We are in a Golden Era
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| The choir is always in progress. |
Yesterday we held choir retirements. 29 people retired from choir service to make way for new members to join us next week. As established by Jerold Ottley, former music director of the choir, choir members are eligible to be in the choir for 20 years OR until they are 60 years of age. It was a difficult day but one of the comments that seemed to be repeated by most of the retirees was the increased excellence and improvement in the choir since they joined and their belief that things will continue to improve, even with them no longer in the choir. The choir is constantly working and progressing, thus the image above.
History class
Over the past few weeks I have been reading a lot of books about the choir. Some supported by the choir organization and some that are not. I have used the last few weeks as an opportunity to look up and read as much as I can. We have been so busy since I joined that it has been hard to find the time to do this but we are having a short break right now before the European tour rehearsals begin.
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| Just two of the books I have read over the past few weeks. Not pictured: The Mormon Tabernacle Choir: An Autobiography by Michael Hicks. |
During rehearsal about two weeks ago, while I was reading these books I leaned over to my seat mate, Dr. Luke Howard, Music Professor at BYU and said to him, "I know you know music and history but I want to know your opinion about something." He nodded. I then said, "The choir, right now, at this moment, is in a Golden Era." He just looked at me. His eyes widened and he nodded, "Yes." He then said, "I'm not sure many people really know that but right now really is a golden era for the choir." I felt accomplished to have my thoughts confirmed.
One of the books talks about the contribution of each of the directors since the beginning. When I look at those contributions I can see parallels between the growth of the choir, it's mission and the overall growth of the church. Each director provided a stepping stone that allowed the next director to take the choir one step further. It's actually quite beautiful. Constant progress. Constant growth. New expanding horizons.
What makes this time special
After researching the history of the choir I realize it is a combination of different things that have been instituted previously by others. We reap the blessings of the work of those who came before.Based on my reading here are a few things that help make this time "golden" and unique for the choir:
- Structure: A choir school to train and teach new singers. Retirement rules. Attendance expectations. All of these help provide an environment that elevates each performer and allows many more people to participate in this wonderful calling. The choir is also able to function smoothly.
- Leadership: Every person in a leadership position in the organization seems perfectly fit for their role. For example, Barry Anderson (in charge of tours) is quite literally a modern day Brigham Young. I've seen him in action on tour last summer. To safely execute travel for around 600 people (with their own personalities and opinions) around the country and their belongings, props, wardrobe, etc. without a hitch requires someone with exceptional skill. I know most people could not do it. President Jarret is both warm, friendly and firm. Just what is needed in a President. Everyone does their part and as a whole great things have happened in the past few years.
- Behind the scenes people: Stage crew, technicians, camera men, wardrobe, music librarians, directors, graphics design, Lloyd Newell (he's in front but still behind). All of these people are the life blood of the choir in that they allow the choir to focus only on one thing, singing. Without them it would be chaos. They work like clockwork and with little or no fanfare.
- Access: There is more access to the choir internationally than there has been ever in the past. Social media and technology has made this happen. Choir members share on their personal social media platforms and music is shared instantly via streaming. It's an amazing time.
- Collaboration: The choir is collaborating with more people internationally. I reference the most recent Messiah CD which had only one soloist from the United States. Reaching out in working with people like James Taylor, Sesame Street, Santino Fontana as well as renowned classical singers really stretches the choir.
- The new music: The evolution of the music and arrangements have elevated the repertoire to allow new and younger listeners the opportunity to enjoy choral music. In listening to past records of the choir it sounds "older" and almost too elite for the mass population. Mack says, "The choir sings for everyone." and the music now is more accessible to the world. It's more appealing. I should state the choir still pays homage and respect to the great choral traditions of the past as well. Review the music from ACDA or watch a Music and the Spoken Word broadcast and you can see how the program includes music to appeal to everyone. We sang, Pharrel's "Happy" one year. Wow.
- Orchestra on Temple Square: Their contribution really makes the music more appealing for a casual music listener and increases the types of music the choir can perform.
- The Directors: Mack and Ryan are very different conductors. Each with a very distinct style and personality when conducting the choir. It allows for greater breadth within the organization as it provides different musical styles to come through with one unified voice. Both bring out different things in the choir when they conduct.
One day I will retire. I will know this work will continue to grow. As for now, I will enjoy this time and do all I can to contribute.
