TCATS #303 - What Choir Gives Me

Nothing too out of the ordinary happened this week--either at rehearsal on Thursday or on Sunday for Music & the Spoken Word. I did, however, get to miraculously sit next to my good friend Wes (which usually doesn't happen), and, they did announce the guest artist for this year's Christmas Concert (which you can read all about HERE). Other than that, a fairly "normal" choir experience this week. 

As such, I just thought I would selfishly reflect on what choir gives me--what it gives me today and what it has given me during these past almost six years.

<>Face-to-face Social Time: Because of my work from home employment situation, I'm secluded in my home office a lot and often feel socially starved. I talk to several people on the phone throughout the week, but I really miss face-to-face time with people. Choir provides that for me. There isn't a lot of social time at choir, actually, but I take what I can get. And through the years, some of my fellow choir members have become cherished friends.

<>Spiritual Experiences: my spiritual experiences aren't limited to choir, of course, but there are many to be found at choir. The music we rehearse and perform always has a positive, uplifting message and those messages, combined with the actual music, feed my soul.

<>Quality Singing: when I graduated from BYU and performed my last concert with the BYU Concert Choir, I thought that my time of being able to sing with really talented singers (on that scale) was probably over. From that point, up until the time I joined the choir, I have been able to enjoy several small-group performances (mostly at church) that were made up of truly talented singers. But there's nothing quite like being surrounded by 90+ basses who know how to sing. We all make our fair share of mistakes, but overall, it's a heavenly experience.

<>Sharing the Stage with Guest Artists:  Just within six years, I've been able to perform on the same stage with many, many professional singers. Heck, I even got to be on the same stage as the Muppets! From Santino Fantana, to Laura Osnes, to the King's Singers, to Rolando Villazon, to Hugh Bonneville and Sutton Foster, to Matthew Morrison and Laura Michelle Kelly to Kristin Chenoweth to Sissell and many others. Just wow.

<>Gospel Insights: when memorizing songs and studying the lyrics, I've been taught a lot of insights about how to live the Gospel better. My personal strength has been renewed and my testimony deepened. My desire to follow Christ has been increased. And my love of family and friends has sweetened. 

I don't know how much longer my choir journey will be, but I'll continue to enjoy the blessings it gives me each and every week!

Until next time, God be with you.

Some pics from today's broadcast

TCATS #302 - Tears + Surprise Visit

The choir arrived a half-hour early Thursday night to join the orchestra in rehearsing a bit, and then performing for a group of newly called temple presidents and their wives. It was a rather small audience (<100), but there was nothing small about our performance. We really tried to sing with our hearts and give these good brothers and sisters an experience that would not only help them feel God's love, but also give them courage as they began their labors at various temples around the world. After we sang our final number "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling", I looked out and noticed the majority of them wiping tears from their eyes. After standing and clapping, several put their hands on their heart and looked up to us as if to say "Thank you--we received what you wanted to give."

A really great experience.

Afterwards, we launched into regular rehearsal thinking the night would play out like any other Thursday night rehearsal. But about 1/2 way through, Ryan Murphy stopped and said that we had a surprise. On cue, Kristin Chenoweth came walking out on stage (along with her manager and some others in her party). We arose and started clapping as she made her way to the conductor's podium to say a few words. You can read all about the experience HERE, but there were two things that impressed me. First, she said that out of all the experiences she's had performing (and you can imagine she's had A LOT of performing experiences), performing with the Tabernacle Choir was in her top THREE. Wow. Second, as she sat down on one of the benches in the Tabernacle to watch a little bit of the rehearsal, you could tell just how excited and happy she was to be here. Her face had a permanent smile on it while we sang the piece she heard the most of: When the Saints Go Marching In. 

She's just a great person. Period. Rick Elliott summed it up best when he said “She’s the kind of performer that just exudes so much love and warmth that people just respond. When you’re performing with somebody like that, it affects the whole performance. We love Kristin and it is a real treat to work with her.”


Other than that, today's performance of Music & the Spoken Word went really well. My favorite song of the five was a piece called "The Ground". I've never loved that title. But then I got to thinking about it. We owe a lot to the ground. Our food comes from the ground. Our cities are built upon the ground. All of the beautiful trees and plants are rooted in the ground. And it can be so beautiful--just like this song is! You're invited to click the link above and give it a listen. Three minutes of peace.

Until next time, God be with you. 

PS: Our Christmas CD and DVD just went on sale recently (featuring Kristin Chenoweth) and you can find them HERE. Also, if CDs aren't your thing anymore, you can stream the music from Spotify HERE and Apple Music HERE.

