TCATS #489 - New Kids on the TabChoir Block

I went to Choir Thursday night feeling rather low. The seating chart had come out earlier that day and as soon as I noticed it, emotions hit all over again from last week and I just cried. However, I was bolstered up by the fact that I was assigned to sit next to my good friend Siope and my good friend Dave.  But an hour or two before rehearsal, Siope regretted to inform me that he wouldn't be able to make it. :(

Still, there was Dave!

Until there wasn't. As I sat there in my seat and my watch read 6:59 PM, it was clear Dave wasn't going to show up either.

And then all I could think about was Wes filling one of those empty seats.

Warm-ups started and Farrell (one of our seating managers) started rearranging everyone to fill in the empty spots. He moved me to the aisle seat and then asked one of the new guys, Andrew, to come sit next to me.  

Andrew is just one of 30+ new members to officially join the Choir after completing Choir School this past week. I blog about this event every year because it's a significant happening and because usually the excitement of these new folks helps infuse new life into the Choir's overall energy level. 

I talked to Andrew a little bit, trying to make him feel welcome. He lives in Utah County, tried out for the Choir on a whim, and is a choral conductor at a junior high. Or used to be--since I overheard him saying today that he just got a new job. He's also got to be one of our youngest members I'd think. Don't know for sure, but I'd be surprised if he's a day over 27. :)

I guess I should thank Andrew, actually. Knowing he was new sort of forced me out of my sad mood and helped me focus on trying to be friendly and helpful as we worked our way through the music. And today, it being his first broadcast and all, I remembered back to my own first broadcast and how nervous and excited I was. 

So thanks, Andrew. You're a good guy, a great musician, sang the songs perfectly today, and will fit right in with the rest of us basses. 

And to all the other new people, welcome! May the excitement and energy you felt today continue to be with you in the months and years to come. And when things start to become commonplace and the routine has set in and you've sung songs over 15-20 times, may you be able to reach down inside yourself and restore the excitement and energy you once felt.

Until next time, God be with you.

 

Patrick and I. We sent this to Wes today telling him we missed him.

 

TCATS #488 - Wes

I first met Wes in June of 2018. He had started his choir experience earlier that year, but even though he also sang bass, our paths never really crossed until the seating manager put us together one Thursday night. I remember the feeling I had when I sat next to him and after we had talked a little bit: lighter. Sort of like all the burdens I was carrying weren't so heavy anymore. I remember telling him afterwards something like "I don't know if fate will sit us together again, but I sure hope so."  He smiled at that and said "I hope so too!"

Little did either of us know that fate certainly intended to do just that. Over and over and over again for the next six years. In fact, it actually became unusual that we didn't sit together--even for concerts and General Conference. The times we weren't together though, we were still near each other, and we quickly fell into the routine of talking before rehearsals, giving commentary on the music we were singing, and then walking back to our cars after it was over--which gave us a chance to catch up on the highlights of each others' lives. And since Wes is one who always appreciates openly giving and receiving hugs, we'd end with one of those before saying goodbye.

That's how things played out year in and year out. Occasionally we'd text during the week just to check in, talk about life happenings and our families, and talk about 80s pop/alternative music (which we both loved). 

I'm not exactly sure why our friendship worked so well from an external perspective. Wes is a much different type of person than I am. He's extroverted and checks almost every box for yellow personalities:

Optimism
Enthusiasm
Talking with others
Spontaneous in actions and decisions
Creative
Persuasive
Sociable

Wes also really likes sports. All sorts of sports. Not really playing them so much (though I know he plays some), but watching them and knowing the make-up of teams, who's who, and how they perform week to week (especially BYU). I even think his dream job would be to become one of those sportscasters, providing all of the background commentary on sporting events as they happen real-time.

Wes is also a solid, orthodox member of the Church, and a young dad with three little kids at home which makes for a very busy life. I remember how that was for me over twenty years ago...

Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that even though I don't match up with any characteristics or commonalities as described above, our friendship just works. And the thing I've benefited the very most from our friendship heralds back to what I noticed the first time I met him: his ability to lift me up, to paint the world in brighter colors, to help me focus on the good, and to help me feel like things are all going to work out. I can't begin to tell you what a lifeline Wes became for me, especially as I had so many life challenges I was going through.

I think our friendship worked, too, because singing songs that touch our souls, side by side, can't help but form a bond. Particularly when there's such a solid friendship to begin with. The sacred music just builds on that friendship and it becomes something that's not explicitly talked about that often, but exists as this invisible thread...

[Sigh]

So...with all that as a background, yesterday I said good-bye to him. I stood next to him as he sang his last broadcast. I cried as we sang the last song: "Come Thou Fount". I couldn't help but think of all the "little" things--all Wes-related--that have made my choir experience what it has come to be. 

