Well, it's late, I'm tired, and I still have a blog entry to write! Forgive me if this is a bit of a jumbled mess. At least I can get points for being consistent every week!
A couple of weeks ago, I gave a talk in my ward about the Tabernacle Choir. I started off answering some commonly asked questions about the Choir, and then ended with saying some words about an important topic--the need for each of us to play our part. Along with just sharing some thoughts on that topic, I actually read one of my previous blog posts about it (HERE) and hoped that someone listening would get something worthwhile from it. After the meeting, a sister in the ward related how my words had helped her see her calling in a new light. And then today, two weeks later, another sister I didn't even know came up and said how it had made such an impression on her that she had thought about it all week and even talked about it with several of her friends who were, in turn, impacted as well.
This got me thinking about one of my favorite TV shows: Joan of Arcadia. Like many shows I've liked over the years, it got canceled way before it was time--the producers of the showing saying that public interest in faith-themed shows had started to lag. A sad commentary if true. At any rate, the show was about a girl named Joan (who went to Arcadia High School) who was approached by God throughout the week to do certain things. Things that, to Joan, simply didn't make sense. They were often things she didn't want to do, and were things that were outside her comfort zone. Trusting God, though, she typically did them. And while it wasn't always obvious what came of them, sometimes Joan was able to see the incredible ripple effect. She would do something, which affected person A, who was able to affect person B, and cause person C to be steered in a direction that actually saved a life, or mended a strained relationship or increased someone's hope (the list goes on).
Point being, our actions have consequences and ripple effects--many of which we don't get to see. Combined with that, if we all realize we have a part to play, and then actually play that part, our ripple effects for good can be quite profound. A smile, a heart-felt text, a hug, face-to-face words of gratitude, letting people in and being a good listener to people--these things and so many more can uplift and inspire and really truly make a difference.
This falls in nicely with the Christmas theme of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: LIGHT THE WORLD, one person at a time. So go ahead--try it. Be yourself. Play your part. Do good. See the ripples. And light the world.
Until next time, God be with you.
PS: It's Christmas Concert week this coming week and I just want to thank my dear wife and kids ahead of time how much I appreciate their support during a week I'm gone every night. Also, thanks to my fellow friends and colleagues in the choir who also support and uplift and make it all fun. Couldn't do it without you guys. Love you all.
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Sunday, December 1, 2019
TCATS #308 - Welcome, Christmas Season!
And truly He is!
Unfortunately, sometimes it's difficult to stay reminded of that.
Just last night, my wife and I were at the grand opening of the Barnes & Noble bookstore in Farmington and were trying to find a Christmas-themed picture book (we purchase one each Christmas season as a family tradition). We looked in one spot that a B&N worker pointed us to, but were disappointed to find that none of them were even remotely connected to the true meaning of Christmas. We then found another display of holiday books, only to be equally disappointed. Finally, we came across one small section of one bookshelf where lo and
Perfect!
Another example of Christ being hard to find in Christmas was mentioned by a member of a local congregation I worshiped with today. She stood to share her testimony and mentioned that last year, each time she'd get in her car, she'd turn on the Christmas radio station to enjoy Christmas music. She'd also hear that same music played at stores or shopping malls or on predefined Pandora or Spotify Christmas playlists. To her dismay, though, by December 25th, she was really sick of Christmas music! And then she realized why: almost none of the songs she had been listening to were true Christmas carols that spoke of Christ. (As an aside, if I'm out shopping and have to endure "Santa Baby" or "Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time" or "Mele Kalikimaka" or "All I Want for Christmas" just one more time, I think I'll run out of the store like a crazy person!) Do non-Christ centered Christmas songs have their place? Sure. Who doesn't enjoy Jingle Bells or White Christmas or Frosty the Snowman sometimes? But I'd argue that the songs that endure in your heart and bring hope and peace won't have themes of roasted chestnuts or jingling sleighs. Rather, they'll connect you with the babe in the manger, who "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man," who lived and loved perfectly, and who gave his life for each one of us.
I hope we can all find ways to keep Christ in Christmas this year. It's unlikely the world will help with that. It'll be up to us to proactively make that happen.
