TCATS #373 - The End in Mind

I've never been a believer in coincidence. Neal A Maxwell once said: "This word [coincidence] is understandable for mortals to use, but coincidence is not an appropriate word to describe the workings of an omniscient God. He does not do things by ‘coincidence’ but … by ‘divine design.’”

Today as I was listening to the "spoken word" as part of Music & the Spoken Word, I had this thought to go back and see what the last spoken word was before the Tabernacle Choir shut down live performances back in March of 2020. I was very curious to see if it would foreshadow the pandemic days ahead or if there was some hint as to what we were all about to experience as everything started shutting down. 

So, I searched the MSW archives and found the entry for March 15, 2020. The title of the message made me smile as I thought about two possible meanings given the state of things. The title was "The End in Mind". 

To be fair, that title's intended meaning was to help people think about what their obituary would say once they had departed this earth. "How do we want to be remembered?", it asks. 

But examining the title through the lens of the pandemic, I thought of two other meanings.

First, when things shut down mid-March across the United States, "the end in mind" seemed to indicate it was the end of life as we knew it. We all started a personal and difficult journey of adjusting to a new and challenging reality. 

Second, and much more positive, is the fact that there are more and more news articles and people talking about "the end"--meaning the end of the pandemic. As people around the world get vaccinated and as the number of cases continues to decline, a very bright light shines upon us as we think about "the end in mind". 

So, even though Lloyd Newell, the host of MSW, didn't know it at the time, the title of his message was indeed a very inspired one. In more ways than he ever intended it to be. 

Ways that perfectly fit into God's grand design.

Until next time, God be with you.

TCATS #372 - Thank You Jerold Ottley

As you may have heard, former Tabernacle Choir director Jerold Ottley passed away this past Friday and those within the Choir community took pause to feel grateful for all that Brother Ottley contributed during his time holding the director's baton (which was nearly 25 years!). 

Although I never knew Bro. Ottley personally or had the opportunity to sing under his direction, I did take some time to learn about him and what, exactly, he contributed to the Tabernacle Choir--aside from directing it for so many years. Most of what I mention here can be found in a write-up the Choir organization published Friday, but the things that impressed me the most were these:

 *responsible for 30 official recordings
*went on 20 tours
*directed 1,300 MSW performances
*put in place the retirement policy, the attendance policy, audition procedures, and the formation of the Choir School
*appointed the first female organist
*established the annual Christmas Concert tradition

As I pondered the significance of all of these things (and there are certainly many more wonderful things about Bro. Ottley not even related to the Choir), It got me thinking of what legacy I'll leave when my earthly life ends. What will people say of me? What will they ultimately remember?  These are sobering questions and ones that pop into my head a little more often these days as I approach my 50th year. When it's all said and done, I suppose what I hope for the most is that people remember that I was kind to them and genuinely loved them--that I lived the second great commandment. As I've been extra critical and judgmental of people lately, I need to do better. And perhaps keeping this end-of-life perspective will help me in my efforts to improve. 

Until next time, God be with you.

TCATS #371 - The Project, Part 2

Last week I described a virtual recording project that the members of the Tabernacle Choir were invited to participate in. And this week, I want to do a follow-up post just to share a few more thoughts about it.

Since final submissions were due this past Friday, there were a lot of Choir members who worked on their recording over the past few days. Monitoring our Facebook group, it became evident that the trials and travails I personally experienced with this project were not unique. Some posts were comical in nature, the winner being a tie between the following two:

"Was it just me, or did it seem like we were re-auditioning for the Choir this week?"

"Well, I’m fairly certain that if Mack or Ryan listen to my recording I just submitted, a dishonorable discharge is headed my way."

Honorable mention: "After about 20 takes, you just have to say that the horse is dead and move on."

Some posts were just pure "vent" posts and some were pure "relief" posts after having finally submitted their "best of the worst". Some posts described with words and pictures how long it had taken for them to set everything up--particularly getting the lighting just right since we were asked to do it a particular way. Some described the distractions they endured or discovered while recording. Everything from a cat playing with the hem of a dress, to a didn't-realize-it-was-so-loud ticking clock, to lighting setups falling down, to planes flying overhead, to dogs barking, to kids yelling... and the list goes on. 

In the end though, I think one post was able to describe the silver lining in all of this. In essence, it said that this painful solo project helped us all realize that we sound our very best when we are together singing as a choir. It's when we combine ALL of our voices that the "magic" happens and the resulting sound is beautiful, blended, and uplifting. 

So, if it took this project to help us further realize that, then maybe it was worth it after all.

