TCATS #283 - Tour Q&A

Ever since the 2020 Tour was announced a few weeks ago, I've received a lot of questions from people: family members, friends, co-workers, and even newer members of the Choir. So, I thought I'd take a few minutes and put together a Q&A post, inspired by my friend Siope (friend and fellow bass in the Choir) and included here for the benefit of those who have questions. Note that these questions and answers won't cover basic fundamental info that can be found in the official tour announcement you can read, here.

Q:  Is going on tour a mandatory requirement of being a member of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square?
A: No, it's not. It's left up to the individual to decide if he/she wants to participate.

Q: What factors are considered by those trying to figure out if they want to go?
A: First, they have to meet the official requirements set forth by the Choir administration. These include things like attendance record, seniority, whether or not it's your last tour opportunity, and having a doctor certify you're up for the physical demands of tour. Second, they have to take into account personal considerations such as time off from work (15 working days), family summer plans, and whether they are ready for how demanding tour can be.


Q: If everyone in the Choir wanted to go, and met the requirements, could they?
A: No, logistically that just couldn't happen. There are a lot of reasons why, but to give you an example of just one: venue capacity. Most concert halls we perform at don't have the capability to handle a choir as large as the Tabernacle Choir. 

Q: Do those going on tour get financially compensated?
A: Nope!

Q: I heard that spouses can go on tour. Is that true?
A: Choir members who meet all of the eligibility requirements and are selected to go on tour can request that their spouse (or a "guest") come as well. However, there are only a certain number of guest "slots" available--so not all choir members who want their spouse to come will have that opportunity. Additionally, guests have to pay their own way to come (choir members are paid for), and the cost can be significant (anywhere from $5000 to $7500 typically). 

Q: Isn't tour mainly just having a good time with little to worry about?
A: Those going on tour have a good time, sure, but it's a lot of work. As Siope mentioned in his post, it's like a job. There is sightseeing time and down time during the tour, but there's always quite a schedule to keep. Early mornings, very late nights, sometimes sleeping on the bus, walking lengthy distances, etc. Plus choir members on tour naturally worry about their families back home. Those leaving a spouse behind and who have kids still at home might worry a little extra that everything is going OK. 

Q: Do you choose a roommate? Or are roommates assigned?
A: Once you are approved/selected to go, then you figure out who you want your roommate to be (and hope that whoever you choose wants to be yours!). This process can be a little bit stressful--not only in the asking, but in the realization that you'll be rooming with this person for three weeks. You hope they can live with your quirks, your possible snoring, and any idiosyncrasies you may have. Of course if your spouse is going, then he/she is your roommate and you don't have to worry about the whole roommate selection process!

Q: What's the hardest part about the pre-tour and on-tour experience, for you?
A: Well, pre-tour, it's first figuring out if it's even possible for me to go, given scheduling conflicts, getting time off from work, etc. Then it's consulting with my wife to gauge her interest level and the overall feasibility of her coming given the financial cost, being away from kids & home, etc. But most importantly, it's praying to know if God wants either, or both of us, to go in the first place. It's a big commitment and comes at a cost. Maybe He has other plans for us and we try to be open to those alternate plans. So overall, it's an involved process. I've heard some choir members talk about tour who don't even give it a second thought as to whether or not they'll go--of course they're going (assuming they meet all of the selection criteria). I'm glad it's so easy for them. But for me, there are a lot of considerations and it occupies a lot of my pondering time. While I'm on tour, I think the hardest part is just worrying if things at home are going OK and missing my wife and kids.

Q: Lastly, what do you like most about tour?
A: Having the opportunity, through music, to share my love, my testimony, and the truths of the gospel of Christ with the people who come to the concerts. There's nothing I enjoy more than that. The sightseeing is nice. Tasting new foods is, well, interesting. And spending quality time with other choir members is really great, too (since that's really hard to do during the short 10-15 min breaks each week). But the concerts themselves are what make all of the sacrifices worth it.

The deadline for choir members to submit a "yes" or "no" to the question "Are you wanting to participate?" is July 15, 2019. We'll see how things turn out for me!

Until next time, God be with you.

