversees the affairs of nations and welcomes home all of His children after their mortal journey is complete. To help us pay tribute, today, was guest artist Dallyn Bayles, who is no stranger to singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Dallyn sang "God Bless the USA" with some accompaniment from the Choir and did a really nice job. (I noticed, too, his wife and kids watching him from stage right, during the run-through, which was great to see. Family support!)

I can honestly say, that despite some of our patriotic "favorites" being a little

cheesy and the lyrics somewhat unrelateable, their core message rings true in my heart. I AM grateful for those who have fought in the armed services to protect our freedom. Undoubtedly their sacrifice was great. I'm also grateful for men and women everywhere who actively take a stand to protect freedoms, elect good leaders, support worthy legislation, and promote peace. Taken more broadly, I'm grateful for those who are simply good citizens--who take the blessings given them and pay them forward through acts of kindness and love. Our nation and our world is better because of all such individuals. 

THANK YOU.

Until next time, God be with you.
 

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)