TCATS #370 - The Project

Last week I mentioned that Choir members were invited to participate in a singing opportunity. While I'm still not at liberty to tell you what it's for or when it will be released, I need to tell you a little more about it--mainly because it's occupied several hours of my time this past week. AND, it's one reason why you read this blog in the first place: to get Choir news and perspective that you may not find elsewhere. 

The project we're involved in is a virtual singing project. Many choirs during this pandemic have attempted to publish virtual performances, mainly because the virtual method has been one of only a few viable/safe methods available. And in reality, the larger the choir, the fewer methods there are to pick from. So it makes sense that if the Tabernacle Choir was to do anything during this pandemic, it would be virtual. 

That said, I've come to appreciate why participating in a virtual performance may not be for everyone. First, it's definitely not choral singing. It's solo singing. I mean, yes, in the end, all the solos are put together to make it choral, but when you're recording your part, you're doing it by yourself and it can be quite intimidating. Second, getting the lighting and the overall "look" of the virtual performance to be just right is also challenging. Obviously the Tabernacle Choir wants to present a unified look, so we were given guidelines to follow--including wearing official Tabernacle Choir attire. But following them was no small task. Third, there's so much to remember while actually recording yourself singing. You're trying to look pleasant and engaged, while remembering the notes and words you just barely memorized. Breathing suddenly becomes a big deal when it's just you. There's no one around you to help cover THAT up. And holding long, sustained notes is also a big deal too, for the same reason. 

I did several "takes" of my submission and it was rather frustrating. In addition to the challenges mentioned above, my headphones kept cutting out for several of the takes. Then my phone suddenly popped up a message (right during a good take) that I was out of space and the recording couldn't continue! Ug. Anyway, at long last, I think was able to get one or two takes that could be submission worthy. I'll have to review them and make that determination in the next day or two. 

Anyway, this is all to say that while I was hoping for this project to become a reality for a long time now, and while I AM very grateful to be able to participate, it was much more work than I thought it would be. The Tabernacle Choir members are used to work and used to putting in long hours. But this particular work was different and required some unique forms of patience I wasn't used to. 

But it's all good. I have no doubt that the end product will be amazing and I look forward to seeing it someday. In the end, hard work and effort are keys to any successful venture. And I hope that each of you will certainly have a successful week ahead by working hard to make it so.

 Until next time, God be with you.

TCATS #369 - Reactivated

In an article recently published on the Choir's blog site, the author wrote "Work has already begun for the 2021 special Christmas broadcasts on PBS and BYUtv! Audiences will be amazed by what’s in store for them." 

I'm happy to say that part of that "work" spoken of involves actual participation from Choir members in the here and now! I'm not at liberty to go into specifics, but we HAVE been asked to contribute and it feels great to finally play an active role in fulfilling the mission of the Choir. (And by the way, this participation will obviously adhere to all covid-related safety protocols.) I'm grateful for the Choir leadership allowing us this opportunity, and while it's a bit of an unconventional one for the Choir, these are unconventional times we live in. :) 

Aside from that exciting news, there isn't too much to report other than a nice article that came out in the Church News recently (you can find it here).  A few quotes from that article that I found particularly meaningful:

“We’re going to feel things more deeply than we did before. There was already much passion – but that passion will be that much greater when we are able to serve again and share again.” --Ryan Murphy

“We’re really looking forward to coming together again with renewed energy and renewed appreciation for this experience and what it brings to people.” --Mack Wilberg

“We’re anxious to come back together. We’ve recognized how much we’ve missed one another — and the opportunity of having music so prominent in our weekly lives.” --Ron Jarrett

And from the article author Jason Swensen: Don’t expect the storied choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square to simply “go back” to what they were before the ongoing pandemic disrupted their traditional concerts and schedules. “No, we are moving forward to what we should be." (Ron Jarrett) There’s work to do, improvements to be made and upcoming concerts, broadcasts and tours to organize and execute.

 

And on that note,  I wish you all a great week. If you missed today's MSW, check it out.

Until next time, God be with you.

TCATS #368 - Random Musings, Part 2

In last week's post, I speculated on when the Choir might sing again and also brought up the question of whether or not Choir members would be required to vaccinate. Regarding the vaccination topic, no definitive answer has been forthcoming yet. But since the Church issued the statement below just this past week, it MIGHT come down to giving choir members one of two options in order to participate: be vaccinated OR submit a negative covid test result each week. This would align with the spirit of the statement (which strongly urges vaccination but allows for personal choice).