TCATS #282 - Finlandia & Playing Our Part

Every so often, of the (typically) five songs that make up the weekly broadcast, there isn't even one that really moves me. Such was the case this week. That's not to say I didn't appreciate them, or acknowledge the truths they contained, or recognize they were prayerfully selected for many around the world who would tune in and feel inspired. Because I did. But personally, I was struggling a bit and realized I needed to say a prayer to get fully on board and truly fulfill my calling. So as I reviewed the music this morning during rehearsal, I tried to lock in on the lyrics and get excited to sing the truths they contain. I also leaned back and asked a friend of mine what song was his favorite for today, hoping for some additional inspiration and insights. Without much hesitation, he answered "Finlandia/On Great Lone Hills". I had to smile because that was my least favorite of the five. I mean, I love the orchestral beginning. It's majestic, it's bold, and it's triumphant, with strings and horns and drums and brass all combining forces to capture our attention and draw us in. But then the choir comes in and it's like it suddenly changes to a very slow and somber piece--plodding along for several pages to a (in my opinion) plain melody. Such plodding finally comes to an end though, as the grand finale kicks in and the orchestra and choir unite to bring things to a glorious conclusion. 

As I drove home after choir, I thought more about Finlandia and realized that it's a lot like life, actually. We have moments or experiences that are grand and majestic--ones that are exciting and captivating. But a lot of life is just plodding along, steadily trying to do our best, and getting through the various hardships that come along. I suppose, too, that even along side the daily plodding, there are small moments of grandeur. Moments that may not fit into the underlying narrative, but that appear on our personal sidelines and then take center stage just long enough for us to transform our plodding into a steady, confident walk with a smile on our face and a brighter hope in our hearts.

All of that said, I guess I owe an apology to Finlandia. Thanks to that song, I was reminded of some important truths today. :)

Before concluding today's post, there are some lyrics from another piece of music I wanted to highlight, mainly for some friends--several of whom are in the choir-- who need to be recognized today for their strength and valiant determination. Their particular struggles are uniquely challenging, but they fight the good fight each day and use their talents and strengths to bless all around them. 

Let every instrument be tuned for praise;
Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise,
And may God give us faith to sing always.
 
These three lyric sentences from "When In Our Music God is Glorified" speak about all of God's children:  each is an instrument that receives personal, divine tuning to contribute to those around them; each is a voice that is worthy of being heard; and each is an individual who goes forward in faith, singing their own unique song of love and hope.

Let us all keep singing, always.

Until next time, God be with you.

TCATS #281 - 2020 Tour, Memorial Day Special, & SuperFan

On Thursday night as we walked into the Tabernacle to take our seats for rehearsal, the large movie screens on either side displayed the following information: 

Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra
2020 Tour
June 25 - July 16, 2020

Finally! We had been waiting for quite some time now to hear about where we were headed in 2020, and after some warm-up by Maestro Mack, President Jarrett thanked us all for coming and proceeded with the slide presentation. With cheers and clapping, the next slide (and future slides) let us know that the 2020 "Heritage Tour" will include 10 concerts at venues in six countries: Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Wales, and Scotland. You can read the official press release, HERE.  I have a lot of mixed emotions and concerns about tours in general, but now the task at hand is figuring out what the Lord wants my wife and I to do, given a variety of factors that need to be weighed and considered. Some of these factors include the length of the tour (22 days), the cost of a spouse coming ($7500), and the events going on in our lives next summer. 

In other news, today's broadcast was a Memorial Day Special and we sang an unprecedented number of patriotic songs to celebrate those who have lost their lives in defending our freedom. The broadcast was fast-paced and really demanded complete attention in going from one song to another. But it went well and Mack was pleased and as a bonus, I knew a few people in the audience--which always adds to the whole experience. My wife's cousin was in town (who currently lives in Costa Rica), and she brought her kids with her--including a "super fan" of the choir--her 11-year old son, Garrett. I had no idea he was such a fan until just a few days ago, and he was super excited to finally see the choir in-person. Afterwards, I met them outside the Tabernacle with a friend of mine, and presented Garrett with our latest CD "Let Us All Press On"--which included signatures of various men in the choir. He was stoked :)

Singing the patriotic songs today made me think not only of the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for my freedom, but also of the state our nation is in and how divided we are. It's a dismal thought. BUT, I quickly thought of all of the loving, kind, and tolerant people in my life and how grateful I am for them. I'm not sure about the the future of our "united" states, but I am sure that if we all keep trying to do our part by being civil, respectful, and kind, that progress CAN be made. It's up to me. And it's up to you.

Until next time, God be with you.

TCATS #280 - Of Compliments, Love, and Sissel

Never suppress a generous thought.

