So this past Monday, I woke up with barely a voice that was even worse by Tuesday. So I texted my carpool friends (since Tuesday night was our weekly rehearsal due to the holiday on Thursday) and told them the news and that I'd be driving in separately so as to not infect them with whatever had hijacked my vocal abilities. Once at the Tabernacle, I quickly grabbed my folders and made it up to the balcony to do my observing from. As I've mentioned before, choir members can get observing credit (vs participation credit) which won't count as an absence (though observing is worth 1 point, while full participation is worth 2 points).
A few of my friends waved from the loft--which I appreciated. Sitting on the benches in the balcony is rather lonely, in my opinion. I've heard some say they actually enjoy the "break" from participating and enjoy just spreading out and taking in the listening experience. But...that's not me. I'd rather sing any day, any time.
Thankfully, the voice came back on Saturday and by Sunday, I was ready to go again. While I wasn't able to do the broadcast, I was able to do the extra rehearsal afterwards for Christmas music. And today, for those 90 minutes, we used the time to do a recording of many Christmas pieces we need to memorize for the upcoming concert. The recordings will definitely be useful in the days ahead as we learn and master the notes to those songs.
My smile moment of the day came when I was watching people come into the Tabernacle. A mom and her two sons made their way up to the balcony section that was right next to the one I was sitting in. It was fun to see their faces. Their eyes were big, and they had this awe in their countenances while looking around and hearing the orchestra and choir. The mom was pointing at the large organ pipes and the domed ceiling and whispering to her sons a bunch of other information related to the building and/or event they were being a part of. I don't think the mom stopped smiling during the whole 2-3 minutes that I sat there watching the scene. It all reinforced to me (yet again) that I should do my best not to take any of this weekly experience for granted.
Until next time, God be with you.
Sunday, November 25, 2018
Sunday, November 18, 2018
TCATS #254 - Of Being Thankful
It was our special Thanksgiving Day broadcast this morning and the six songs we sang were a near perfect fit for the occasion:
Saints Bound for Heaven: thanking God for delivering faithful followers of him, through the ages
For the Beauty of the Earth: giving thanks for this beautiful world we live in. Yes, it's filled will lots of people who don't do very good things, and in some cases, do terribly awful things. But, it's also filled with really good people who build, encourage, and uplift.
Now Thank We All Our God: Praising God for all He's given us
Over the River & Through the Woods: lighthearted, yes. But Thanksgiving is largely centered on getting together with family and loved ones (and in some cases, going to "grandmother's house"). Is there any better company to be in when you're expressing thanks? Nope.
Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep: what could give us a better sense of gratitude than to actually think about all the blessings we have?
Thou Gracious God Whose Mercy Lends: I'll let the lyrics speak for themselves. "We thank thee, Father; let thy grace our loving circle still embrace, thy mercy shed its heavenly store, thy peace be with us evermore."
I'm thankful for being a member of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. I look forward to singing with my fellow brothers and sisters every week. I'm thankful for the songs we sing, for the people I have befriended and love, for the directors and staff who work so hard, and for the many millions of people who listen to the Choir and support them. I'm also thankful for my wife and family who, week in, and week out, continue to support me in this calling & opportunity. I'm often asked the question how long I'll stay in the Choir. My reply is always the same: I don't know. :) But God willing, I'll stay as long as He will have me. Like so much in our lives, it's in His hands.
Until next time, God be with you.
PS: It was pretty cool to see the smile on Ryan Murphy's face today after he conducted the entire program and realized it went as well as he had hoped.
Sunday, November 11, 2018
TCATS #253 - Semper Paratus
The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, along with the Bells on Temple Square, presented a special Music and the Spoken Word today to honor veterans everywhere. It turned out to be a very nice and inspirational program filled with patriotic music, a really great organ number, a touching piece by the bells, and a message about the history of Veterans Day. Did you know that today marked the 100th anniversary of the inception of Veterans Day (or Armistice Day as it was called originally)? From the spoken word today: "In recognition of this day of peace and hope, United States President Woodrow Wilson designated November 11 as Armistice Day, which would later be renamed Veterans Day. 'To us in America,' he declared, 'the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in their country’s service and with gratitude for the victory.'”
To be clear, I'm very grateful for all who have served, and are serving in the military, who protect and watch over our country. They often spend A LOT of time away from their families, and many pay a great cost both physically and mentally. That said, I found myself struggling today to be as enthusiastic as I felt I should be. I felt conflicted. What kind of country, which has been protected by our armed forces, do we now live in? Is "the United States of America" even accurate anymore? I feel like we're more divided now than we've ever been. Our constitution remains in force, but is it honored, respected, and followed as originally intended?
This is not a blog about government or politics or even our country, so I won't remain on those topics. Suffice it to say, I've become very discouraged when it comes to anything related to such topics. And each time I sing about our great country, that discouragement--in some form or another--surfaces.