Until next time, God be with you.
(A few pics from today's broadcast)
Sunday, November 24, 2019
TCATS #307 - Atypical Thanks
I'm grateful I was back with my choir family Thursday and today after not singing in the Sunday broadcast for the past three weeks. Today, of course, was our "Thanksgiving Special" and the songs and the message all centered around the theme of gratitude. As such, I thought it would be fitting to express ten reasons I'm grateful for my continued time with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Keep in mind that these ten reasons aren't going to be your typical reasons--I have those reasons and have expressed them in this blog before (getting to sing, the people, the music itself, the guest artist experiences, etc). But these are some atypical reasons that go down to the tiny details.
10. I'm thankful for plastic water bottles that don't make those crinkly noises when you pick them up. I recently discovered the Evian brand water bottle and it's the perfect height, is QUIET, and has an easy to screw on cap. Does it cost more than the popular Kirkland brand? Absolutely. But a few Evian bottles can go for months by refilling them.
9. I'm thankful for the people who choose the background lighting and patterns and scenery that gets displayed behind us. We don't notice it at the time we're singing, but when I review the performance on Youtube or TV, I see what a great job they did.
8. I'm thankful that not everyone arrives at the Tabernacle for choir at the same time. I was getting dressed this morning in the blue suit and red snowflake tie and had plenty of room to do so. Getting back into "regular" clothes afterwards, though, isn't so roomy!
7. I'm thankful for multiple bathrooms that are available to use when nature calls. Yes, the Conference Center men's bathroom could use more stalls (there's typically a line for those during break), but it's just nice that there's one there.
6. I'm thankful for friends to talk to during breaks and even friends who wait for you as you exit the stage or as you pick up your music and have a long walk ahead of you to the Conference Center or the Tabernacle. The conversations that ensue are usually uplifting and bring a smile to my face.
5. I'm thankful that I'm not always on ROW #6. Even though I'm assigned to row #6, I often get moved down to #5 or #4 because someone else is absent and the spaces need to be filled in. Row #6 is the most crowded row out of them all. Someone felt a need to stick an extra seat into that row when there really wasn't enough space to begin with.
4. I'm thankful when I'm walking to and fro and other members of the choir that I pass in the hallways look me in the eyes and with a smile, say "hello Ryan".
3. I'm thankful for family members and friends that say how much they enjoyed another performance of ours, even when they've already heard the songs a million times.
2. I'm thankful for the organ solo that occurs AFTER the broadcast each Sunday. I don't get a chance to just sit there and hear it too often, but when I do, I'm always thankful because it's always so moving.
1. I'm thankful every time I finally make it to my seat and have about 5 minutes before rehearsal starts. I love to just sit there, look around, notice people, enjoy the familiarity, and count all of my blessings for being able to be there in the first place.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Until next time, God be with you.
10. I'm thankful for plastic water bottles that don't make those crinkly noises when you pick them up. I recently discovered the Evian brand water bottle and it's the perfect height, is QUIET, and has an easy to screw on cap. Does it cost more than the popular Kirkland brand? Absolutely. But a few Evian bottles can go for months by refilling them.
9. I'm thankful for the people who choose the background lighting and patterns and scenery that gets displayed behind us. We don't notice it at the time we're singing, but when I review the performance on Youtube or TV, I see what a great job they did.
8. I'm thankful that not everyone arrives at the Tabernacle for choir at the same time. I was getting dressed this morning in the blue suit and red snowflake tie and had plenty of room to do so. Getting back into "regular" clothes afterwards, though, isn't so roomy!
7. I'm thankful for multiple bathrooms that are available to use when nature calls. Yes, the Conference Center men's bathroom could use more stalls (there's typically a line for those during break), but it's just nice that there's one there.
6. I'm thankful for friends to talk to during breaks and even friends who wait for you as you exit the stage or as you pick up your music and have a long walk ahead of you to the Conference Center or the Tabernacle. The conversations that ensue are usually uplifting and bring a smile to my face.
