Oh Johnny, oh Johnny, oh!!

Well, these past couple of days have been quite enjoyable! Monday I had the opportunity to participate in a mock jury. I was originally supposed to go first, however I ended up going second. I wanted to go first because, being me, I didn't want anybody to compare myself to. I ended up going after my friend Kameron. As my accompanist and I stood outside and waited for Kameron to finish, I could feel myself getting slightly nauseous due to nerves. Kameron is really good, and I was dreading going after him! Due to that, I messed up on my first word/phrase! I was so sad; but I think I handled it well! Fortunately, I don't think that will happen in my jury--I'm not going after Kameron! =D Just kidding; but seriously, I'm excited for juries! Brother Peck (my master class and voice teacher) gave me an 89/100 on my mock jury; apparently he was being strict too. I signed up for juries the day before yesterday, and I'm beginning to get more and more excited (by the way, Thursday at 9:20am)!

Tuesday was my last day babysitting Tony; it was so sad! But we had some fun taking pictures!

It was such a blessing to be able to play with Tony for an hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays! It's so fun to see children play and how innocent they are. It was also a chance for me to get away from my busy schedule and be a kid again! He loved playing on the stairs, which was sometimes tiring for me. But we would play "Superman", where I'd help him fly around; a form of "tag", but I was always it! It was so much fun; definitely a tender mercy for the semester!

Last night, I got to go to a Vocal Union/Sound Alliance concert which was so much fun! When I left, I felt so much energy it was ridiculous! I felt like I could run for miles; but I didn't. However, every time I go to jazz concerts, I gain such a better appreciation and love for it [jazz]! One of the songs that Vocal Union sang was "Oh Johnny" originally sung by the Andrew Sisters. I LOVE THAT SONG!!! It has always been one of my favorites! One of these days, I want to do Vocal Union (which means I should probably start practicing now so that I can have a semi-jazz sound). But, we'll see how it goes!!

Music and the Spoken Word!

This past weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to travel down to Salt Lake to sing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in their broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word! It was such an amazing opportunity! We left the day before we were to sing (which was Saturday, March 17). We met in the Snow Building Fishbowl and, as we waited, Tyler, Amanda, and I talked about our "acceptance letters to Hogwarts". I was actually the only one that hadn't gotten mine yet . . . but Tyler and Amanda have the "inside scoop" and know I made it in! (It was one of the funniest conversations I had ever had) Alex came up to me and asked if I wanted to be his bus buddy, so I was!

On the ride down, we studied for our Music Lit. test (our final to be exact). What studying we did get done was helpful! But, I think because of our excitement, we didn't get very far!

Our study group!

When we got down to Salt Lake, we went straight to our hotel for a rehearsal. Our hotel was really nice! After our rehearsal, I got to go to Olive Garden for the first time!! It was SO GOOD!!! I was blown away by the bottomless salad, breadsticks, and soup (I had the Zuppa)! Then, I also ordered Chicken Alfredo! It was delicious! After I took one bite, I looked over at my friend Cassandra and said "Oh no, it's good! I'm going to want to come back!" And I do; I want to go back!!

The next morning, I got a very early start (4:45 am)! I was showered and ready to go by 6:00am--of which I was incredibly pleased with myself! We were to be in the horseshoe (the area underneath the tabernacle) at 7:00am for a small rehearsal. Man, singing that early in the morning is NOT a good idea! Ha, it was kind of hard for me to sing with a lot of energy at that time in the morning! But, the view as we walked out was fantastic! I got such an adrenaline rush as we walked into the tabernacle. Despite the fact that I had done it the week before, it felt like a new experience. I got to work with Brother Mack Wilberg and some of the members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir! Goodness, I felt incredibly star-struck! The broadcast went incredibly well!

After the broadcast, we had the blessed opportunity to go to a ward in Ogden. We were supposed to sing two songs in the ward: "Take Time to be Holy" (musical number) and "Faith in Every Footstep" (closing hymn). The last speaker stood up and asked us to sing another song on the spot. Fortunately, we had a few songs in our repertoire from the oratorio. We decided to sing "Love of God" which included audience participation. Brother Kempton stood up before we sang and said "Well, we're going to kind of turn this around on you; the song that we're singing includes audience participation." It was great! It was such a powerful sacrament meeting too! The speakers talked about reverence and how it isn't just being quiet, but that it's truly a matter of respect.

