MTC Week #109 - Ends & Odds

For this week's post, I thought I'd just include some random thoughts and info about current Choir happenings/observations.

>>Right after choir rehearsal was over, I checked my phone for messages and saw that my 10 year old daughter had texted to say that I had been on TV exactly 14 times this morning! My family's devotion to my calling always surprises and humbles me.

>>Mack gave us one thumb-up after the broadcast. This means, as you might expect, "good job." Sometimes we get two thumbs-up, which, I suppose would mean "excellent job."

>>The broadcast today included a segment about Rockwell's paintings. I was able to see the Rockwell exhibit at the BYU Museum of Art a couple of months ago and it was great. I like the simplicity and everyday events and people depicted in his paintings.

>>We continued to work on Mahler's 8th Symphony after the broadcast. Everyone had just received a seating chart for this concert, the night before, and part of that seating chart included several individuals sitting in the balcony benches. I was one of these. What was funny, was hearing everyone's theories as to why the balcony individuals were chosen to sit there. Everything from looks, to voice quality, to ability to blend, or not being as loved or appreciated (which is certainly not true). I was just internally chuckling as I didn't think it mattered too much.

>>Speaking of this Mahler concert, word is that tickets sold out in 40 minutes.

>>We got new performance folders today! If you have noticed on broadcasts, our old folders were a burgundy color. Our new ones are good ol' standard black. I don't know how often we get new folders, but I'm pretty certain it's not very often. So hey! I'll enjoy this momentous occasion.

>>At church today, a couple who had been serving as General Service Missionaries on Temple Square, spoke about their experiences over the past five years. It was very interesting hearing their inspiring true stories--mostly of individuals who they interacted with in some way during Mormon Tabernacle Choir performances or General Conference. Most of these stories ended the same: people being overcome and in tears. Tears of feeling inspired and happy.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC Week #108 - One More River to Cross

I'm so thankful to be a part of The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and this week was no exception. There aren't any out-of-the-ordinary experiences or choir news to share this week--we simply worked hard to prepare for this morning's broadcast and worked hard continuing to prepare for our upcoming performance of Mahler's 8th Symphony.

I thought about two oft-repeated lines of text today, from a negro spiritual song we sang called Then We'll Sing Hosanna. The two lines were these:

But we have but the one more river to cross,
And then we'll sing hosanna.

Confirming the intended meaning of this phrase with a friend of mine, this speaks of the negro people who, amidst their incredible hardships and struggles, knew that death was the final river to cross before they'd find ultimate peace. 

As I was pondering this phrase further, I thought about some other personal interpretations. One speaks to a mindset I sometimes get in that isn't very healthy. It's the "after I get through this, THEN I'll be happy" mindset. As we all know, getting through a particular trial does bring a measure of happiness. But the ending of a trial always bring another one to take its place. So unless we can live happily along side our trials, we're going to find it hard to be happy most of the time.

Another thought on this phrase was making sure that as we do make it through trials, hopefully by calling upon God's help and applying the atonement of Christ, that we DO take time to "sing hosanna."  Or, in other words, give thanks for the help and strive to live in a state of gratitude. 

Lastly, I wholeheartedly agree with the original meaning of these two lines of text. From the Book of Alma, in the Book of Mormon, we read: And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.

Until next time, God be with you.

 

MTC Week #107 - Ephesians 5:19

There was a mini spiritual revival going on at the Tabernacle this morning! The men donned their white coats and black bow ties, while the women wore their fusia dresses. Together with the orchestra, we sang four spirituals to pay tribute to not just Martin Luther King Jr., but all of those men and women who worked (and continue to work) so hard for freedom, racial equality, and justice. We were joined by our good friend Alex Boyé, who (as usual) did a great job in portraying the deep and important message behind these songs.

From a singer perspective, I really enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of this program today. The songs were all very familiar (memorized) and I was able to fully concentrate on the messages of the songs. It was gratifying to know that the messages reached the hearts of many in the audience as I noticed several individuals wiping away tears of gratitude and appreciation. The overall spirit in the Tabernacle humbly testified of the importance our Father in Heaven and His son, Jesus Christ, place on the themes of equality, love, brotherly kindness, and freedom.

I know that the fight for racial equality is still a war that has not been completely won. But I'm grateful for those who are fighting in that war and who continually seek opportunities to show what side they are on. I'm also grateful for literature that's been written and for films that have been made such as Remember the Titans, Selma, The Great Debaters, The Blind Side, The Help, and others that my wife and I have enjoyed showing to our kids to give them a greater understanding of this nation's past, the equality struggles it went through, and the great men and women who were not afraid to stand up. 

I end today's post with a paragraph from today's Spoken Word:
"The course has not been easy, nor is it yet fully realized. But we can take hope in our ongoing efforts to correct wrongs, to embrace one another as equal persons and citizens of one nation. This is, after all, a 'sweet land of liberty,' the 'land where [our] fathers died, land of the pilgrims’ pride.' So 'from ev’ry mountainside let freedom ring!'"
 

