Today was the Music and the Spoken Word 85th anniversary broadcast. Actually, the anniversary date was the 15th of July but with the Pioneer Concert and other things happening around that time, it was moved to today. A couple of weeks ago, when it was announced that we were going to have 2 former Mormon Tabernacle Choir conductors, I immediately made a mental note to add this experience to my bucket list.

I never thought that I would get that opportunity. Many of the "old-timers in the choir had the opportunity to sing under the baton of both Jerold Ottley and Craig Jessop. They speak of those times with tenderness and with tears in their eyes. I could never relate, but today I was fortunate to catch a glimpse of those times. 

I feel honored and blessed to be under the baton of brothers Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy. Their humility and talent is astounding to witness. Their devotion to God through music and thus making us better singers is a joy to behold. And the fellow members of the choir, who have their daily challenges (myself included), seem to put those cares off as they testify of the goodness of God through music. The accompanists, musicians and all those behind the scenes do what they do for the glory of God.

My mind wandered before and after the broadcast of all of those people who came before to sing in the choir, those who conducted the magnificent choir, those who accompanied the choir all for the praise and glory of God. I think of the early Saints who traversed the plains and in August 1847; one month after entering the Salt Lake valley formed a choir, known today as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I think of those men and women who sang in the choir before me. Those who have served as Musical Missionaries faithfully until the time of their retirement from the choir. I think of the men gone before who used the same locker, music folder, blue folder of music that I use today, and will see the red markings I ave made in the music I use today.

I think of those choir members who will yet come. I think of those who have submitted the necessary paperwork to start the audition process. I think of those who will use the locker, music folder, and blue folder full of music. I think of those who are reading the music who will see the rankings I made in the music.

If I have one regret, it's that I didn't move to the Salt Lake valley sooner so I could have served longer. As it stands now, I will have 6 years of tenure in the choir until I will join the alumni of choir members. But I know The Lord is in control and everything has a purpose and reason. And I will cherish each note, each special experience with fondness and love - until that time comes that the choir will sing to us, the retires for that year, "God be with you till we meet again".

Fittingly, the choir sang the marvelous anthem "When in our Music God is Glorified". The words fit well with the thoughts of those who served, those who serve now, and those that will yet serve. "...and may God give us faith to sing always."