I left that sacrament meeting on a "spiritual high"! However, as soon as I sat down on the bus, I felt like I was going to fall asleep!! This wave of tired encompassed me, to the point that I thought I was going to fall asleep any second. Just as I was about to give into this tiredness, my friend Mike (who was sitting in front of me) asked me if I'd give him a massage. I was so tempted to say no, but I knew we were going to have a Priesthood and Relief Society lesson and I wanted to stay awake.

I told Mike that I had only given two massages before in my life, and so I wasn't sure how good I was going to be. As soon as I started, Mike said "Oh, well you're winning!!!" Through out the rest of the bus ride--to Paris, ID--Mike and Alex would do "bus surfing", which was quite entertaining to watch! They would stand in the isles and move with the bus! It was fantastic!

Our last stop on the trip was in Paris, Idaho. There, we were able to perform a Fireside in a beautiful tabernacle that was there! This town was so small, and yet so pretty! Some of the local members made dinner for us, and it was delicious! (*This is a side note, I'm so grateful for the people that made/gave us food on this trip! It was SO good!!) Here are some pictures from that fireside:

After our Fireside, we headed back to Rexburg! I can't tell you how tired I was! I still can't fathom how I was able to stay away for all of this trip . . . but I was! I got a fifteen to twenty minute nap, but it felt so good!! This was such a fantastic experience for me to be a part of! I got to meet some really awesome people, become better friends with my Collegiate family, and feel the spirit. I can't think of a better way to spend my weekend! Here's one last picture from the trip; this was on the bus ride home after our long day! Me and my bus buddy!

Alex Withers and I (the flash was really bright)!!

More pictures from "Bring Forth My Zion"

So, here's something really cool; we made the LDS Church News!!! Here's a link to the website article:

http://www.ldschurchnews.com/gallery/62117/Bring-Forth-My-Zion.html


Not only that but I was in a few pictures--feel that it is because I was front and center. These are the few I was in . . . I mean this in the least narcissistic way possible.

This is a picture of the Collegiate Singer's for Winter 2012

Voice lessons and whip cream fights

So, last night I had a make-up voice lesson that didn't go so well. So, this morning I woke up at 4:45am so I could be in a practice room by 6:00am. I practiced for a frustrating forty-five minutes; I couldn't get everything--or really anything--to work properly! I noticed that, as I was practicing, that there were only four other people practicing at that hour. However, they were all instrumentalists. I soon realized why they were practicing; vocals don't work very well that early in the morning!

I continued to go throughout the rest of my day, I was in class. I was incredibly surprised by how awake I was and how I was able to get through all of my classes without falling asleep. When the time came for my voice lesson, I was incredibly nervous about how it would go. I went in and just prayed that I would be able to do what I vocally needed to do. Prayers really are answered! My voice was able to do everything and anything that Brother Peck was having me do! I was so excited! At the end of my lesson, Brother Peck started talking about dads being protective when their daughters go out on dates. Apparently Sheryl's Dad is a police officer and when, on her sixteenth birthday, she was asked out on a date her Dad responded by saying: "I need names and phone numbers!" This took our conversation to Mr. and Mrs. Jones. Brother Peck was talking about the movie, but kept saying how he couldn't recommend it as a teacher because it's a PG-13 movie and that wouldn't be appropriate for him to do. He said, "I can't recommend Mr. and Mrs. Jones, but I can recommend Bambi!" I, being a movie fanatic, responded by saying "That wimpy deer!?" We had quite a good laugh about that! That's one of my favorite things about my voice teacher, we have such fun!

One of my roommates made pudding after dinner; because it sounded good, she decided to put whip cream on it too. Well, Cami saw the can of whip cream and--after years of wanting revenge for our last whip cream fight--threw some at my face. Despite the fact that Cami started it, I most definitely finished it!

Cami has a mustache!!!

A little too close!!!

And a funny one for the record!

I'm so grateful to have such fun roommates who are willing to do crazy things with me! =D

Pictures from the Tour

I've shared the spiritual moments from the tour, but I'd like to share a couple of funny ones!

A Looove note for the roommates!

Sheryl and Russell on the bus ready to go to SLC

Sherilynn on the bus!

My roommate and I in Salt Lake City

Cassandra standing in the horseshoe under the Tabernacle!

4 out of the 5 of us standing in the horseshoe underneath the Tabernacle

Massage Line!

As we waited for our rehearsal, we decided to take some pictures of the Collegiate Singers! We had a lot of fun taking them!

Oh Jake!