Statement:   COVID-19 vaccines that many have worked, prayed, and fasted for are being developed, and some are being provided.  ...As appropriate opportunities become available, the Church urges its members, employees and missionaries to be good global citizens and help quell the pandemic by safeguarding themselves and others through immunization. Individuals are responsible to make their own decisions about vaccination. In making that determination, we recommend that, where possible, they counsel with a competent medical professional about their personal circumstances and needs.

Personally, I've been a bit hesitant to get the vaccine. Mainly because no one is really sure of any long-term side effects. Also, I really don't think I NEED it. According to the CDC, about 93% of deaths from COVID have occurred in people over 60. And the CDC is careful to label these deaths as "deaths involving COVID, confirmed or presumed". That's a pretty broad label. Then you take into account fatalities involving people with various health conditions that could have been fatally exacerbated by COVID; as well as many people being asymptomatic even if they were to get it, and...well...you get the point. All that said, having my church leaders get the vaccine and hearing them urge us to get it, does help alleviate my fears. 

As for when we'll get back together, last week I speculated sometime in the Fall. But I think the Choir organization might be slightly more optimistic. In their blog post this week ("Looking Ahead with Hope"), they mention the Pioneer Day Concert as an event that is already scheduled (subject to the end of pandemic restrictions).  It's true that they DO include that pandemic restriction caveat, but it sounds like they're hopeful it might actually happen since they've already specified dates.

[I apologize for beating this topic to death (the topic of when we're getting back to singing), but when there seems to be even a little sliver of information to think about or pin my hope on, it's hard not to talk about it. So thanks for your patience.]

Sometimes I think about life lessons I've learned from the Choir and one came to mind recently. Our directors have, over and over and over again, stressed the importance of making sure our countenance reflects the light and peace and happiness we feel from singing the songs that we sing (since the songs we sing directly testify of Christ or emphasize gospel principles). This isn't too hard for me to do when I personally love or even like the songs we sing. But sometimes when it's one that I don't particularly care for, it's harder to keep my eyes and my facial expressions positive and reflecting that peace and happiness! It's a skill and it involves work and practice. It also involves focusing on at least one aspect of the song that I do like or agree with--even if the overall song is not one that I care for structurally or melodically. 

Relating this to life in general, there are days (and we probably have all had our fair share of them lately) that are rough. They are hard. They cause us to feel all sorts of negative emotions. But while it's important not to dismiss such days or the emotions they include, it can be helpful to try and discover even the tiniest bit of good. And then chain your countenance to that. I can't say I'm great at it sometimes, but I believe it's a practice worth working on. 

Until next time, God be with you.

TCATS #367 - Miscellaneous Musings

Just in case you missed it, the Tabernacle Choir publishing staff posted a blog entry this week recounting the Choir's accomplishments during 2020. You can check that out HERE. I think I covered most of them throughout the year, here in this blog. I still get questions every week from friends and neighbors and even family members asking about what 2021 has in store for the Choir and all I can tell them is what I know for sure: that no one knows when we'll be able to sing again. Still. If I put on my speculation hat, my hope would be sometime in the Fall. It all depends, really, on how quickly the vaccination process goes. The Choir leadership and/or Church for that matter, has not mandated that we get the vaccine. And I really don't know if they'll eventually require everyone to get it before we can sing again. Our Choir organization resident physician has encouraged us to get it whenever it becomes available to us. But no word yet on whether that will turn into a requirement.

One of the choir members posed a question on our Facebook group asking what everyone has been doing, musically, during this pandemic break. It was kind of fun to read through the responses. We have people who have acted/sung in musical performances, played the organ for weekly congregational meetings, led the music for such meetings (me included), sung solos or in small groups in such meetings, and professionally recorded songs. Some of have even done some exciting solo performances while in the shower or while walking their dog. That all said, I'm sure for most of us, our voices are ready to leave this "pandemic pause" behind and push the play button again!

I'm always amazed at various choirs and their motivation, ability, and desires to find ways to still perform during this time of social distancing requirements. I received a comment in response to last week's post in which a sister from Tasmania reported that the choir she's in (Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Chorus) put together a video of their performance of "The Ground" by Ola Gjeilo. You can see this beautiful video HERE.  The Tabernacle Choir has sung "The Ground" on numerous occasions and it's a really transcendent and peaceful piece to both sing and to listen to. So I'm glad other choirs are singing are performing it. Thank you, sister Helen, for filling the world with beautiful music during this time when it's needed the most!

That's about all I've got this week. Make this next week a great one, huh?

Until next time, God be with you.