Once a year, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir says farewell to those in the choir who have reached the age of 60, or, who have served in the choir for 20 years (whichever comes first).
Today was that day.
I really didn't know any of the retirees too well. But I've had the opportunity to sit next to/sing with some of them which has provided time to get to know them a little bit. They are great people--and even those I didn't get to know or have a conversation with, I will miss their "hello's" and friendly smiles in the hallways.
I think the most poignant moment for me was when, during rehearsal, we had the retirees stand to be recognized. I looked over at one of the baritones and as we clapped, tears just started trickling down his face. At that moment, I had a choice. I could try and feel what he was feeling. Or I could keep that part of my heart closed. I chose the latter. I didn't want to even try and feel what he was experiencing. In reality, I couldn't anyway, because I wasn't him. But to tackle that reality is not something I wanted to do today. My time will come soon enough.
As one of the goals of this blog is to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the choir, I wanted to share how a Retirement Ceremony works.
Following the broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word, all of the choir members go back downstairs to change into their normal Sunday attire, put away their music folders, etc. While this is happening, the stage crew is busy clearing off the orchestra setup, and exchanging music stands for rows of nice cushioned chairs for each of the retirees to sit in. The non-retiring choir members come back up to the choir loft and sit wherever they'd like while the stage crew finishes setting up.
About 10:30 or so, the ceremony starts with President Jarrett giving introductory remarks to those in the audience (which consists of family and friends of the retirees--many of who came around 8am to see the choir rehearse, and then perform Music & the Spoken Word). Following the remarks and an opening prayer, each retiree comes to the front podium where President Jarrett gives them a plaque and Director Mack Wilberg reads a short 2-3 minute letter that the retiree wrote. These letters often include highlights of the retiree's experiences with the choir, what they will miss, the support they've received from family and friends, and sometimes a particular mention of individuals who have helped them in their journey.
When all of the letters have been read, the retirees stand up, face the rest of us in the loft, and get to hear the choir members sing "God Be With You 'Till We Meet Again."
It's all quite an emotional and tearful time for those leaving.
And even though I didn't know them too well, I'm sincerely grateful for their service and contributions over the years. They have helped touch countless lives with their talents and testimonies.
Next week, of course, we'll welcome in those who will take their place.
Until next time, God be with you.
(Pictures of the Retirement Ceremony, credit Facebook)
People.
There are so many people--each with a story of their own. Sometimes when I'm out and about, or waiting in a line, I look around at all of the people around me and think how fascinating it is that each has a unique life, each has joys and sorrows, and each has been through countless experiences that have shaped them into who they are today. While we all differ from one another in this way or that, there's one way in which we are all the same: we have a Heavenly Father and Mother who love us and who know us.
As we were go through our rehearsal this morning, I was struggling to put my whole heart and soul into what I was doing. I was happy to be there, but I just wasn't quite connecting with the songs I was singing. As I looked out at the people who started filing into the Tabernacle, I saw them take their seats and saw many of them take out their smartphones to take some pictures or film the choir as we sang. This isn't unique--it happens every week. But for some reason as I watched them do that today, it jarred me out of my connecting struggles and made me realize, AGAIN, that there will be many in the audience and around the world who watch and listen to the music today and will be touched. In fact for some, it might be the only time this week when they'll be surrounded by truth and light and perhaps feel lifted and lightened. And loved.
I'm thankful to them for helping me reconnect and be in the moment.
My two favorite songs from today were If You Love Me, and In the Garden. The
chorus from the latter impressed me. I thought about all people having this experience with their Savior:
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
I'm grateful for people in general. I'm grateful for Heavenly parents. I'm grateful for a Savior. And I'm grateful for a good life.
Until next time, God be with you.
After four (Dec - Mar) very busy months with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, all roads were leading towards taking a little break. So that is what I did. Instead of rehearsal Thursday night, I went to my wife's flute recital and was also able to attend my son's cub scout activity. I felt happy to go to these events and support my family. Then, this morning before Church, I took the opportunity to have some long overdue father interviews with my five kids. It was nice to visit with each of them and hear what was on their minds and in their hearts. I re-realized the value of these visits and was glad that we were able to talk about things and set some goals as well.
As far as choir-related thoughts, the broadcast this morning was really nice to watch (on my comfy couch). The choir was joined by the BYU-Idaho Collegiate Singers who sang two numbers on their own, and joined the choir for a couple of others. I'd have to say, the sound they produced was a very pleasing one and I'm grateful they were able to share their talents and testimonies with those listening throughout the world.
Short and sweet this week!
Until next time, God be with you.
