TCATS #268 - Unexpected One

On Thursday morning this past week, I was saying my morning prayers and had this thought come to my head regarding Tabernacle Choir rehearsal that night. The thought was that I needed to pray for a specific person who'd be passing by the Tabernacle that evening--someone who had no intention of going into the Tabernacle, but who needed to go in and listen to the songs we'd be rehearsing. That person needed to feel God's love for them. So, that's what I prayed for.

At rehearsal that night, I kept my eye out for all of the people who came in and sat alone. There were a few, but I never did get any impression of who that person was that I had prayed for earlier. It didn't matter though. I had hope that the prayer had been answered and that that specific someone was there, replacing their hopelessness with hope, and their pain and sorrow with love and light from above. It just so happened that two of the songs we were singing this week spoke of love: the hymn Love One Another, and, a song from the musical Oliver! called Where is Love?  As I joined in singing those two in particular, I hoped this person was having the uplifting experience he or she really needed. 

Until next time, God be with you!

PS: Here are a few posts, below, from those around the world watching the live YouTube feed of today's broadcast.

Jerrilyn Ramos: It's so amazing. It really is the fastest half hour to grace this earth. It is SO classy and beautiful! I love those dresses!

Przemek Brzozowski​: I love this choir all my heart 😀

Ernest De Leon​: glad to hear such a message each Sunday! helps me through the week!

Jonas Scoubes: ​Thank you Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square for the amazing music!! This is ringing in our home!!

Rick Russo: ​Totally love The Tabernacle Choir!! 

Paul Jaikaran:  ​Great hymn...great tune ...great composition..thank you Tabchoir for raising up our spirits


 

TCATS #267 - It's the People

Four times a year, the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square performs patriotic music, and today was the first of those four for 2019. President's Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day. There wasn't anything too unique about today's "President's Day Special", but it was both fun and encouraging to sing about the United States on an ideal level, and those people who have played a part in what this nation stands for. One of those people was featured on the Spoken Word portion of the program--George Washington. Here are a few sentences from his tribute:

"...more important than all of this is the imprint he left on the lives of the people who knew him—and, indirectly, on every American ever since. He was deeply respected for his unique combination of ability and humility. And in turn, he showed deep respect for others—especially those who stood by his side and fought for freedom in perilous conditions. The idea that General Washington would stop to help men build a bridge is perfectly believable because that’s the kind of person he was. The poetic words written for his eulogy in 1799 are just as true today as they were then: he was “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.” "

During the break between rehearsal and performing this morning, a few of us were going over the lyrics to John Williams' majestic piece "America, the Dream Goes On"--a song which was on the program. There are places in that song where the lyrics just move right along, so we were trying to memorize them a little bit. One person chimed in with parts of the song he liked--particularly the snare drum and how it sort of creates a picture in your mind of galloping on a horse. One person mentioned how he liked the lyric that talks about a song being sung in places where "you'd think there'd be no song at all." One mentioned how the song HAD TO BE tied to some patriotic movie (I mean, we are talking about the master movie soundtrack composer, John Williams!) At any rate, these are the types of fun discussions we have backstage--along with non-music related topics of course.

Before rehearsal today, the birthday committee announced to everyone that it was Mack Wilberg's birthday this coming Wednesday. We all stood and applauded while Mack quickly left the stage. He doesn't like such attention. But we're definitely grateful for all he does for the Choir organization. So happy 64th birthday Mack!

That's about the scoop of it today. We're releasing a new CD in about four weeks and I'm especially happy to be a part of this one. Check it out HERE.

Until next time, God be with you.

TCATS #266 - Anniversary! + Odds/Ends

Five years ago, almost to the day (2/9/14), was my first Music & the Spoken Word broadcast. I remember the experience vividly--who I was sitting by, which row I was on, how I was feeling, and how excited I was. Just a clip from my blog on that day:  "What a rush singing with the choir today for Music and the Spoken Word! Can't quite describe all the feelings I was having. Nervous, humble, excited. . .and always wondering when the camera was coming my way (which apparently it did a few times). Overall, I was just grateful once again for being able to sing with this choir. I was praying the most that my testimony, fused with the music and lyrics of today's numbers, would touch someone's heart and inspire them to be just a little better."

*Interestingly enough, today's rehearsal before the broadcast will probably go down as one of the most frustrating for our dear director, Mack. Intonation issues, rhythm issues, placement issues...especially for one of the songs we were rehearsing, "Lovely Appear". However, it was very gratifying to see how happy Mack was after we performed that song on the broadcast. It must have gone very well because there was a smile on his face afterwards, along with a thumbs-up! 