As I gave him a final hug following the Release Program, he gave me one of his big smiles and a reminder that this wasn't "goodbye" just "see you later".  

I walked back to the car as more tears came. And those tears continued throughout the day as I tried to picture how my Choir-Minus-Wes experience would be in the weeks ahead. 

I'll end with a few things I'll miss most about my friend, along with a few of my favorites pics of us.

*I’ll miss the fist bumps we'd do after successfully performing songs.
*I’ll miss witnessing his kind, genuine, and sincere interactions with others.
*I’ll miss the back-and-forth commentary we made on certain songs we sang.
*I’ll miss seeing the reactions of all of the people he complimented everywhere he went.
*I’ll miss his shared sympathies when we'd sing the two songs we mutually dislike the most: “I Think the World is Glorious” and “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”.
*I’ll miss his smile, optimism and laughter.
*I’ll miss our impromptu singing and talking about 80s songs.
*I’ll miss shooting the breeze with him during the breaks.
*I’ll miss knowing that someone will always be waiting for me.
*I’ll miss his bro hugs.

Take care my friend!
You changed my life.

Until next time, God be with you.

 

 

 

TCATS #487 - Worked Until it Didn't

I'm going to save my tribute to Wes until next Sunday seeing as how that will be the official day he leaves the Choir. That said, for some reason my emotions didn't want to join my tribute and wait until next Sunday.

Instead, they showed up during this past Thursday night's rehearsal. 

It's true that there were several things on Thursday--during the day--that caused my tear ducts to get warmed up. Part of that had to do with where I'm at in life. The other part came from watching a tv series that depicted a lot of teens going through some really hard things in life. I easily get sad when I see or hear about all of the difficult things people have to endure. Sometimes I even tear up when I'm out and about (particularly at Walmart) as I see the wear and tare of life reflected on the faces of many people. 

But I digress.

I went to Thursday night's rehearsal feeling OK. My tears had stopped from previous events and I was looking forward to sitting next to Wes and engaging with the music. That worked until it didn't. About 2/3rds of the way through, I just started imagining Choir without my Choir best friend and it went downhill from there. My mouth got all quivery (as it does) so I couldn't sing and my tears started up again.  Even though I tried to push it all away, it wouldn't go away. Wes tried helping me out the best he could, but it almost made it worse because it was just one more thing I was going to miss (his continual efforts to help me feel better about whatever is going on in my life). By the end of the rehearsal, I was ready to go home. 

I walked to the music lockers with him and he gave me a hug and then we started walking to the outside door. He had to stay after to get a little video taken (which they do for all of those being released from the Choir) so I just started for the door but he pulled me back and gave me another hug as my tears just kept coming. UG! I don't mind being an emotional person, but sometimes it's entirely inconvenient! As I walked to my car trying to hide my face from others around me, I got to the car and just sobbed until Willy and Ben came (it had been my turn to drive our carpool). 

After getting home, I had no more tears left. The day had taken its toll. Wes was nice enough to send a follow-up text expressing hope that I'd be OK. Indeed I will be OK. Life is full of just being OK, isn't it? If YOU are one of the lucky ones who actually has more net positive days than hard ones, well, good for you. Sometimes I wish I were you.

At any rate, the broadcast today went well. Things were all pretty positive and I just tried to enjoy the experience. During the break, Wes, Patrick, and Matt and I walked around the Temple Square grounds enjoying the beautiful weather and the beautiful flowers. Wes had several people come up to him sharing their well-wishes  (which was probably a result of Mack having all of the members who were leaving stand up in rehearsal today to be recognized). We took a few pics and then went back in to perform for the world. 

After the performance was over, we just sat there. Wes looked over at me with a smile and said "Yeah, I know". To which I said "yeah, it's weird." Referring of course to the fact that he has one Music & the Spoken Word left. Ever. He's done about 175 of them, give or take, and now he is down to just one more.

Change. I know it's part of the natural order of things and is tied into the rhythm of life. But man! It's hard. 

Until next time, God be with you.

Me, Patrick, Matt, & Wes

TCATS #486 - Derrick Porter & BYU Singers

Every year we have one Music & the Spoken Word  episode that features the BYU Singers. And today's episode just happened to be THAT episode. As is always the case, the Singers did a beautiful job not only singing with the Tabernacle Choir, but singing their two solo pieces as well. I was commenting to a friend during the break that the Singers look so young. Sometimes I get into this mindset that if I went back to a college campus, I'd fit right in still! But the truth is, I wouldn't. Some say I look younger than I really am, but I'm definitely not that  young. 

