MTC #239 - Receiving Service (Through the Voice of Woe)

From my observation, people in general (at least the ones I've met in life), are more inclined to serve rather than be served. They would rather give than receive. But while serving and giving most assuredly produce positive and rewarding feelings for the giver, it's easier to forget that receiving does the same thing for the receiver.

I had some hernia surgery this past Monday and I knew going into such an event that I'd have to switch into "receiver" mode. The nurses and doctors were all very kind, and afterwards, at home, my wife and kids continually asked how they could help me feel more comfortable--anticipating my needs and showing love as I worked through the pain. As the minutes and hours ticked by each day, I reflected on everyone's kindness towards me and I was filled with feelings of gratitude and appreciation. 

On Thursday, choir rehearsal day, I debated whether I wanted to try and go fulfill my church calling. I was feeling a lot better--though certainly was not back to my normal self. Just the thought of putting on dress slacks that would hug up around my tender incision points was almost enough to make the decision right then and there not to go. But, two thoughts helped me chose otherwise. First, I had just been to Nauvoo a few weeks ago and thoughts of the pioneers and their sacrifices were still in my head and in my heart. If they could sacrifice (with many being sick or afflicted as they walked hundreds of miles to the Salt Lake Valley), then certainly I could do the same and go to choir! Second, I knew that my friends in choir who were aware of my recent surgery, would surely help me. And help me they did.

Both Thursday and today, they walked a little slower with me to make sure I reached my destinations. They carried my music folders. They helped me pickup music that had fallen out of my folders post-broadcast. And they reached out to take my hand and arm to gently get me back up in standing position when needed. 

So thank you. Thank you to my choir friends for truly showing brotherly kindness. And thank you Jennifer and kids for serving and loving even though sometimes I'd temporarily forget the importance (and joy) of receiving.  And to those who watched or listened to our music today, I hope your hearts were in receiving mode and felt how much we love you and how much God loves you.

Until next time, God be with you. 

MTC #238 - "You Did Well"

I really enjoyed the Mormon Tabernacle Choir experience today. I mean, I usually do and I'm always grateful to be a part of this wonderful labor of love. But some days everything just seems to go perfectly--hitting all the notes correctly, loving all of the songs, sitting next to fellow basses who have become really good friends, having good conversations with people during the walks to and from the Tabernacle, feeling the Spirit, and the list goes on. Today was one of those perfect days.

It was only made more perfect with what happened after the broadcast as I was waiting for the others in my carpool to put their music back and get changed back into their normal clothes. As I stood by the tunnel connecting the Tabernacle to the Conference Center parking lot, I watched as one of the electric carts approached and began to go by me (these carts are driven by security as they typically shuttle general authorities, relatives of those authorities, and otherwise VIP folks). As I turned to see who was sitting on the back of the cart, it was none other than President Dallin H. Oaks! He had come to watch the broadcast today as Leticia Oaks Strong was a featured violinist on one of the songs we performed (who did an amazing job, by the way). At any rate, our eyes locked and with a big smile he said "You did well today. Thank you."

Cloud nine.

I'm grateful for genuinely good people. I'm thankful for music. I'm thankful God blesses each of us with talents. I'm thankful for a loving family and caring friends. I'm thankful to feel positive and uplifting emotions. And I'm thankful when things just simply work out.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #237 - Pioneer Day Concert '18 (Reinvent & Recognize)

 
I was skeptical, at first. 

I was skeptical that this 2018 Pioneer Day Concert could be as good or as great as the other concerts we've been a part of.

Perhaps my skepticism came from the number of songs the Choir was performing (fewer than usual); or the songs themselves which we've sung many, many times; or maybe even the less-than-usual number of pieces that the guest artists and the Choir sing together. Whatever the reasons, a few things really helped me (any maybe some others) come to enjoy and appreciate this concert much more that I originally thought I would.

First, the beloved songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein that we've sung a lot over the years are beloved because of their fun melodies, their brilliant composition and lyrics, and the relatable and lovable stories they tell. These songs have stood the test of time and if I ever find myself becoming tired of singing them, then it's up to me to reinvent and recognize their greatness. So I did! And doing that, made all the difference.