So, today as I sang and participated, I tried to focus on just being thankful for people who have sacrificed much. And to optimistically hope for more unification rather than division.
An extra rehearsal followed the broadcast and we continued marching forward in learning Christmas songs for the upcoming concert. As I was walking to the parking garage afterwards, I heard some choir members behind me wondering what kind of voice Kristin Chenowith will bring with her to the concerts. It made me smile because I just can't picture her singing "Angels from the Realms of Glory" with the singing style she used for songs like "Popular" from Wicked! But I guess we'll see, won't we.
Until next time, God be with you.
To be clear, I'm very grateful for all who have served, and are serving in the military, who protect and watch over our country. They often spend A LOT of time away from their families, and many pay a great cost both physically and mentally. That said, I found myself struggling today to be as enthusiastic as I felt I should be. I felt conflicted. What kind of country, which has been protected by our armed forces, do we now live in? Is "the United States of America" even accurate anymore? I feel like we're more divided now than we've ever been. Our constitution remains in force, but is it honored, respected, and followed as originally intended?
This is not a blog about government or politics or even our country, so I won't remain on those topics. Suffice it to say, I've become very discouraged when it comes to anything related to such topics. And each time I sing about our great country, that discouragement--in some form or another--surfaces.
So, today as I sang and participated, I tried to focus on just being thankful for people who have sacrificed much. And to optimistically hope for more unification rather than division.
An extra rehearsal followed the broadcast and we continued marching forward in learning Christmas songs for the upcoming concert. As I was walking to the parking garage afterwards, I heard some choir members behind me wondering what kind of voice Kristin Chenowith will bring with her to the concerts. It made me smile because I just can't picture her singing "Angels from the Realms of Glory" with the singing style she used for songs like "Popular" from Wicked! But I guess we'll see, won't we.
Until next time, God be with you.
Sunday, November 4, 2018
TCATS #252 - Love Rules
Two things I wanted to mention for today's post...
First, most Spoken Word messages, which are a part of Music & the Spoken Word each week, are prepared weeks in advance. Bro. Lloyd Newell usually pre-records them weeks in advance, as well. Music is chosen to help enhance the theme of the spoken word message--though not all of the music selected is for that purpose. Today, however, given the terrible tragedy at the Tree of Life Synagogue this past week, it was decided that the spoken word be partially rewritten just a few days ago, both out of respect and out of love for the families and friends of the victims. Of course, the message is not just for them, but for everyone--a message of working harder to come together as brothers and sisters and of showing more love and respect.
Hate crimes are terrible, in and of themselves. But the way this country is so bitterly divided, on just about everything, is a tragedy as well. The music and spoken word today was presented in an effort to remind all of us that we're all in this journey of life together and love will always prevail. Here are a few excerpts from today's message:
But there’s something else that happens in the wake of horrible events, something that sparks hope: In the process of mourning with those who mourn, we remember that we share a common humanity, a brotherhood, sisterhood. We realize that although we look, believe, and think differently, we share this small space in the universe, and we need each other. When one group or individual suffers, we all do. So we help one another through difficulties and trials, because that’s the only way we can move forward in the face of suffering.
We’re truly in this together. We need voices of peace. We need hearts of love. We need souls that respect our shared humanity—who generate light instead of heat. In other words, we need each other. In the end, hate will not win; goodness will. Ultimately, evil does not rule the day; love does—and always will. Voices of peace and hearts of love are never alone.
I certainly have days when I think love won't prevail. But my hope and my faith demand better thinking of me. And when I truly look at the bigger picture, there are so many good people doing so man good things. That reality keeps the other, more dismal reality, at bay.
Second, while I enjoyed singing several songs today, one in particular was The Impossible Dream. Not only are the words inspiring ("...march into hell for a heavenly cause!"), but a good friend of mine who just joined the choir this year has had it on his bucket list to sing this song with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. And today his bucket list was fulfilled! It was fun to feed off of his excitement and to see how happy he was.
That's about it. Until next time, God be with you.
First, most Spoken Word messages, which are a part of Music & the Spoken Word each week, are prepared weeks in advance. Bro. Lloyd Newell usually pre-records them weeks in advance, as well. Music is chosen to help enhance the theme of the spoken word message--though not all of the music selected is for that purpose. Today, however, given the terrible tragedy at the Tree of Life Synagogue this past week, it was decided that the spoken word be partially rewritten just a few days ago, both out of respect and out of love for the families and friends of the victims. Of course, the message is not just for them, but for everyone--a message of working harder to come together as brothers and sisters and of showing more love and respect.
