A Pilgrim's Journey Home

I'm in the very front row, directly below Sis. Hall.

In 2008-2009 I was in BYU Men's Chorus. I only did it one year because it was so time consuming. It was one of those programs where the directors seem to think that the participants wake up every morning and do nothing but twiddle their thumbs until choir starts. I think that's the way all choirs are. At least all the ones I've ever been in.

But of all the years to be in choir, I was lucky to have been in it that year. We recorded a high quality PBS Thanksgiving special that year. We were told it was going to air Thanksgiving of 2009, but it was postponed. Finally it's airing on PBS this year. Actually, it already premiered on the 16th at 8:00 PM. I was in class, but I've been told that it was very good. I even got some camera time apparently. It's going to be on again. You can check byutv.org for listings and you can even watch it on their website.

It was a very professional job. We had to put on stage make-up and everything. We had long periods of waiting in between takes. It was kind of a big deal. In honor of The Pilgrim's Journey Home, I'm posting my journal entry from the last night we recored:

"Well, at least it hasn't been a whole week since I've last written. When you remember what this week entailed, you'll remember why it was so hard to write in your journal.

"The biggest thing this week was the Choir program, A Pilgrim's Journey Home. It consumed well near all of my time. I must admit, though, it was fun. It reminded me a lot of working on musicals during high school. Staying late and being worn out and what not. The guys that I stood next to and I had a good time through it all. It was a good bonding experience. My legs were dying at the end of each performance/practice. Mostly practices. We stood forever! I think it will be worth it, though. The one year I'm in Men's Chorus, we make a PBS special that will be around for who knows how long. I wonder if I'll get some good air time. Everyone I've talked to says that it was very inspiring. It was definitely very spiritual. 

"We worked so hard! We were scheduled to stay after each concert performance for an HOUR to do retakes of any footage the crew wanted. We only had to stay after for half an hour on Friday night. Then on Saturday night right after the final number, the audience was told to leave fast so we could do retakes. The choirs remained on stage, holding our breath as we waited to hear whether or not we'd have to stay. Sister Hall came on stage, smiled and said "Happy Easter. We're done" to the 1,000 plus choir students on stage. Then there was this deafening cheer from the choirs. We didn't have to stay! You would've thought it was WWII and America just found out the war was over! We cheered and cheered an clapped and gave each other high fives. I think I'll remember that more than anything. We were all very happy. We had done well."