MTC Week #106 - Of Alleluia & the New Recruits

Having had two weeks off of going to the Tabernacle on Thursdays, it was actually nice to resume our normal schedule this past week. Nothing in particular was different or unique about our Thursday night, EXCEPT that the new members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir were there for their first Choir School session. I suppose that technically, they aren't members of the choir, yet, since they must go through 16 weeks of lessons and instruction. However, after they complete their "boot camp", they will join the rest of us in the loft and blend their voices and testimonies with ours. 

A friend of mine and I took a little walk before choir rehearsal started to see if we could get a look at these new members. We found them having a tour of the Tabernacle. Along with seeing their faces reflecting wonder, happiness, and a bit of nervousness, I was scanning the group to see if I recognized anyone I knew. I didn't find anyone. At some point though, I look forward to meeting them--and, if they happen to be a bass (and somewhere near my height), I'm sure I'll have the pleasure of singing next to them and getting to know them a little. 

Welcome, new people! We love you and are grateful for your testimonies and talents.

Turning attention to the broadcast this morning, the song that ended up being my favorite today was simply titled "Alleluia". The lyrics of the song were equally simple (the word "Alleluia" just repeated itself over and over, which mean "God be praised"). Describing the song this way might leave the impression that it was simply uninteresting. 

On the contrary. It was simply beautiful. 

Each time the phrasing repeated, more parts were added, more harmonies, and an increase in volume. I thought of different parts of my life and the parts of my life yet to unfold. I thought of coming into the presence of God after this life was over. I looked out at the audience and I thought of many of them making it faithfully through their personalized trials and tribulations of this life, and finding a very sweet reward in the end, for doing so. I thought of those who may choose not to fight the good fight and ultimately reject their Savior. I thought of the grandeur of heaven, the beauty of music, and the pure love of God. And I thought of the desire I have to show more love to family, friends, and all of my brothers and sisters.

And all of those thoughts fit into that six minute song. It was amazing.

Until next time, God be with you.

MTC Week #105 - Well, Hello 2016

The bass section (with some baritones) from today's broadcast

 If attendance for this morning's broadcast was any indication of how excited the Choir was to start off a new year, we'd be in trouble! I don't think I've seen it so low. I remember a time during the summer when it seemed as though half the tenor section was missing (and others, too), but I think today set some sort of record. At least during my time with the choir.

But despite our lower numbers, the broadcast went very well. Among the pieces we sang (Antiphon, There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today, How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place, and Oh, What a Beautiful Morning) was one I've commented on before, called Standing on the Promises. That song just gets me every time. I love everything about it, particularly the words. God promises us so many blessings if we but strive to do what He's asked us to do. We will always fall short and we outright fail from time to time. There might be times in our lives when we struggle to find the light amidst all of the darkness. But despite our weaknesses, His promises are there. They are sure. They are real. And standing on them will bring us greater peace, and hope, and light.

Along with the first broadcast of the year, saying hello to a new year also gives way to an interesting reality of being in the choir. Church meeting times changed for many of us (and most members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who share a church building with another ward/congregation). So, for some, it was "Hello! I'm glad to be back", while for others it was "Farewell, I'll be back next year." Those who have church that meets in the morning can't attend given the choir schedule (and hence find a different congregation to meet with). For those who meet in the afternoon, they are good to go! I, personally, am in the latter camp, so it was nice to attend my own ward today and say hello to people I haven't seen for quite some time.  

Grateful for another year ahead with the Choir! And until next time, God be with you.

MTC Week #104 - Of Endings & Looking Forward

Today's Music & the Spoken Word broadcast marked the last one for the year 2015. And with it, marked the last choir event of the year, as well. 

While I really don't like endings too much, I recognize that with each ending, there's a new beginning. And beginnings are a time to learn from the past, improve, and move forward.


This past year was a very full one for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Here are a list of highlights:

*Singing at the American Choral Directors Association conference
*Mini-concert at the Grand America to honor Gail Miller
*April General Conference
*The Chorale Concert, featuring 1st years and 2nd years (with a few other volunteers who joined us)
*Going on tour to the East Coast for two weeks
*Summer Celebration of Song (Pioneer Day) Concert
*Singing at Elder Boyd K. Packer's funeral
*Singing at Elder L. Tom Perry's funeral
*Singing at Elder Richard G. Scott's funeral
*October General Conference
*Singing for the World Congress of Families Convention
*Christmas Concert

I learned a lot from these events and singing every Sunday. One of the most important things I learned was the constant need to be "in the moment" and to focus on the messages of the songs we sing. It is easy to get into "coast" mode and work hard, but not go that extra step to be fully invested into the music's message and remembering how many people are listening. Can my voice, in a sea of 400 other voices, infused with the spirit of truth and peace and testimony of Jesus Christ, contribute to some listener's life in a positive manner? Can someone's life be changed, for good, if I work hard and do my part? Absolutely. I believe that. So in the spirit of improving, that it what I want to focus on for 2016.