Hate crimes are terrible, in and of themselves. But the way this country is so bitterly divided, on just about everything, is a tragedy as well. The music and spoken word today was presented in an effort to remind all of us that we're all in this journey of life together and love will always prevail. Here are a few excerpts from today's message:
But there’s something else that happens in the wake of horrible events, something that sparks hope: In the process of mourning with those who mourn, we remember that we share a common humanity, a brotherhood, sisterhood. We realize that although we look, believe, and think differently, we share this small space in the universe, and we need each other. When one group or individual suffers, we all do. So we help one another through difficulties and trials, because that’s the only way we can move forward in the face of suffering.
We’re truly in this together. We need voices of peace. We need hearts of love. We need souls that respect our shared humanity—who generate light instead of heat. In other words, we need each other. In the end, hate will not win; goodness will. Ultimately, evil does not rule the day; love does—and always will. Voices of peace and hearts of love are never alone.
I certainly have days when I think love won't prevail. But my hope and my faith demand better thinking of me. And when I truly look at the bigger picture, there are so many good people doing so man good things. That reality keeps the other, more dismal reality, at bay.
Second, while I enjoyed singing several songs today, one in particular was The Impossible Dream. Not only are the words inspiring ("...march into hell for a heavenly cause!"), but a good friend of mine who just joined the choir this year has had it on his bucket list to sing this song with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. And today his bucket list was fulfilled! It was fun to feed off of his excitement and to see how happy he was.
That's about it. Until next time, God be with you.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
TCATS #251 - Settled Rest
As you know, life can just be really hard sometimes. And this past week was one of those weeks. Even some aspects of choir were hard. But through it all, I'm grateful for the people who care about me and I'm always thankful for edifying and uplifting music because it does have a significant effect on healing from hardships and feeling spiritually fed.
My favorite hymn we sang today was "My Shepherd Will Supply My Need".The lyrics that touched me the most are bolded.
My Shepherd will supply my need;
Jehovah is His Name;
In pastures fresh He makes me feed
Beside the living stream.
He brings my wand’ring spirit back
When I forsake His ways,
And leads me, for His mercy’s sake,
In paths of truth and grace.
There would I find a settled rest
While others go and come,
No more a stranger or a guest,
But like a child at home.
I'm thankful for a kind Heavenly Father and a merciful Savior who are extremely patient and who are anxious to bless and help. Even when there's a particular blessing I want that doesn't seem to come, there are plenty of other blessings in my life that testify of God's love and grace.
Until next time, God be with you.
My favorite hymn we sang today was "My Shepherd Will Supply My Need".The lyrics that touched me the most are bolded.
My Shepherd will supply my need;
Jehovah is His Name;
In pastures fresh He makes me feed
Beside the living stream.
He brings my wand’ring spirit back
When I forsake His ways,
And leads me, for His mercy’s sake,
In paths of truth and grace.
There would I find a settled rest
While others go and come,
No more a stranger or a guest,
But like a child at home.
I'm thankful for a kind Heavenly Father and a merciful Savior who are extremely patient and who are anxious to bless and help. Even when there's a particular blessing I want that doesn't seem to come, there are plenty of other blessings in my life that testify of God's love and grace.
Until next time, God be with you.
Sunday, October 21, 2018
TCATS #250 - Using Gifts
My deepest sympathies for all of you who tried to get tickets for the Christmas Concert this year, but were met with all sorts of roadblocks and frustrations. Once again, the servers handling the ticket requests were unable to process all of those requests efficiently and effectively, leaving many of you with a most unpleasant experience. The word is that the Church will be fixing that problem for next year's ticket distribution experience. But I know that doesn't help with the fact that you didn't get any this year. I hope that you'll consider going early to get in the stand-by line because in all of my years doing Christmas concerts (5 now), MANY of those in that line actually do get in.
Today I was in an observer seat since I wasn't able to make it to Thursday night's rehearsal. Our family has a foreign exchange student living with us for three weeks and since she's a soccer fan, I took her and my other kids to a REAL soccer game at Rio Tinto stadium Thursday evening. A good time was had by all and I'm glad we were able to go. But, I do always miss choir when I don't go, and miss the people I've become good friends with there.
After a great broadcast, we launched into extra rehearsal #1 of 8, for the Christmas concert. We worked on three or four pieces, as well as a couple of songs for next week's broadcast. I don't want to give away all of the songs we'll be singing at this year's concert because everyone loves a surprise, right? But I do want to mention just one...Carol of the Drum. It's one of my favorite Christmas songs. I just love the narrative of this young man who doesn't feel like he has any gift to give to baby Jesus--only to to discover that the talent he has of playing the drums is a perfectly acceptable gift. Arguably the best gift. I tear up every time! I always think about the gifts I have and if I recognize them--and use them for the benefit of others.
How are you using YOUR gifts?
Until next time, God be with you.