Second, although I missed not having more of the songs be collaborative with the guest artists, I simply let that go and found a lot of enjoyment in watching Matthew Morrison and Laura Michelle Kelly enchant us with the beautiful songs they sung and the characters they portrayed. What talented individuals they are.

And along with being great singers, they were very thankful for this opportunity and gave the choir and orchestra a lot of very nice compliments.

Third, the magical energy of concerts in general, the feedback from the crowd, and the excitement of our first-year members (since this was their first concert) all combined to really make this a meaningful and enjoyable event. 

I must mention some thank-you's. Thanks to Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy for working so hard to put it all together (along with the team of individuals who assisted). Thanks to the wonderful orchestra that had a lot of music to learn and played so beautifully. Thanks to my fellow basses who knew the songs well and were a pleasure to sing with. Thanks to those choir members and friends I got to converse with and who helped me come to the important need to reinvent & recognize. And thanks to Laura and Matthew for agreeing to come and share their talents with so many. 

I think the only sad thing about the concert was that it was Ryan Withers' last one. (see my last blog post) Through the course of the two evenings, I, along with many who love Ryan, took pictures, gave hugs, and signed his hymnbook (see last pic below). I will miss him.

And with that, it's on to a fairly normal (or should I say "abnormal") choir schedule for August--which, without a doubt, everyone will enjoy.

Until next time, God be with you. 

PS: I always mention this as a highlight when we have guest artists, but today after Music & the Spoken Word, we sang "God Be With You 'Till We Meet Again", to Laura and Matthew, and they seemed to absorb every word. It was a neat experience.

MTC #236 - Of Many Things

So much to say, so I'll get right to it!

First, the Choir returned from a successful tour to the West Coast. I talked to several who had the opportunity to go and they had nothing but great things to report. You can read all about the touring adventures by clicking on the following links. More stories await you should you choose to Google them.

San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus Gets to Sing with the Choir
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir Visits Vancouver for First Time in 32 Years
Mormon Tabernacle Choir finally returns to Bay Area after 13-year wait
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Concludes 2018 Tour in Seattle
She joined the renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Now a teacher who inspired her will watch her perform 

Second, today was the 90th anniversary of the first airing of Music & the Spoken Word. Lloyd Newell dedicated today's spoken word to talk all about that. You can read it HERE. I don't know how many millions of people have found peace and inspiration through listening to this program over the past 90 years, but what a blessing it is that this program has endured and continues to uplift people throughout the world each week.

Third, it is was with great sadness that I heard from President Jarrett today that my good friend Ryan Withers is leaving the choir shortly. Ryan joined the choir the same time I did and it's been fun to get to know him over the years. All of the basses and baritones can testify of Ryan's dedication and optimism--not to mention his friendly smile and his delight in infusing humor into conversations. Ryan, you will be MISSED. (see some pics below)

Fourth, have you ever thought of auditioning to become a member of the Choir? Well, now's the time! Applications are being accepted through August 15th! You can read all about the process HERE. Yes, the process is quite involved and can be intimidating. But if you feel like this might be the opportunity for you, please try. You certainly don't want to look back and think, "could I have made it in if only I had tried?"

Fifth, this week is our "Music for a Summer Evening" concert (otherwise known as the "Pioneer Day Concert"). Come join us this Friday or Saturday for some top-notch entertainment with guest stars Matthew Morrison ("Glee", "Finding Neverland") and Laura Michelle Kelly ("Mary Poppins", "Finding Neverland"). If you are out of state (or just would rather watch it from the comfort of your own home), discover alternate viewing options HERE. 

Lastly, I just want to say how much I missed the Choir experience during the past four weeks. While I was grateful to spend time with family at Bear Lake and Nauvoo, it was great to be back today. I feel very blessed.

Until next time, God be with you.

The "Ryan" photo, with Ryan Withers on the far left.

 

Ryan in the middle

On Tour

LtoR, 5th from top

 

 

MTC #233 - To the West Coast They Go!