TCATS #301 - Of Anton, Capacity, & Christmas

Today we were pleased to welcome Anton Armstrong as a guest conductor for two of the songs we sang on Music & the Spoken Word. Anton is the music conductor at St. Olaf's College in Minnesota (read more about him HERE) and while I don't know much about the art of conducting, I sure thought he did a really great job. Sure, I love Mack's and Ryan's style, but it's always refreshing to have someone else at the helm for a bit! At the end of the run-through, after having called us friends several times during the rehearsal, he let us know how much he looks up to us and how grateful he was for the opportunity to conduct us. It was a heartwarming moment. His personal philosophy regarding music is right in line with the mission of the Tabernacle Choir: "I want the power of music — that Spirit — to transform those who perform and those who will hear the message. For me, that is a very powerful reason for doing what we do."

Following the broadcast, we turned our attention to....yep! You guessed it. Christmas music. Nothing like Christmas music in October :).  My family is especially smiling about this because they know how much I'd rather save Christmas music for the month of December. But, that's just not possible in this case. At any rate, we looked over three pieces of music and then did some recording of one of the songs so we could start to memorize the words and the notes. 

Some people have asked me who the guest artist is for this year and when tickets will go on distribution. Well, the guest artist has not been announced yet, but will be announced on KSL radio at 9:00AM on October 25th. I've heard absolutely zero rumors about this year's guest, so your guess is as good as mine. 

As for tickets, the choir leadership decided it best to go back to the random selection process for tickets. Check out the Choir's website for more details on how that works.

Lastly, I wanted to mention a good problem that we seem to be having each week. It's called FILLED TO CAPACITY. As early as the start of this year, I don't remember so many people coming each week to watch Music & the Spoken Word. I mean, there would be weeks where it would be filled, yes. But not so consistently--until now. It's great to see that so many people are interested and come to be uplifted. But at this rate, I'm not sure where they are going to start putting everyone :)

Oh, and lastly lastly, I got called today to officially serve in the library. Several weeks ago, I posted about my subbing in the library and now I get to serve there week in and week out. It's all great though. Lots of friends in the library and it's actually kind of fun. I guess God had a plan all along regarding this.

Ok. I think I'm done.
Until next time, God be with you.

TCATS #300 - #GenConf189 [What I Saw & Felt]

Post #300. 
Have I already spent 300 weeks in the choir? 
My wife, who is such an incredible support to me, would answer that question with an emphatic "yes"! (And in all seriousness, a big thanks to her for years of going to church without me, cheerfully enduring all of the choir conversation when we meet with friends and family, holding down the fort when I'm at regular rehearsals and all of the extra rehearsals, and helping me make sometimes difficult choir-related decisions. SHE IS THE BEST)

This weekend was the General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As such, the choir was busy preparing for that event by rehearsing not just on Thursday, as we normally do, but on Tuesday evening as well. There are plenty of official reports about Conference itself (HERE and HERE, just to name a few) and probably some mention of the Tabernacle Choir providing the music for three of the sessions. But rather than give a play by play or a general overview or a top ten list, I just want to write about a few things I saw and felt as a member of the Tabernacle Choir participating in this worldwide Church event.


>>I saw so many volunteers everywhere I looked. The hundreds of ushers, the florists (shout out to Andrew!), the camera technicians, the overall timing and production coordinators, the security personnel, those driving the electric carts to shuttle general authorities and their families, those preparing and serving food, those putting out water next to each chair on the stand...the list just goes on and on. I felt very grateful for all of them.
>>I saw a special needs young lady just a few rows from the front with family on either side of her. During one of the congregational hymns, her family helped her stand and swayed her arms to the pulse of the music. Perhaps she couldn't hear very well and they were helping her get a sense of how the music felt. At any rate, it brought a smile to my face.
>>I saw several general authorities heartily congratulate Elder Johnson after he gave his talk and made his way back to his seat. There were a couple of handshakes given to him, but hugs were the most common form of "job well done!". It was nice to witness such loving support--support that the men and women who lead the church give to each other often.
>>I saw Bishop Gérald Caussé come up after the last session of conference and give handshakes and hugs to Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy, as well as taking the time to wave and smile to the choir and the organists. 
>>I felt overwhelmingly happy while singing "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" (will be posted HERE soon) as the last song at the Sunday morning session. That song never disappoints. I just always pray while singing it that I won't cry too much (because that would cause a very running nose and a froggy throat--neither of which are conducive to singing!). 
>>I saw groups of choir members chatting during the breaks--smiling, laughing, and enjoying one another's company. In the choir loft, quiet talking before the sessions or rehearsals centered around various aspects of the music, how fortunate people felt to be there participating, funny mishaps from past conferences, and inquiries about things going on in each other's lives. 
>>I saw Nathan Wright. And I felt sad that this conference marked the end of his choir journey that started back in 1998. I gave him a big hug afterwards and wished him good luck in his future endeavors.
>>I felt grateful for a few particular friends in the choir, who's hugs, smiles, words of encouragement, fist-bumps after nailing a song, and excellent musicianship are soooo appreciated.
>>I felt pleased when our directors Mack and Ryan told us how happy they were with all of the work we put into conference and how well all the songs went. 
>>I felt grateful to dedicate the song "More Holiness Give Me" to my wife. Every conference, I dedicate one song to her (which mostly just means I think of her while I sing it--and she knows I'm thinking of her) and this time, since her yearlong goal for 2019 was have more holiness in every part of her life, she chose that one. Which of course fit perfectly.
>>I felt grateful, too, as I just sat there for a few minutes and looked out at the 21,000+ individuals who were seated in the Conference Center. As they eagerly awaited instruction on how they could improve their lives, I thought how amazing it is that there are so many people in this world, and each one is someone who God loves and treasures.  
>>Lastly, I felt eager to be more loving, kind, and supportive to everyone around me. 