*So on Thursday night for rehearsal, evidence of dress code changes for the women was easy to spot. Following the announcement that sister missionaries around the world could now wear dress pants/slacks, the presidency of the Choir decided to extend that same dress code change to the women of the choir (since, after all, those in the choir ARE called to be musical missionaries). Many of the women rejoiced at the change and several took a pic to commemorate the historical dress code modification.

*On Thursday, as well, President Jarrett told us that they wouldn't be able to tell us about our 2020 Tour destination in February, like had been previously announced. Not sure what's going on behind the scenes, but I suppose the announcement will be coming out soon. 

*With my son leaving on a mission just this past Wednesday, I'm a bit of an emotional mess. Up, down, and every which way. While choir this week was good, I'm grateful for my patient choir brethren who had to put up with a somber Ryan. Lots of trials going on right now, and I'm not sure how I feel about everything. But things are easier to get through with a good support system at home, with friends who reach out, and with a God who definitely looks at us as kids as kids worth bothering about.

Until next time, God be with you.

TCATS #265 - The Last Laborer

I'm standing in a very spacious, brilliantly-white building that doesn't seem to have a roof. Millions are gathered, and I sense that my loved ones are with me--somewhere--though I can't actually see them. Somehow, even though we're there, together, we're also there just as individuals, waiting. Waiting for the last laborers to join us. There's a sense of urgency for those last few people to come. Time is running out and I'm anxious to see if anyone else I know will come through a set of doors, over in one of the corners. I notice, though, that the once steady-stream of people coming through those doors has now turned into a trickle and I wonder, and hope, there will be more.

I begin to sense there are only a few minutes left and then God will have gathered in the last of His sheep. Such an exciting time! So many people I know have fought the good fight and finished the race. They have overcome incredible personal challenges and with faith in their Savior, they have finally made it home. My joy, though, is not yet complete as I keep looking at the doors. I get the strong impression there is someone I know and love who is not yet with us. And I can tell from the music playing that only a minute or so remains. The chorus of voices, the swelling of the strings, the crescendos of sound are now retreating--becoming less and less. The voices are calling upon all of us to rejoice, but how can I completely rejoice when there's someone else who needs to come through that door?

I slowly move closer towards the doors. Perhaps only 15 seconds remain in the song. Tears spring to my eyes as I'm forced to confront the possibility of someone I love not joining in the invitation to rejoice. Then it happens. As the last "rejoice" is sung, the doors quietly open one last time and the last laborer walks through. It is him. He has come! My tears turn to those of happiness and of wonder, mercy, and grace. My soul fills with immense gratitude as I give him a big hug of love and relief. And though the song has ended and we wait quietly for Christ to appear, my soul inwardly continues to sing that one word. The word I can now wholeheartedly endorse: Rejoice!

This emotionally draining narrative above is what goes on in my head and heart every time we sing All People That on Earth Do Dwell. I don't know why, but it does. I don't even know who the last laborer truly is in this story, strangely enough. I never get to see his face. But after the song is over, I'm left to ponder the reality that we're all laborers. We're all on this journey. Some started a long time ago, while others joined just recently or have yet to join. But wherever we all are, I hope we can live with a sense of urgency to love and allow others to love us. After all, that last laborer may very well choose to walk through those doors because of us--because the love we showed them helped them become the person they wanted to be, and the person God wanted them to be.

Until next time, God be with you.

TCATS #264 - The Source

Whenever there's something that comes up in life that takes me away from attending Choir, I'm usually quick to point out how much I really missed being with my fellow Choir singers. However, I won't say that today because of how much I enjoyed being with my family today at our Church's worship service. My son Joshua, who'll be leaving our family soon to serve a two-year mission in Albania, spoke to the congregation today and did a marvelous job bearing testimony of Jesus Christ. My wife and I sat there, enveloped in the Spirit, tearing up at how much our little boy had grown up and how he had developed such a firm and unyielding testimony of his own. 

I wouldn't have missed those few minutes for anything. 

One of the songs the choir sang today (and which I rehearsed with them on Thursday) was "Thou Lovely Source of True Delight" (link from today's broadcast here, while it lasts).  There are two sentences that fit in with a lesson my wife gave me and our kids at home this evening:
  

Jesus, my Lord, my life, my light
Oh come with blissful ray.
Break radiant through the shades of night
And chase my fears away.