A fellow choir member, who I have the fortune of being good friends with, is simply a Master of Compliments. It's amazing. In my short time with him just today, I probably heard four or five compliments given to various people. 
[To a me] "I love that tie."
[To another choir member] "That's a great haircut!"
[To a lady at the visitors center] "I like your hair."
[To a group of Chinese visitors] "Thanks for being here. Are you going to come watch us sing?"

Just last week, as we were walking through various tunnels to get from the cafeteria to the Conference Center for a concert, do you think he noticed each of the individuals working security? Well, of course he did! Each received a genuine "Hello! Thanks for keeping us safe," and I could tell it surprised a few of them to be acknowledged, let alone receive a compliment.  

I don't think he'll ever know how much his compliments impact people. I mean, most of us when we give compliments, we never really know how much it helps the receiver. But undoubtedly it helps in some way. And who knows, it may even help in a big way. I'm determined to be a person who gives more compliments--not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it's a win-win thing to do. And, after all, we're all brothers and sisters and showing love is really what it's all about.

Speaking of love, that was today's theme of Music & the Spoken Word. All of the songs we sang testified of God's love for us--from "I Feel My Savior's Love," to "How Firm a Foundation," to "I Sing the Mighty Power of God." What was extra special about today's broadcast was one little girl who was in the audience. A girl named Lydia who President Nelson mentioned in a talk he gave last December. Lydia has cancer and isn't expected to live much longer. So as we sang about love today, we kept hoping that Lydia and her family would feel a lot of love--not just from us, but especially from a Heavenly Father and Mother who will be eager to welcome her home soon. 

To end today's post, I just wanted to mention the announcement made this past Thursday regarding the guest artist for our upcoming Pioneer Day Concert in July. If you're a fan of Sissel, then you definitely won't want to miss getting tickets. (And fortunately, the Pioneer Day Concert is typically available on YouTube for all to enjoy)

Well, that's it my friends. Give a few extra compliments this week. And give a few extra hugs of love, too. 

Until next time, God be with you.
 

TCATS #279 - The Golden Spike

The Tabernacle Choir has been likened to a "train that never stops". And these last three months, not only has it never stopped, but it's been going 100 mph! So after the broadcast was over today, everyone was finally able to breath a sigh of relief. The train hasn't stopped, but I think we're all thankful that it will now slow down considerably. 

The biggest event of the week was the concert we performed on Friday evening to commemorate the 150th anniversary of May 10, 1869--when, at the remote promontory north of the Great Salt Lake, two locomotives—the Jupiter from the Central Pacific and the 119 from the Union Pacific—met nose-to-nose, completing the transcontinental railroad. The two guests joining the concert were Tony award recipient Brian Stokes Mitchell (who goes by "Stokes") and Tony-nominated star Megan Hilty. They were both excellent. The choir sang nine songs in all--several patriotic songs, along with a couple of spirituals, a Broadway piece or two, and a medley of train songs (which, by the way, will not leave my head, even now). What was unique about this concert is that it was NOT being filmed, it was only one night, and it was more on the light-hearted side of the spectrum. So, with a little less pressure than normal, I really found the concert to be uniquely fun and positive. A lot of references were made to trains (of course) and how they relate to our lives. We're all on a journey, we all have ups and downs, we endure bends in the track and variations of speed. We mix and mingle with fellow passengers and we have opportunities to influence and uplift. Wherever we're at on our railroad journey, we thankfully have a Master Conductor, who will get us to our final destination, safely and lovingly.

Enjoy a few pics below of the event, and until next time, God be with you.

Spent dinner break with these fine gentlemen! (Ryan & Wes)

The view the audience had

The back row basses, keeping things real.

A fireworks show after the concert!

 

TCATS #278 - Revisiting & Reinventing

Thursday was my wife's birthday, and because I wanted to spend as much time with her as I could, I traded choir rehearsal that evening for a date with her to see the Avengers movie. :)  That meant, of course, that this morning I revisited the balcony seats nearest the loft (or as some of us have come to call it, the "penalty box") to observe the broadcast rather than be in it. It was a good experience though. I had a good friend to my right, and a good friend to my left, and I felt a lot of love for them as we went through the "observing experience" together. I also had a couple of my choir friends come up to me during the break to give a hug and say hello. I felt blessed! 

Rewinding a bit though...Before I took a seat in "the box" this morning, I said hello to a choir member and we started talking about how difficult it's becoming to be REALLY excited about various choir events (ironically, this topic came up on the very day 30+ new people were completely stoked to be on their first broadcast!)  It's not that we don't want to be excited. It's just the natural way things go when you do things over and over and over again. The only remedy for avoiding that trap of complacency and indifference is to REINVENT. The meaning of this word, according to the dictionary, is "to change something so much that the thing seems completely new." So how does one effectively do that?