NUTS AND BOLTS: The choir met this past Tuesday evening to rehearse one last time the concert that they'll take to the various cities along the West Coast. Those of us who were not going on tour, filled in the last two rows of seats and rehearsed the songs as well, sitting most of the time, and on a few of the songs, simply observing those in front of us. Then, on Thursday, the Choir held a pre-tour concert, open to the public, in which they went through the concert from beginning to end. Again, those who weren't going sat on the balcony seats, nearest the singers, and observed. Though it became really hot since the Tabernacle was filled to capacity on a warm summer day, the concert went very well and Mack and Ryan commented later that they were pleased. With Willy to my right and Jeremy to my left (and my Aunt Winnie in the audience), we enjoyed the opportunity to listen to all the music and support our fellow choir brothers and sisters. Then, today, of course, was the broadcast, and we sang some great songs--some of which indirectly had a message about fathers, given that's it's Fathers Day. 

HOW I FELT: As I've mentioned in prior posts, it's been hard to continually watch the choir make tour preparations knowing that I wouldn't be able to go with them this time. However, I've finally reached a "grateful, happy place" where I can, instead of feeling selfishly sad, wholeheartedly wish them good luck and pray for their success in fulfilling their callings as musical missionaries. With all the sights they'll see, the new and deepened friendships they'll make, and audience members they'll impact, I hope they give their best efforts to singing with the Spirit and projecting a feeling of love that comes from Jesus Christ. People desperately need to feel that, and the choir is in a unique and wonderful position to provide that, through song.

As for the broadcast today, the one song that touched me the most was Pilgrim's Song, which, actually, reminds me of my sister who passed away recently. While I'm always grateful for the time I had with her, I was happy when "the messenger [said to my sister] come quit this house of clay, and with bright angels tower."  I really miss her though.

Speaking of missing people, I realized, a few days ago, that today would start a choir break that would span almost a month because of tour and because of personal family vacations. So, I was a bit sad to say goodbye to my carpool group and other choir friends knowing how long it would be before I could say hello again. I'll miss them, and miss singing next to them. 

COMING UP: Normal choir happenings will resume on July 5th with rehearsal that night, followed by Music and the Spoken Word on the 8th. Then the choir will start rehearsing for the Pioneer Day concert which will be held the third weekend in July. More details HERE.

Happy Father's Day to all those fathers out there, and particularly to those who wish they could be fathers but have never, as of yet, had the opportunity. My hope is that they get that opportunity, either later in this life, or certainly in the next.

Until next time (July 15th!!), God be with you.

MTC #232 - To The End

While rehearsing Thursday night, I occasionally diverted by attention to the various people coming in to Tabernacle--as I normally do. Around 8pm or so, I noticed a small family of four make their way to the balcony and find some seats. I don't know why they stood out to me because they weren't all that different from others who had filled the hall. For some reason though, I felt like I needed to keep tabs on them.

Awhile later, we began to rehearse one of my all-time favorite pieces, Psalm 148. As I've probably mentioned before, I love everything about this song. The lyrics, the orchestration, the phrasing, the melody, the harmonies--everything. And it concludes with one of the most heavenly chords I've ever heard! The choir holds out that chord at the end as the orchestration and organ cuts out--so that when we finally are given the signal to end, the sound just reverbs throughout the Tabernacle like some angelic chorus. (YouTube doesn't do it justice, but you can listen to the last 30 seconds here)

Anyway, whenever we sing this song for rehearsal, I just want to grab a microphone and tell all of our visitors that they need to endure our starting and stopping and note/pitch fixing so that they can finally hear us sing it from beginning to end (after rehearsing each song, we "tape and time" it--or rather, record it to CD--so that the directors can listen to it later and give us feedback). And Thursday night, while I still had the desire to pick up that microphone, I especially was wanting that family of four to stay. I don't know if they needed to hear it for a particular reason or if it was just me being crazy (probably the latter). All I know is that I was going to be really sad if they didn't just push through to the end--the end being the prize of listening to Psalm 148 in its entirety.

But stay they did! And as I sang the song, I kept stealing a glance at them and directing my conviction of the song's message, to them. Upon singing that last heavenly chord of notes, they were one of the first ones to start clapping--which led to a big smile appearing on my face. 

I suppose all of this can be likened to life (most of music can). If we work through the hard times and try and improve and listen to our heavenly director, we can, in the end, partake of those "payoff" moments in life--and ultimately partake of the eternal prize as well.