Today I was in an observer seat since I wasn't able to make it to Thursday night's rehearsal. Our family has a foreign exchange student living with us for three weeks and since she's a soccer fan, I took her and my other kids to a REAL soccer game at Rio Tinto stadium Thursday evening. A good time was had by all and I'm glad we were able to go. But, I do always miss choir when I don't go, and miss the people I've become good friends with there.
After a great broadcast, we launched into extra rehearsal #1 of 8, for the Christmas concert. We worked on three or four pieces, as well as a couple of songs for next week's broadcast. I don't want to give away all of the songs we'll be singing at this year's concert because everyone loves a surprise, right? But I do want to mention just one...Carol of the Drum. It's one of my favorite Christmas songs. I just love the narrative of this young man who doesn't feel like he has any gift to give to baby Jesus--only to to discover that the talent he has of playing the drums is a perfectly acceptable gift. Arguably the best gift. I tear up every time! I always think about the gifts I have and if I recognize them--and use them for the benefit of others.
How are you using YOUR gifts?
Until next time, God be with you.
Sunday, October 14, 2018
TCATS #249 - Pushing Through
Today was just one of those days I wasn't really excited to get up early and go to the Tabernacle to sing. Any of you who know me, know how extremely grateful and humbled I am at being able to sing with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. So my not wanting to go sing today had nothing to do with that. It's just sometimes you get tired and life is busy and when faced with responsibilities--even ones you normally love--you just want a break. Nothing wrong with that. I actually could have taken a break and not gone in, but I have some family things going on this coming Thursday for which I'll miss rehearsal for so because of that fact, I got up, got ready, drove to my carpool spot, and got a ride into the Tabernacle to perform Music and the Spoken Word.
The crowds continue to amaze me. Even with it being in the 30s this morning, temperature-wise, they just kept coming in the doors. And by 9:30, we had another full house eager to see us perform.
I pushed through my fatigue, trying my best to make the songs come alive for me and hone in on the wonderful themes we were singing about. And while I don't think I did a great job, I think I did OK, all things considered. What always motivates me the most on days like today, is looking out at the audience, getting a feel for who they are and why they had come. Whether it's tears or smiles, or just intense staring (or even disinterest) being exhibited by the audience members, everyone there was being surrounded and immersed in the music and those with open hearts were being influenced in just the way they needed to be. The other thing that motivates me is the people and friends around me. I feed off of their excitement and happiness and I siphoned off an extra dose of that today.
The song I enjoyed singing the most today was THE GROUND. Not a very flashy title, but if you hear it in the context of being "grounded" in truth and in our Savior Jesus Christ, it takes on a whole new meaning. You can give it a listen, HERE.
Not much of an inspiring blog entry for you--I'm sorry. But I'm just keeping it real. Next week after the broadcast, we start learning Christmas music for our concert in December. I can't believe it's already THAT time. However, I'm really excited to delve into Christmas music which I think includes some of the best pieces of music ever written. We'll have eight extra rehearsals between now and the concerts, six of which we must attend, and that will take us right up to Christmas Concert week where we basically tell our loved ones farewell and we'll see them after the week is over. :)
Until next time, God be with you.
PS: For the last 248 entries, I've started each title with "MTC", meaning "Mormon Tabernacle Choir". But I realized today that I need to change the acronym to align with our new and improved name. TCATS.
The crowds continue to amaze me. Even with it being in the 30s this morning, temperature-wise, they just kept coming in the doors. And by 9:30, we had another full house eager to see us perform.
I pushed through my fatigue, trying my best to make the songs come alive for me and hone in on the wonderful themes we were singing about. And while I don't think I did a great job, I think I did OK, all things considered. What always motivates me the most on days like today, is looking out at the audience, getting a feel for who they are and why they had come. Whether it's tears or smiles, or just intense staring (or even disinterest) being exhibited by the audience members, everyone there was being surrounded and immersed in the music and those with open hearts were being influenced in just the way they needed to be. The other thing that motivates me is the people and friends around me. I feed off of their excitement and happiness and I siphoned off an extra dose of that today.
The song I enjoyed singing the most today was THE GROUND. Not a very flashy title, but if you hear it in the context of being "grounded" in truth and in our Savior Jesus Christ, it takes on a whole new meaning. You can give it a listen, HERE.
Not much of an inspiring blog entry for you--I'm sorry. But I'm just keeping it real. Next week after the broadcast, we start learning Christmas music for our concert in December. I can't believe it's already THAT time. However, I'm really excited to delve into Christmas music which I think includes some of the best pieces of music ever written. We'll have eight extra rehearsals between now and the concerts, six of which we must attend, and that will take us right up to Christmas Concert week where we basically tell our loved ones farewell and we'll see them after the week is over. :)
Until next time, God be with you.
PS: For the last 248 entries, I've started each title with "MTC", meaning "Mormon Tabernacle Choir". But I realized today that I need to change the acronym to align with our new and improved name. TCATS.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)