5. I'm thankful that I'm not always on ROW #6. Even though I'm assigned to row #6, I often get moved down to #5 or #4 because someone else is absent and the spaces need to be filled in. Row #6 is the most crowded row out of them all. Someone felt a need to stick an extra seat into that row when there really wasn't enough space to begin with.
4. I'm thankful when I'm walking to and fro and other members of the choir that I pass in the hallways look me in the eyes and with a smile, say "hello Ryan".
3. I'm thankful for family members and friends that say how much they enjoyed another performance of ours, even when they've already heard the songs a million times.
2. I'm thankful for the organ solo that occurs AFTER the broadcast each Sunday. I don't get a chance to just sit there and hear it too often, but when I do, I'm always thankful because it's always so moving.
1. I'm thankful every time I finally make it to my seat and have about 5 minutes before rehearsal starts. I love to just sit there, look around, notice people, enjoy the familiarity, and count all of my blessings for being able to be there in the first place.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Until next time, God be with you.
Sunday, November 17, 2019
TCATS #306 - Noticing the Other Person
I recently returned from a vacation to Jamaica which was absolutely wonderful. It did, however, cause me to miss two Thursday night rehearsals, plus a Sunday performance/rehearsal. As such, I was again in "observing mode" today. Thankfully, my friend Ryan was also in observing mode so we observed together--enjoying five great pieces that the choir performed for Music & the Spoken Word. My favorite of the bunch was Standing on the Promises. That song never gets old and never disappoints. There's so much of life that takes a toll on your faith and distracts you from what's most important. And this song always reminds me that things will be OK (actually, more than OK) if we stand on the promises that God has given us. And by standing, I mean living each day relying on those promises to be delivered as we strive to follow Christ.
As I was contemplating what to write about today, my wife gave me a good idea--so I'm going to go with it. :) During the past six years I've been in the choir, my wife and I will find ourselves at family events or going out with friends. And inevitably, the topic of conversation will either start with, or gravitate to, the Tabernacle Choir. The questions might be directed to me ("Ryan, so how's the choir going?") or when my wife is without me, she'll get the questions ("So how is Ryan enjoying the choir?"). When I get the questions, my good wife patiently smiles and listens--sometimes contributing experiences or insights. And when she gets the questions, she is obviously nice and answers those questions the best she can.
I am, of course, grateful for the interest people have about the choir and I recognize it's an easy and obvious topic to ask about. Their sincere desire to learn more is something I appreciate. However, I often feel bad that my wife repeatedly gets the short end of the stick. How I've wished that at least some of the time, people would come up to us and ask how she's doing. Or, at the very least, ask "So Jenn, how is it supporting Ryan in the choir? What are some of the highs and the lows you've been through?"
Like I said, people mean well and neither my wife nor I hold any sort of grudge towards anyone asking about the choir. It just illustrates an important principle that we all need to be aware of more often: sometimes it's the other person who could use the attention.
So, next time you're in a situation where you have the opportunity to talk to the less-noticed person--the one who may not, for example, be singing with a world-renowned choir that travels the the globe and sings to millions each week--take it! I guarantee that the person will be very grateful. And then, afterwards, when the conversation is needing a new direction, the obvious topic at hand is always one you can turn to.
Until next time, God be with you.
As I was contemplating what to write about today, my wife gave me a good idea--so I'm going to go with it. :) During the past six years I've been in the choir, my wife and I will find ourselves at family events or going out with friends. And inevitably, the topic of conversation will either start with, or gravitate to, the Tabernacle Choir. The questions might be directed to me ("Ryan, so how's the choir going?") or when my wife is without me, she'll get the questions ("So how is Ryan enjoying the choir?"). When I get the questions, my good wife patiently smiles and listens--sometimes contributing experiences or insights. And when she gets the questions, she is obviously nice and answers those questions the best she can.
I am, of course, grateful for the interest people have about the choir and I recognize it's an easy and obvious topic to ask about. Their sincere desire to learn more is something I appreciate. However, I often feel bad that my wife repeatedly gets the short end of the stick. How I've wished that at least some of the time, people would come up to us and ask how she's doing. Or, at the very least, ask "So Jenn, how is it supporting Ryan in the choir? What are some of the highs and the lows you've been through?"