As I've been giving this some thought, I've come up with the following Top Ten "Instead of" list as it pertains to reinventing the role of a member of the Tabernacle Choir:

1.  Instead of saying "Gosh, I've sang this song at least 20 times already," say "There's someone out there who may be hearing this song for the first time--so I should sing it with all my heart."
2. Instead of singing a well-known song during rehearsal without looking at the music, pull out the music anyway and see if you can't find at least one note or rhythm that you may have been singing wrong all along.
3. Instead of going for technical expertise, feeling proud that you made it through the song perfectly, try actually thinking about the song's message and what it means to you, both while you're singing it, and afterwards.
4. Instead of relying on your experience and talents to carry you through, come to Choir with a prayer in your heart that those who listen will be able to receive, and that you, yourself, will receive what God may want to teach you.
5. Instead of treating time in the penalty box as a time to be uninvolved, look at it as a time to listen, to appreciate, and to recapture the wonder of the choir and its inspired mission.
6. Instead of looking out at the audience and seeing them as one massive group of people, see them as individuals, each as a son or daughter of Heavenly Parents who have come with heavy burdens, and who are relying on YOU to help them feel hope and solace.
7. Instead of being content with your current choir friend group, look for ways to meet someone new--especially someone who recently joined the choir and is full of the excitement you seek.
8. Instead of staying in the "now"(which definitely has its place), remember back to when you finished the rigorous audition process and received that letter in the mail welcoming you the Choir School. How awesome was that! (and then let that memory inspire your reinventing conquest)
9. Instead of thinking that any sort of correction coming from the director doesn't pertain to you (because, after all, you HAVE been here many years... Ha), really think about whether it just might.
10. Instead of just singing to those in the audience, think about the people that mean the most in your life, and try dedicating various songs to them. New joy and fresh perspective may just be the result.

It's not too hard to come up with a list like this (and really, the concepts in this list can apply to anything you've become complacent with), but it's another thing to actually remember and implement these non-complacency strategies. To be honest, sometimes I forget about them--and sometimes I'm just not that great at implementing them. But, I really hope I can do better. After all,  I don't want complacency or indifference to hold any of my choir moments hostage. 

Not even one.

Until next time, God be with you.

TCATS #277 - New Perspectives/ Retirements

Instead of attending Choir rehearsal this past Thursday evening, I spent my time supporting both my wife and daughter at a Centerville Jr. High end-of-year Cheer Banquet (since my wife is the Cheer Coach, and my daughter is one of the cheerleaders). It was a very nice evening, as I was more than happy to be in attendance to honor them and all of the hard work they've put into cheer this past school year. 

Missing Thursday night though, meant sitting in the "penalty box" this morning in an observing role only. As the choir rehearsed, I decided to wander to the back of the Tabernacle and see things from that perspective. I quite enjoyed it. It gave me the opportunity to smile at the people coming in, to see them up close, and to hear the choir and orchestra in a "balanced" way (since sitting anywhere else in the Tabernacle will give you a very different listening experience). 

During the break, I took a stroll outside and ran into Ben who was headed off to welcome people who had brought small children and therefore couldn't watch the broadcast from the actual Tabernacle. Instead, these folks took a seat in an auditorium in the North Visitors Center. After one of the Tabernacle Choir sisters greeted them, Ben and the others went up into the seats to personally talk to the people and answer any questions they might have. I appreciated  the perspective that experience gave me because most of us during the break just hang out and talk to friends in the choir. Ben, along with these other choir members though, actually keep on serving during the break by helping people feel welcome and loved. 

Those retiring were asked to stand and be recognized.

At the end of the broadcast, those retiring from the choir today were asked to stand and be recognized. There were 31 of them. I did not stay for the actual retirement ceremony afterwards, but my prayers were with them as I knew it was going to be a difficult thing to formally and officially say goodbye. I don't like endings, myself, and I don't like thinking about them for other people, either. Change is always hard, especially when you don't know what's next in life--what doors will be opened. But, I know God loves these brothers and sisters who have served anywhere from 5 to 20 years in the choir, and I sincerely hope they feel God's love for them as they start a new era of service in various other ways. 

Until next time, God be with you. 

P.S. Unbeknownst to me, the Spoken Word today included some thoughts on Perspective. Check it out HERE.