I always enjoy Conference weekend as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir gets the opportunity to sing at three of the six sessions. The hope of the Choir, as always, is that the testimony of Christ we share through the songs we sing, reaches the hearts of those who listen and helps them feel a positive something--maybe a feeling of greater hope, a building of faith, a strengthening of courage, or an increasing of righteous desire.
At any rate, I wanted to jot down a few things I observed Saturday and Sunday that brought a smile to my face:
I saw many, many choir members pouring over the music before rehearsal, after rehearsal, during breaks, and in the hallways, trying to memorize the words. I smiled because I was right there with them. And because it made me happy to see their dedication.
I saw choir members quietly visiting with one another as they were waiting for rehearsal or conference to begin. I smiled because it's nice to be part of this choir family.
I saw brand new choir members (aka first-years, new recruits) take a seat in the choir loft, full of anticipation and excitement to finally add their voice to the choir and sing to millions of people for the first time. I smiled because I remember that feeling. And because I always want to keep that feeling.
I saw general authorities of the Church greet each other with love, and smiles, and big hugs. I smiled because isn't that what life is all about? Loving others?
I saw Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy give a lot of thumbs-up after our performances, letting us know we sang well. I smiled because, well, it feels good to know our hard work paid off.
I saw several brethren around me shed tears of emotion during, and after, singing "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing." I smiled because I was one of them and because I felt so grateful for all of the miracles God has given me, and others who are dear to me.
I saw hundreds of volunteers play their important part of usher. And I saw other volunteers work security, ensure the sound systems were working, place fresh glasses of water by the apostles' chairs, and even prepare food for all of those who needed nourishment to continue their service. I smiled because service is such a beautiful thing.
I saw a text come in from my wife between sessions, encouraging and cheering me on. I smiled because I love her and I couldn't be a part of this without her support.
Finally, I saw over 60,000 people fill the Conference Center, eager to hear the word of God through prophets, apostles, and other leaders of this great Church. And as our prophet walked off the podium and waved to all of them, they waved back. I smiled because it's wonderful to be with so many other people who share my beliefs and who work so hard to be good, each and ever day. Inspiring!
Until next time, God be with you.
It used to be that preparing for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert each year was the "biggest" event to prepare for, including a slew of extra rehearsals on Sundays and each night leading up to the concert. That may still be the case when it comes to sheer numbers of people involved to pull off such an event. However, members of the Choir have hardly known a Sunday without extra rehearsals ever since 2016 began! Performing Mahler's symphony took many post-Sunday broadcast rehearsals to prepare for, and such was the case for Handel's Messiah as well. So before I continue, I just want to express a very BIG thank you to all of the families of the choir members who have kept things going on the home front through extra rehearsal after rehearsal after rehearsal, this year.
After rehearsing Tuesday and Wednesday nights this week, the Choir and Orchestra were very excited to present Handel's Messiah! Thursday night, promptly at 7:25, President Jarrett came out on stage to welcome the audience and, among other things, remind them that the concert would be 2 1/2 hours in length. At 7:30, with the downbeat of Mack Wilberg's baton, the concert began.
As I looked out into the audience each night, I couldn't help but wonder which
"category" they fell into. Were they there because they were big fans of Handel or the Messiah (or both)? Where they there just because they loved the well known "Hallelujah" chorus piece? Where they there just to support a loved one? Where they there because maybe they felt inspired to come--not knowing really why?
As the concert progressed, there was quite a bit of time for choir members to just sit and listen. And think.
I thought about my testimony of Jesus Christ. I thought about the light and peace and hope He brings. I thought about the Gospel teachings and how those teachings, if adopted, make people better. And, of course, I thought about the different stages of Christ's life since the music itself takes you through those stages. I also felt very blessed to be singing these pieces filled with so much emotion and truth.
At the end of each concert, the hall filled with an overwhelming amount of applause! Wow. I've heard some thunderous applause in my day, but this was
really something. It made me happy. Mainly because it meant that many of those in the audience had connected with the music and they had been moved. Moved in a positive and loving direction.
Some reactions I heard in the days after:
"It was stunning--so moving."
"Even after 2 1/2 hours, I didn't want it to end."
"I was blown away. It was such a spiritual experience."
"Truly amazing."
This morning, Easter morning, the entire Music & the Spoken Word broadcast featured works from the Messiah. All I have to say about that, is, what could be better than singing songs from the Messiah on Easter? What a privilege. I was grateful.
He lives! Christ loves you. He loves me. He's made it possible to be happy in this life, and live with Him in the next.
Until next time, God be with you.