Favorite song on the program today? "Thou Gracious God, Whose Mercy Lends". It's beautiful. And as one YouTube commentator said, "It just gives me goosebumps". 

Also today, the Choir and Orchestra was introduced to the new Music & the Spoken Word  host, replacing Lloyd Newell after 34 years. The new host is Derrick Porter. There were numerous articles published this past week talking about Derrick, but unfortunately, the only things said about him were summed up in this sentence: "Porter, 42, resides in Bountiful, Utah. He and his wife, Rebecca, are the parents of six children. He currently serves as a bishop in his local congregation." (Church of Jesus Christ Newsroom, 3/22/24)

Job? Hobbies? Passions? Other life experiences? How did Derrick get onto the selection radar? What makes him tick?

There was none of that mentioned, but a little internet research discovered that Derrick is actually the CEO of Beauty Industry Group. The description of this group per LinkedIn is as such: "Beauty Industry Group (BIG) is a holding company that owns and operates businesses uniquely poised for success within the beauty industry. BIG has developed a multi-channel, multi-brand strategy operating a multitude of brands with locations in 6 countries selling to more than 100,000 consumers and stylists."

Also, this notable achievement: "Ernst & Young (EY) has named Derrick Porter, CEO of Beauty Industry Group (BIG), Entrepreneur of The Year® 2020 Award in the Utah region. The coveted award, which was granted at a virtual celebration on October 2, honors entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies who are excelling in areas including innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities, while also transforming our world. Porter was selected by a panel of independent judges." (PR Newswire, 10/21/20)

Anyway, I'm not entirely sure what qualifies him to be an executive producer, principal writer, and presenter for the MSW program, but we all warmly welcomed him and his wife today as they spent just a few minutes introducing themselves and sharing their excitement for this opportunity. I'm sure he'll be great.

That's about it for today. A shout out to my buddy Wes who has been sick the past couple of days and therefore couldn't join us for today's festivities. Get well soon, friend!

Until next time, God be with you.

TCATS #485 - The Choir & Me

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately.

About a lot of things. 

And one of those things is how much longer I'd like to continue being a member of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. 

I've been in the Choir for a good ten years now and it's been a good run. This blog has documented all of the grand experiences I've had, along with all of the challenging ones. All in all, I'm sure to look back on the Choir with a lot of fond memories. Being able to serve my fellow human beings in this capacity has really been a dream come true. 

That said, I don't want to turn this into a farewell post, because it's really not. But I do want to document my plans moving forward as 2024 will definitely be my last year.

Amidst my ponderings, I was trying to decide which month would be the best to make my exit. In that pondering process, I had the impression to stay until the next tour is over--which will be in September. Three reasons seemed to surface: I promised someone several months ago that I'd be their roommate for the next tour (the one to Florida/Georgia), so I want to honor that commitment. Also, I have a brother who lives just about an hour away from the State Farm arena where we'll be performing our concert, and he said he'd come watch it. Which is kind of a big deal seeing as how this brother is my youngest brother (twenty years younger) and he and I really haven't had too many conversations or shared experiences in our lifetimes. So, being able to connect with him in this way would be a really good thing. Lastly, I want to give tour one more shot to see if I can remain emotionally stable. Plus, it'll give me a good opportunity to say goodbye to people and thank them for their friendship and camaraderie. 

I suppose a fourth reason would be to give me time to decide what I'm going to do to fill the empty hole left behind once I leave. Join a different choir? Find a place to volunteer at? Spend more time with family? Lots of options. 

Shifting gears, I just wanted to make a couple of comments on today's MSW performance. If you were at the Tabernacle, you would have seen a fairly "normal" MSW. If you were watching or listening from home, you would have seen us performing from the Philippines. :) We did record an episode there, so the one we actually performed today will be used during the time we're in Florida/Georgia.  Also...a very rare thing happened today that's only happened once before: I got to sit next to my friend Willy--who normally sits at least three or four seats over in baritone/2nd tenor land. While I loved sitting next to Wes for at least part of the rehearsal, Wes eventually got moved down a row. And his replacement was Willy. Anyway, that will surely not happen again, so I was grateful.

And that, as they say, is that.

Until next time, God be with you.

 

PS: Here are a couple of screenshots from our Philippines MSW...

 

TCATS #484 - The Philippines Tour

Hey there friends. I'm a little late in posting about my experience in the Philippines, but now that all of the media hype has died down a little bit, perhaps this is as good a time as any. Before diving into it though, I do want to give you a few links if you're interested.

First is a link to one of the concerts we performed at the Mall of Asia Arena. This link should be active for at least a year. If you're short on time, I'd check out the following two segments/songs. For me personally, these were the highlights.

