Christ taught of the widow's mite, and how in the accounting of heaven it was more esteemed than the rich man's gold. She gave all she had, He gave of his plenty. What does this have to do with singing?
I had the great pleasure, to sing this past weekend with two different groups. One was in Twin Falls, with the South Stake choir. We joined with an orchestra, as well as other groups to present a Christmas program "Come to Bethlehem" The other opportunity was a one night event that required over 1200 miles travel, one way to sing with the Mormon Chorale in Kansas City. (Independence, MO, actually) the why for that one? I was invited. I wanted to hear them sing, and ended up singing with them. Why?
The question of the ages. Why? I consider myself, at best, an adequate singer. I at times loathe my own voice, and when I compare it to those with whom I sing, feel lucky to be included. The director of the Mormon Chorale is magnificent, she is professional, and I have felt blessed to be taught by her. I have learned a few things, but it wasn't until I was sitting with the Twin Falls Choir that I understood something. That director mentioned something that I had heard many times. On the third night, he explained that while technically we were pretty good the previous night, there was more needed. It was the testimony of the song. The witness being born through music. Singing technically is important. Bearing testimony while singing sacred hymns is more important. The testimony should be born by word, and by countenance. Our faces should reflect His Love. It was at that point that I realized that I was the widow. I love music so much. I love the spirit it brings. His spirit.
I put everything I can into every song that I sing. When singing sacred text, I am all in. I feel the Savior's love in the words. I have gained a testimony of the Atonement through song. Every hymn conveys a message. Whether it is a simple hymn such as "In our Lovely Deseret", with simple truths, or a quest of eternity such as "If Ye Could Hie to Kolob" The words, the melody all bring together a spirit that touches me, and being one that wears his emotions on his sleeve, probably comes out.
I can't testify enough of the blessings of making a joyful noise! If you can hold a tune, join a choir group. If you are not that solid, sing out in your congregation, or whistle or hum along. When you allow the spirit to touch your heart, your gift to our Father in Heaven will be as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing. And it is accounted as such.
I had the great pleasure, to sing this past weekend with two different groups. One was in Twin Falls, with the South Stake choir. We joined with an orchestra, as well as other groups to present a Christmas program "Come to Bethlehem" The other opportunity was a one night event that required over 1200 miles travel, one way to sing with the Mormon Chorale in Kansas City. (Independence, MO, actually) the why for that one? I was invited. I wanted to hear them sing, and ended up singing with them. Why?
The question of the ages. Why? I consider myself, at best, an adequate singer. I at times loathe my own voice, and when I compare it to those with whom I sing, feel lucky to be included. The director of the Mormon Chorale is magnificent, she is professional, and I have felt blessed to be taught by her. I have learned a few things, but it wasn't until I was sitting with the Twin Falls Choir that I understood something. That director mentioned something that I had heard many times. On the third night, he explained that while technically we were pretty good the previous night, there was more needed. It was the testimony of the song. The witness being born through music. Singing technically is important. Bearing testimony while singing sacred hymns is more important. The testimony should be born by word, and by countenance. Our faces should reflect His Love. It was at that point that I realized that I was the widow. I love music so much. I love the spirit it brings. His spirit.
I put everything I can into every song that I sing. When singing sacred text, I am all in. I feel the Savior's love in the words. I have gained a testimony of the Atonement through song. Every hymn conveys a message. Whether it is a simple hymn such as "In our Lovely Deseret", with simple truths, or a quest of eternity such as "If Ye Could Hie to Kolob" The words, the melody all bring together a spirit that touches me, and being one that wears his emotions on his sleeve, probably comes out.
I can't testify enough of the blessings of making a joyful noise! If you can hold a tune, join a choir group. If you are not that solid, sing out in your congregation, or whistle or hum along. When you allow the spirit to touch your heart, your gift to our Father in Heaven will be as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing. And it is accounted as such.
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