My hope is that I can do just that. 

Until next time, God be with you. 

Hanging out with good friends at lunch!

 

TCATS #299 - Kind

Sometimes it's difficult to be kind.
I'd like to think I'm generally a very kind person. And I think I am. At least, that's what people say about me. But I've come to realize that often there's an adverb attached to my version of kind that I'm not so proud of. 

Selectively.

There were a few things that happened both at Thursday's rehearsal and Sunday's broadcast that caused me to think very critically of some individuals. There were even other people around me that felt the same way. And when you hear of people agreeing with you, there's a sense of justification that creeps in which seems to make it all OK. I mean, if so many people think a certain way, and I think that same way, then my opinions and feelings have been validated and I should just move on.

(Incidentally, I realized with some irony, that the Spoken Word today was on....you guessed it. KINDNESS. How's that for a slap in the face! God certainly must have a sense of humor.)

At any rate, I'm still working through these "justifiable" unkind feelings and I realize that such a process can take time. But I think going through the process is worth it. After all, harboring unkind feelings does absolutely nothing for the individuals who are at the center of the unkindness. They have NO IDEA I'm thinking those things. But I know. And those feelings do nothing but hurt me. So I will work to resolve because it's the right thing to do.

There was one pretty cool thing that happened today. One of my best friends in the choir, Ryan Bateman, usually sits about three or four rows behind me. Which means that we never sit together for anything. What's interesting is that I used to sit next to him all the time back during my first couple of years when I was on those farther-to-the-back rows. But then I was moved down and our sitting next to each other days were over. Today, though, due to various people missing and the way things worked out, Ryan got to sit right next to me. 

It was a happy day. 

Ryan leaves the choir soon. We're the same age, but he's been in for 20 years--having started his choir journey quite young. So I'm glad we had a little reunion today and in all reality, it will probably be the last. 

But we'll be optimistic. :)

Until next time, God be with you.

Ryan and Ryan

Singing "How Excellent Thy Name" today

 

TCATS #298 - Choir & Orchestra Record....the Avengers?

Once or twice a year, the choir and orchestra go through the process of recording songs that will eventually make their way to something official like a CD or a digital track you'd find on Spotify. In all reality, we record each week as we do Music & the Spoken Word! That program gets sent over the airwaves (TV/Radio) and over the internet for thousands to listen to. But, this particular type of recording I'm talking about is very different. Different because it takes A LONG TIME. Long as in about 90 min for just one 4-minute song. 

Yep. Grueling. 

Full of patience and even more patience. 

BUT, the reward of course, is listening to it later when the editing team has done it's thing and it's as near perfect as we can make it. 

This week on Tuesday and Thursday, we got to record some songs from movie soundtracks---which is a huge change of genre from what we normally record. I can't tell you all of the songs that will be on the forthcoming album (I actually don't know them all yet), but since the public listened to us practice a few tracks for this recording two Thursdays ago, I assume it's safe to say what those tracks were. One was from Prince of Egypt called "Will You Believe". One was from Frozen, called "Eatnemen Vuelie". And the other was a medley from The Avengers!

Regarding that latter song, all I've got to say is WOW. Sure, the choir had lots of ooooing and awwwwing and ohhhhing. But the orchestra stole the show! They did an incredible job playing their part in having this medley come to life. It sounded like were in the middle of the movie with the various avengers doing what they do: saving the planet from the bad guys. 