Moving forward, here are a list of events that will occupy the time, attention, and dedication of the Choir for 2016:

*Tanner Gift of Music Concert, featuring Mahler's 8th Symphony
*The Messiah Concert, to coincide with the release of The Messiah, on CD
*April General Conference
*Preparing for, and going on a three-week tour to various cities in Europe
*Pioneer Day Concert
*October Conference
*Christmas Concert
*probably at least three or four other impromptu events that seem to get added to the calendar

I just want to end by saying how grateful I am for the opportunity to sing with the Tabernacle Choir. I mention this blessing often, but that's because I feel grateful for it so often! The songs, the words, the talents, the people, the music, the dedication, the emotion. It's all such an important part of my life. And I'm thankful for people everywhere, who use their God-given talents--in a great multitude of ways--to bless the lives of others. 

Until next time (year), may God bless you.
 

MTC Week #103 - Christmas Concert Review Top Ten!

What an incredible week! And what an incredible Christmas Concert that I was so happy to be a part of! Last year's Christmas Concert was really unique, and fun, and of the warm-fuzzy variety (Santino Fontana & the Muppets). But this year's concert was much more Christ-centered and spoke to the true meaning of Christmas on so many different and important levels.

Here is what I loved, specifically, about the concert this year:


10) I loved the set, the lighting, all the Christmas trees and other decor that helped give the concert its look and feel. I would say that I loved all the fog, too (which was a prominent part of this year's concert), but while it probably enhanced the concert, it wasn't too much fun to breathe! We basses, who were on the very edge of the wall, seemed to get a particularly large dose of the fog.

At any rate, thanks to those who put in countless hours in creating the set.

9) I loved the costumes. As we would go to rehearsal for the past couple of weeks, we'd pass lots of tables of sewing machines, not to mention racks and racks of costumes, wigs, head decorations, etc. I have no idea all the time it took to outfit the guest artists and the dancers, but their monumental efforts are much appreciated.

8) I loved the dancers. They have a hard job trying to fit into tight spaces and narrow stages since most of the area we have to work with is filled up by choir members, orchestra, and guest artists. But they did a beautiful job sharing their talents and certainly enhanced the music and the overall choir experience.

7) I loved our guest artists. Broadway singer Laura Osnes, Metropolitan Opera Soloists Erin Morley—Soprano, Tamara Mumford—Mezzo-Soprano, Ben Bliss—Tenor, and Tyler Simpson—Bass. And then Martin Jarvis, acclaimed British screen and voice actor, was the narrator. They all brought such warmth and talent to this program. I was grateful to see them up close, to see their winks, their smiles, and to see their gratitude of being a part of the concert this year.

6) I loved hearing stories of "ticket miracles". The Choir members received 12 tickets each this year, and most likely gave most of those out to family members and friends. But I heard several stories of choir members having a couple of tickets left over and how they were able to bless the lives of complete strangers who had wanted so much to come to the program--but hadn't been able to get tickets. These stories were filled with reactions such as "Thank you!!", "You are an answer to my prayer!", "I was hoping to find someone with tickets to share." And there was even one lady who was so happy, she gave the choir member a big hug, right there in front of the ticket office.

5) I love the devotion of the stage crew. I've said this many times before, but all

of the behind the scenes people deserve such a huge round of applause. I can't imagine putting on a concert of this magnitude, only to have the audience send back no applause at the end. Hopefully though, as the audience was clapping these past three nights, they were thinking of, and being grateful for, this "invisible" group of talented individuals who make all of the magic possible.

4) I loved seeing the audience react to Rick Elliott's organ number. Standing ovation every night! What can I say? That guy has an amazing talent.

3) I loved visiting with other choir members. Spending a whole week with them would make some think that perhaps we'd grow weary of each other. Just the opposite. These types of things bring us together. And I appreciate the 1x1 time I had with a few, and the group time I had with many.
  

2) I loved, loved the songs we sang. Thanks to Mack Wilberg for selecting such wonderful music, and adding new arrangements this year that were grand and spirit-filled. My favorites were Farandole, Angels from the Realms of Glory, and, probably most of all, The Wexford Carol. I'm not sure where that carol has been hiding all of my life, but it's beautiful. I love everything about it. It's one of those songs where the notes and words and harmonies just fit together so naturally. I also was grateful for the part of the program that featured several works from Handel's Messiah. I had never heard the background of how The Messiah came to be, or how it impacted so many people at the time.

1) I love my Savior. I'm so grateful this concert was so focused on Him. He is the light of the world. And He makes it possible to feel happiness, to feel relief, to feel love, and to feel peace. 






I want to end with saying how much I appreciate my wife and kids. Their devotion and commitment to making our family "work" while I serve in this calling (and particularly during this past week) is amazing. And I'm so grateful to them. 

Until next time, God be with you! 

Thanks to members of Facebook, Deseret News, and The Salt Lake Tribune who are accredited for many of these photos :)