Youth presentation/If You Believe/Hawak Kamay (16 min)

Bahay Kubo (4 min)

Also, if you're interested, I put together a 40 min highlights video that includes photos taken by me/others, news coverage from the church/KSL, various Facebook reels, etc. You can view that HERE, via my Google drive.

Some personal thoughts and experiences: 

**First and foremost, I want to say how welcomed and loved I felt by the Filipino people. From the minute we stepped off the plane to when we got back on it, everyone I met and saw and interacted with was loving, kind, and incredibly grateful. It was very impactful for me.

**The concerts were a highlight to perform. And when we sang the two songs in Tagalog that they were really familiar with (Hawak Kamay and Bahay Kubo), the audience went crazy. After the concerts were over, we had a chance to interact with the attendees on their way out and I've never felt like more of a celebrity in my life. Some kid even wanted my autograph! Most just wanted pictures and hugs and a chance to say how grateful they were that we came to their country to perform such beautiful songs of peace and hope.

**A shout out to several of my close friends who helped me through some emotionally difficult moments. You know who you are and I'm grateful for your love and support.

**Was proud of my roommate, Willy, who did a fantastic job with his solo in singing "Spirit of God". I could never do something like that in front of hundreds of thousands of people. But he did it with confidence and called the experience "fun!" 

**Was thankful for my Pico de Loro beach excursion people. We had one day to just relax--and whether it was on the boat, snorkeling, just laying in a bungalo on the sand or swimming in the water, it was very nice.

**The youth, who put on a cultural celebration just for the Choir, were incredible. Months and months of hard work and practice really made their performance memorable. It was what was in their eyes and overall countenance, though, that was really impactful. They know who they are and they love freely.

**Lastly, I just want to express my appreciation for all those who made the tour happen. Such an undertaking! So many hours of behind-the-scenes work. The unsung heroes.

Here are a few pics. 

Until next time, may God be with you.

Arrived at the airport (3:30 am)

Jeremy, Patrick, Wes, Andy, Willy

Some Filipino youth after their cultural celebration

One of the youth sporting his cultural costume

Walk on the boardwalk: Matt, Wes, me, Jason

Sporting our barong: Jason, me, Wes, Andrew

Off to Pico de Loro beach!

A "distinguished" selfie of me and Wes at the beach

The beach boat crew

Chillin after the beach: Patrick, me

My roommate Willy with his bedtime treat

After the concert, greeting guests

TCATS #483 - Of Hope & Outcomes

This will be my last blog post for the month since the next three Sundays the Choir won't be doing a live broadcast. Next week we're not having one so that Choir members can have a little more time to rest before traveling; the week after that we'll be in the Philippines; and the week after that we will have just arrived back home and will be using that weekend to adjust back to Mountain time zone. An interesting thing to note about us coming back home... We fly back the late afternoon of the 29th (leap day) and we actually arrive the same day before we even left! It's like having not only a leap day, but an extra leap day (February 30th, anyone?). Haha. 

This coming Thursday the Choir will run through the entire concert that we're presenting to the people in the Philippines. If you happen to be in the Salt Lake City area that night, you're more than welcome to attend (it will be in the Tabernacle). It'll start right at 7pm and will last a little past 9pm. We're performing a wide variety of songs so I'm sure there will be something for everyone. If you can't make it, be sure and tune into the live stream of our concert from Manila on Wednesday, February 28th. Click HERE for more details.

It's hard not to get wrapped up in all of the outward excitement of this tour. And rightfully so. The people in the Philippines are thrilled to have us. The music will touch a lot of lives. All of the concerts are sold out and the live stream will surely be watched by hundreds of thousands. The Choir members get to personally greet audience members after the concerts to let them know how grateful we are for them and to make that personal connection. So yes, it's exciting.

Behind all of that, though, there are 500+ individuals who are bringing with them to Manila not only their preparation, dedication, and hopes that all will go well, but also their struggles, their concerns, their fears, and all of the hard things going on in their lives. We do our best to have those harder things take a temporary backseat in our minds and hearts, but it takes a lot of emotional energy to do that. My personal hope is that this experience, as much as it's for the Filipinos, will be a time of individual healing, of increased hope, and of feeling a lot of love from our Savior Jesus Christ. 

My hopes sometimes waver in believing that those outcomes will happen. In fact, I've been praying a lot less for outcomes and just for more personal understanding and acceptance of God's will, whatever that turns out to be. But I'll do my best to maintain that hope because all of those going on this tour will certainly come back to varying degrees of hard things and will be needing the fruits of that hope as they tackle anew whatever they're going through.

Much grace to each of you.
Until next time, God be with you.