I have really loved various (more traditional) songs we've recorded in the past. Their inherent spiritual power and message are soul-stirring and emotionally impacting. In fact, some of my greatest moments in the choir have been singing those songs. But doing this Avengers piece was just really unique and exciting and... FUN. After it was over, our private choir Facebook group just filled up with comment after comment about how great it was and how much everyone just loved listening to the orchestra knock it out of the ball park.

Speaking of fun, I had to laugh at some of the choir members who showed up Thursday night with some, shall we say, modified attire. Two baritones a few rows down from me had signs on their backs--one labeling himself as "THOR", the other as "DR. STRANGE". Haha!  

Anyway, it was quite the week. 
Now to turn our attention to upcoming Conference, followed by the Christmas Concert.  

Until next time, God be with you.

Singing "Let Us All Press On" today

 

TCATS #297 - How It Was

I thought that instead of highlighting a certain theme or focusing on one aspect of my Tabernacle Choir journey this week, I'd just tell you how it was. Sound OK? 

Thursday night we returned to the Tabernacle after a summer-long hiatus over in the Conference Center. It was nice to be back, honestly. While I enjoy the nicer temperatures over at the Conference Center, I much prefer the Tabernacle mostly because I feel more connected to the people who come and listen to us sing. They are closer to me--I can see their faces. I can also get a better sense of the feelings they're having as they (hopefully) internalize the message we're so hoping they receive.

The rehearsal itself was pretty normal. We started with a heartfelt prayer offered by a choir member, and then Mack took us through each of the songs we were singing on Sunday, one by one, stopping here and there to correct us. We tapped, we penciled in corrections and important things to remember, and we tried to be patient with each other and the process. Mack turned around to those who had come to watch us around 8:15 and welcomed them, inviting them to come back Sunday morning to watch the performance of Music & the Spoken Word. At that point, the Orchestra left the stage to go home and the choir members remained for another 75 minutes to start work on some pieces we're recording next week: When You Believe (from the Prince of Egypt soundtrack); and The Avengers (obviously from The Avengers movie soundtrack). The former is one of my favorites and the latter was simply fun to sing (no words--just lots of ooohing and oooing and ahhhing). 

Our carpool left fairly quickly after rehearsal was over and we enjoyed talking about the night and several other topics as we headed home.

This morning, Willy and I drove in together talking about the events of each others' weekend, and once arrived, we changed our clothes, got our music, and headed up to the loft to get ready for rehearsal. Along the way we said hello to fellow choir members and spent what little time we had before things started, looking at the pieces that were to be memorized for today. I was most worried about the 2nd verse of I Sing the Mighty Power of God just because the lyrics just weren't gelling in my head. It was nice to know I wasn't the only one as Willy was having the same issue, and Dave, sitting next to me, was also struggling. It's a strange thing going into a worldwide broadcast knowing that the potential for messing up the words is a real thing. And the poor tenors and basses on the front row--they are probably even more concerned because those operating the cameras often come right up to them for a very personal close-up! 

We rehearsed for about an hour after no announcements today and an opening prayer. It went pretty smoothly I'd say. So much so that Mack was ready for the run through a whole ten minutes early. So he informed the "people behind the scenes" and they prepped for an early run through--just as people started pouring into the Tabernacle. 

I enjoyed the run through and was able to get the words OK. (Now if I could just get them in the live broadcast!) While not on camera, my eyes occasionally wandered to those coming in and once again, I was grateful to see their faces. During the break, I enjoyed some conversation with Mark and Ryan and Jason, as we discussed everything from marathons to marriage to chocolate. We then got in line to get some shine killer applied to our foreheads and faces, after which we made a trip to the bathroom and then back up to the loft to do some last minute reviewing of the 2nd verse. As I looked at the audience again, I was amazed at how full the Tabernacle had become. There really was hardly a seat left.  

As the broadcast began, my eyes locked with one of the camera techs who was sitting behind a banister in front of me, and he smiled as if to say "Here we go again!" I smiled back and then my eyes focused on Mack and my task at hand. There was lots of good music today, but my favorite piece was Love Divine, All Loves Excelling--which fortunately, we get to sing at Conference in a few weeks. Hooray! As we ended with that song (oh wait! I forgot to mention that I was able to recall the 2nd verse to that one song!), we sang one last number to the audience (God Be With You) and then sat down, feeling grateful for another opportunity we had had to sing our testimonies. With only a few minutes break, Mack got us started on our extra rehearsal today (75 minutes) in the which we again prepped for our recording session next week. This time I recorded the songs on my phone for a fellow choir member who has been gone--which I plan to send to him later today. Hopefully they will help him get ready for next Tuesday when the recording session will commence. 

There you have it. A day in the life....

Until next time, God be with you.