One of opportunities the Mormon Tabernacle Choir has from time to time, is to be able to sing with guest artists or guest singing groups from around the world. Today was one of those days as we welcomed the Female Alumnae Choir of Tallinn University of Technology, from Tallinn, Estonia. Directed by Andres Heinapuu, the choir performed two numbers on their own during the broadcast which were very interesting to listen to. I don't know the back story as to how they were invited to sing with us (either I missed that or we weren't told), but it was nice to have them join us today.
In addition to the Estonia choir, we were also joined by a choir of young people who had been participating this past weekend in "Sing 'n' Joy"--an international choir festival held at Brigham Young University. Sitting up in the balcony on both sides of us, they joined us for a special encore number after the Music and the Spoken Word broadcast had concluded. It was nice to look up at them and see their smiles and enthusiasm.
I always like to think that these types of experiences have made everyone involved feel closer together. Despite the fact that many of these participants live thousands of miles away and have distinct and unique lives of their own, we all came together through music today and united our voices in singing praises to Him whose children we all are. Marvelous and extraordinary if you think about it.
After the broadcast and encore number, the event concluded and the MoTab choir remained behind to rehearse pieces of The Messiah. Our concert is this coming Thursday and Friday. While I love this music, especially during this Easter season, I'll be glad to not wake up to it pounding through my head, someday in the near future. That said, I'll enjoy this experience while I have it, as such experiences come and go ever so quickly.
Until next time, God be with you.
PS: Thanks to my wife and daughter Sarah who came today to enjoy and support. Love you both!
Several choir-related thoughts going through my head, which I share below for this theme-less post.
1) In previous posts, I've mentioned the work that's gone on to put together the world's largest Hallelujah Chorus and at long last, the finished product is available to see (click HERE, and be sure and change the setting in the bottom right corner to HD). After rehearsal Thursday night, the Church's missionary department thanked the choir for all of their help in this project. And then showed us the video on a large screen with plenty of speakers, there in the Tabernacle. I thought it was absolutely amazing. My wife and kids saw it this morning and thought so too. Check it out! (about 4 min)
2) I did a Facebook post about this earlier in the week, but if you get a chance to see Singing with Angels--which just came out last Friday--I would encourage you to do so. The common misconception going around about this film is that it's just a documentary about a woman's journey in joining the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It is not that--though that particular storyline is part of the overall plot. To be more accurate, it's a film about a family's life, the struggles they go through, how they pull together, and, how the Choir plays a part in that. Those in Utah and a few surrounding states can see it in theaters, and those in other states--watch for it to come out on DVD later this year.
3) Our extra rehearsals to prepare for our performance of Handel's Messiah, continue with earnest. Both Thursday night, and this morning after the broadcast, Mack complimented the basses several times for their great melisma work. (For those who aren't familiar with that term, there's no shame in that! In this case, just think of a word--like "easy", stretched over lots of 16th notes) Of course, we were happy to take that compliment and tried not to let it go to our heads.
4) There were two songs on the broadcast today that really got to me. One of those, which is no surprise, was Pilgrim Song. I have someone close to me who has, and continues to, suffer greatly. So when I sing the words "When the Messenger shall say, come quit this house of clay, and with bright angels tower" I always think of her. The other song was our closing number, "God Be With You "Till We Meet Again." Sometimes when I really, really think about that song and hone in on someone in the audience who seems to be connecting with the message, I just feel happily overwhelmed.
5) During rehearsal this morning, I thought about the fact that one of the things our directors work with us over and over and over again, is to sing in tune. There are a lot of things to keep in mind, and employ, when trying to do that. But it got me thinking about how life itself is a lot like that. If we liken singing in tune to living the way God wants us to live, it takes constant effort. We'll be going along, doing pretty well with some of the more status quo parts of our life (like singing notes that are in the most comfortable spot of our voice range), but when life gets challenging and we face hardships (like taking a jump from a comfortable note to a much higher one), it's easy to "sing out of tune." Thankfully, we can do things to keep the faith and sing that note almost perfectly through the help of our Savior.
6) There was a young woman who had the opportunity to play with the orchestra this morning. There were at least six individuals filming her from various angles and we were finally told that it had to do with a new series coming out on BYUTV. Evidently it's been a longtime dream for this girl to play the viola with the Orchestra at Temple Square and today her dream came true. It was nice to see it unfold.
7) Lastly, one of our choir leaders today, during the announcements, was pointing out all of the various performances that go on throughout the year with the Choir, the Orchestra, and the Bells. Sometimes we have combined performances, sometimes separate. But through them all, Alex, the stage crew manager, works tirelessly (with many others) to make sure everything is in place to allow the performances to flow smoothly. We gave him a big round of applause. Thanks Alex! And for all those who work with you.
Until next time, God be with you.