Like I said, people mean well and neither my wife nor I hold any sort of grudge towards anyone asking about the choir. It just illustrates an important principle that we all need to be aware of more often: sometimes it's the other person who could use the attention.
So, next time you're in a situation where you have the opportunity to talk to the less-noticed person--the one who may not, for example, be singing with a world-renowned choir that travels the the globe and sings to millions each week--take it! I guarantee that the person will be very grateful. And then, afterwards, when the conversation is needing a new direction, the obvious topic at hand is always one you can turn to.
Until next time, God be with you.
Sunday, November 3, 2019
TCATS #304 - Players on a Stage
I missed rehearsal for the week, so I was on the sidelines to watch the broadcast today. Sometimes when this happens, I actually get a little sad that I'm not singing. But today I was content to just sit and watch, next to my good friend Jason-- who was also content to just enjoy the observation experience.
There were a few moments when I just looked around and noticed all of the "players" in this Tabernacle Choir experience. And as I did so, I thought about the famous words that Shakespeare once penned: "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances."
The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square will continue moving forward year after year as it's always done since 1847 (1929 began Music & the Spoken Word). The singers, the choir leadership, even the conductors will play their part for a time and then they will make their exit. Their replacements will then make their entrance. Those new players will contribute what they can, enjoy the marvelous experience it is, enrich others' lives, and then move on to something else.
On the one hand, such an observation makes me feel rather unimportant. After all, one day some other individual will join the choir as a new addition to the bass section and he will inherit "my" number: B-108. All of my music markings--especially all of those arrows I drew pointing upward to help encourage me to sing just a little higher--will be his now. He might even sit where I sat, adding his voice to the voices of many others.
On the other hand, because I know that at some point that day will come, it's important not to minimize anything in "the now." No one understands this more right now than my friend Ryan, who only has six months left in the choir (having served all of his allotted 20)! He's been experiencing several last moments for months now and each time we have a concert or some other performance, it's usually the last of that type, for him. Who can even count all of the hours put into 20 years of service? It's unbelievable. And it definitely means something. He has been but one player on the stage. But all of those hours have helped to change him--and to change so many others. That's what consecrated service does to the giver and receiver. It changes them for the better.
So, far be it from me to change Shakespeare's quote. But if I did, I would substitute the word "merely" for "vitally important".
For truly, everyone is.
Until next time, God be with you.
There were a few moments when I just looked around and noticed all of the "players" in this Tabernacle Choir experience. And as I did so, I thought about the famous words that Shakespeare once penned: "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances."
The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square will continue moving forward year after year as it's always done since 1847 (1929 began Music & the Spoken Word). The singers, the choir leadership, even the conductors will play their part for a time and then they will make their exit. Their replacements will then make their entrance. Those new players will contribute what they can, enjoy the marvelous experience it is, enrich others' lives, and then move on to something else.
On the one hand, such an observation makes me feel rather unimportant. After all, one day some other individual will join the choir as a new addition to the bass section and he will inherit "my" number: B-108. All of my music markings--especially all of those arrows I drew pointing upward to help encourage me to sing just a little higher--will be his now. He might even sit where I sat, adding his voice to the voices of many others.
On the other hand, because I know that at some point that day will come, it's important not to minimize anything in "the now." No one understands this more right now than my friend Ryan, who only has six months left in the choir (having served all of his allotted 20)! He's been experiencing several last moments for months now and each time we have a concert or some other performance, it's usually the last of that type, for him. Who can even count all of the hours put into 20 years of service? It's unbelievable. And it definitely means something. He has been but one player on the stage. But all of those hours have helped to change him--and to change so many others. That's what consecrated service does to the giver and receiver. It changes them for the better.
So, far be it from me to change Shakespeare's quote. But if I did, I would substitute the word "merely" for "vitally important".
For truly, everyone is.
Until next time, God be with you.
Sunday, October 27, 2019
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.
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
Sunday, October 20, 2019
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.
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.
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