On top of Josh leaving soon--joining his sister in preaching the Gospel--there's a lot of uncertainty in the Pitt home right now with a variety of things. What's going to happen with this? What about that? How do we think the Lord will direct out path with this? What am I supposed to think about that? What if we have to go to Plan B with this? Will we have enough faith if this happens but not that? A thought from today's spoken word sums it up by saying, "Fear and uncertainty crash and swirl all around us, and we feel that all we can do is hold on for dear life—if we could only find something to hold onto."

It's the light of Christ that can break through the fear, the uncertainty, and all of the vexing questions that plague us from day to day. It can literally chase our fears away. So for my wife and I, we're choosing to have faith that the light we seek will, indeed, come and illuminate the path--if only for a minute or two--so we can take those next few steps forward. And if we stumble over rocks or have to take unplanned detours, or realize that instead of going left, we have to go right, then we'll just go right and know that God's perfect plan is just that--perfect. 

After all...why would we want any other plan?

Until next time, God be with you.
 

TCATS #263 - Love For All

Given that tomorrow is Martin Luther King Jr Day, the choir, orchestra, and bells all joined together to present a program honoring the heritage of African-Americans and their fight for civil rights. All of the songs we sang/performed were spirituals and aside from "The Little Light of Mine", all of the others were ones that were new to me. So, it was both rewarding and humbling to learn these songs and sing the lyrics that speak of longing, of hoping, of struggling, and of obtaining rest.

Joining us on the program was special guest Robert Sims who has performed with the choir in the past, several years ago. He did a marvelous job, as did his piano accompanist. After the broadcast, we had them face the choir (as is tradition with any special guest), and watch us as we sang "God Be With You" to them. I'm not sure why that is always such a highlight, but every time I get to be a part of that experience, it really touches me. Maybe it's because we're literally singing to

Robert Sims

"the one". Or maybe it's because of the words themselves and the realization that we may not meet or see this person for the rest of our mortal journey. Maybe it's because it's obvious how much the experience is affecting the one we're singing to (they usually tear up). Perhaps it's just a sweet combination of all those reasons. :)

I'm grateful for the progress this nation has made in combating racism and prejudice in all its forms. There's obviously still work to be done. Singing these songs today made me feel closer to all those who have had to struggle with feeling equal and loved and I'm grateful for all of those individuals and organizations around the world that work so hard to promote peace and love for all mankind. 

Until next time, God be with you. 

 

TCATS #262 - Influence Theory & Soul Buddies

Throughout my experience in the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, I've often wondered about the contribution each individual person makes--given the choir's large size. I mean, on any given performance, there may be over 360 singers who are contributing to the overall sound and presentation. That's a lot of people. So does it really matter when I, or any other person, isn't there?

There are plenty who would say "no", I imagine. I used to think that myself. We talk a lot about the power of unity and why it's so important to "be one". And indeed it is. In the Choir, we strive to be one in purpose and one in heart. We want our audience members around the world to feel that "oneness" and to receive our combined message of hope, of peace, and of love. So is there really a difference between a 359-person choir and a 360-person choir if the 359-person choir can still achieve that unity?

I would argue YES. 

I wrote awhile ago about how the choir is made up of a lot of different people. We each have our strengths and our personalized experiences. We each have our unique challenges and fears that we're trying to conquer. We each have a very individualized testimony of why we're all here and what matters most to us. It's almost as if we're each a very long mathematical formula, or a quilt with a very complicated pattern, or a meandering path on a mountain made up of unique twists, and turns, and elevation changes. 

But even though we're unique, there are others in the world who are similar to us. They share similar burdens, have similar experiences, and conquer similar fears. They connect with who we are, at our core, and are influenced by our compassion and our empathy. Call them our "soul buddies" if you will.

So as singers, when we put everything who makes us, us, into our voices, combining the beautiful medium of communication (the song) with the sum total of our souls, we each end up influencing different people. Annie in California, Julio in Mexico, Monique in France, and Illiyan in Bulgaria hear the same united voices, but their souls are most affected and influenced by that one person who is their soul buddy. They feel the strength of the unified sound which is a combination of all of the unique voices. But they connect with that one voice. That one voice that can so effectively lift them and leave them with a feeling that they are not alone. 

While I certainly can't prove my "influence theory", it works for me. Partly because it makes sense, partly because it just feels right, and partly because it helps me personally--in those moments when I'm feeling like I don't really matter. When such moments come, I have to remind myself that I do matter. A reminder that isn't just for me--but for my soul buddies who are counting on me.

Until next time, God be with you.