===============

So, this week, the Choir will present it's free pre-tour Concert at 7:30 pm in the Tabernacle. It's a first-come, first-seated event which is sure to "sell-out".  Those going on tour will commence that event on June 19th, while those of us who are not going will enjoy at 2 1/2 week break. After the tour concludes, the Pioneer Day Concert (a.k.a "Music for a Summer Evening") will be held in the Conference Center on July 20th and 21st, featuring three amazing guests—Matthew Morrison, Laura Michelle Kelly, and Oscar “Andy” Hammerstein the 3rd.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC #231 - Bitter with the Sweet

Sweet #1: Singing the songs on the broadcast today. They were all ones I personally loved, particularly "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing." I know that song has received a lot of attention over the years and is beloved by almost everyone I know (5.3 million views on YouTube). But every time I sing it--especially the last verse--my emotions just go berserk and my deepest desire to do God's will is overwhelmingly reaffirmed. 

Sweet #2: Watching the "Be One" program over the weekend and not only being thankful for the program's overall message, but seeing some of my fellow Mormon Tabernacle Choir brothers and sisters participate. From talking to some of them, rehearsals for that program were very long and frequent. But they thoroughly enjoyed the end result of being able to sing along side those of other choirs and faiths at the direction of Gladys Knight. (As a side note, I have to say how cool it would be if the MoTab could sing with those robes--just once!)

Sweet #3: Being able to provide encouragement and praise to the new choir members lately. I've had quite a bit of interaction with them and while they appreciate the help, I really appreciate being able to see things from their point of view and being able to feed off of their fresh desire to do their very best at every rehearsal and performance. 

Bitter: I normally don't focus on the difficult parts of being a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I like to keep things positive and inspiring, and like to focus on my true gratitude for this incredible opportunity. So forgive me. 

As you know, the Choir goes on tour every other year and most choir members are very excited to go. I've gone on the last two--one to the East Coast and one to Europe. My favorite part of tours are the concerts themselves. Everything is memorized, usually nothing is filmed, and this allows us to concentrate on the lyrics and projecting the spirit of the music in a unique way. I absolutely love it. 

This year, the Choir is headed to the West Coast and we've been having a lot of extra rehearsals to get ready for the event. As I prayed about whether or not I should go on tour this year, I received the answer that I needed to stay home. There are several reasons I could think of that would support this heaven-sent answer, and there are probably several reasons I don't know about yet. One of the biggest reasons is that this is the last summer with my son Josh before he heads off to college and then a mission, and we've planned a family vacation that will take a lot of my employer-allotted vacation days. Adding 12 more time off days to go on tour just wouldn't be feasible. 

At any rate, while I know it's the right thing, I still can't help but feel sad at not being able to go. Really sad. Lately, at these extra rehearsals, often only those going on tour will be asked to stand and sing. Which makes me not even want to be there. (I realize the logical reasons for our director to just want to hear the tour people sing, but logic doesn't always help control emotions) I see people pouring over their travel itineraries, I hear them talk about packing and  sight-seeing, I see roommates taking time to plan and get excited together, and I glance through large sections of our weekly newsletter talking about tour, only to have it pounded in that such things don't apply to me. And next week, I'll have to attend the pre-tour concert, only to have my memories take me back to deep and sacred moments (and fun ones, too) of singing that same concert repertoire during my times on tour. Add to that the social media chatter that some people in choir aren't going, on purpose, because they just don't want to--well, it makes me upset. And it makes me more upset when I get the feeling that some are putting me into THAT camp--though nothing could be further from the truth.

"You're being a little dramatic Ryan, aren't you?"
"It's not THAT big of deal, is it?"
"You can look forward to the next one, right?"
"You get two weeks off of choir--wont' that be great?"

Well, OK...thanks.

Life goes on, and I certainly am looking forward to spending time with my family. Of course I love doing that! But will I still miss tour? Absolutely. At least now I'll be able to empathize with others who aren't going for reasons similar to mine, both now, and in the future. And showing empathy to people is a way to lift their burdens--something that brings me joy. So there's that.

I think I'm done. 
Thanks for listening. 

Until next time, God be with you.