Sacred Music Tour: Day 3--SLC

Well, last night was definitely the greatest performance thus far! However, I'm getting ahead of myself. We met at 9:30am in the Barrus Concert Hall for a little devotional; what power we have as a group! We were told a little bit more about the Sacred Music Project itself. This is the eleventh oratorio that has been written for the Sacred Music Project, and this is the second one that Brother Dayley has written. It really helped me get excited about the project; I've been excited anyway, but this really increased it!

We left at about 10:00am for SLC. We arrived close to 2:30 and went immediately to the Tabernacle. I wish I had taken a physical picture of what it looked like to walk into the Tabernacle and looking out toward the audience! It looked much bigger than I remember! After we rehearsed for a little while, Collegiate was dismissed to get changed and everybody else was supposed to get ready for dinner. We ate at the Church Office Building which was some of the most delicious food I've ever had (my Mom's homemade cooking totally tops it)! It was chicken cordon bleu with mashed potatoes and gravy and green-beans. Not only that, but they had a delicious spinach salad with strawberries, mandarine oranges, some kind of nuts, and some kind of sauce! For dessert, cheesecake with cut up strawberries and chocolate syrup! It was delicious! I couldn't eat it all due to the amount that was given, but I ate most of it!

After dinner, the Collegiate Singers performed at the President's Club in the Church Office Building. President Clark was there and so was President Henry B. Eyring and Elder M. Russell Ballard!!! We sang "Zion's Walls" by Aaron Copland and a piece from Newell Dayley's oratorio entitled "Bring Forth My Zion". I was right next to the table that Elder Ballard was at and President Eyring was right in front of me! I felt a little star-struck, but I was able to perform just fine! After we performed there, we hurried over to the Tabernacle to perform the oratorio for the last time. It felt a little bitter-sweet for me; I had become incredibly attached to the music and the experiences I've felt during that time. As the lights dimmed to signal the starting of the work, I started to get a little emotional. As we sang, I could feel my eyes tear up almost immediately! I was able to hold them back until movement 3, "The Love of God" when the congregation sang with us. I could tell that they were singing out because the sound was about a half beat off of the choir. It was powerful to hear the congregation bear their testimony with us last night! Tears were streaming down my face several times throughout the performance.

After movement 8, "He Lives!" I was determined that I wouldn't cry again until after the performance was over. That determination held through; however I didn't realize how much emotion I had built up inside of me. When Brother Kempton put his hands down, I was done! I could hardly constrain myself! I cried because of the powerful spirit, as well as sadness that it is all over. Another standing ovation from the congregation. What I think is so great about the standing ovations, is that it means that they were touched by the spirit. They felt something from the testimonies that we bore to them! Three nights that happened, which helps me feel a sense of success! We were able to touch their lives through the spirit that we had with us! I am so grateful for this opportunity that I've had, and I'm sorry to see it end; but I have the memories and a stronger testimony from it.

Sacred Music Tour Day 2--Rexburg, Idaho

Thursday I was asked by Stephanie Light to give a short devotional to the choirs before our performance. She wanted me to share the thought I had had about the song “He Lives!” I was kind of nervous to share, not really for any reason in particular, but I was nervous! As I walked into the room (SNO 181), I felt my stomach drop because I was so nervous. We did warm-ups, and worked on several trouble spots in the oratorio. By the time we got around to me, I only had about a minute and thirty seconds to share. I felt rushed, but said what I had thought of. Throughout the rest of the night, I had people coming up to me and telling me that they appreciated the thought I gave. I was stunned, but grateful at the same time; because I was rushed, I was afraid that people weren’t going to feel the spirit. But I was wrong.

I was amazed to see that the BYU-Idaho Center wasn’t even remotely full. The bottom section was kind of full, but we could have fit a lot more. As we started, I could feel a difference in the air than in the performance the night before. I’m not sure what it was, but it was different. When I actually started singing, I felt a little bit better. The spirit was strong, and I was so excited to share my testimony with all of these people.

In the BYU-Idaho Center, we are recorded via video and audio. Before the performance, I prayed that I wouldn't actually cry during the performance; I could tear up, but no crying. I feel incredibly blessed that I didn't cry. I did tear up several times, but no tears rolled down my cheeks! We received a standing ovation that night, which surprised me because of how different it felt. It also wasn't our greatest performance, but I've learned that it doesn't matter how well the performers perform, so long as the spirit is there. It is important for all of us to prepare, but it's okay if there are mess-ups if you perform with the spirit.

I'm exhausted, but I can't wait until tomorrow! We're traveling to Salt Lake and I am so ecstatic!

Sacred Music Tour: Day 1-Pocatello

I can't contain my excitement for this tour! As general information, I have the blessed opportunity to travel to Pocatello (tonight) to perform the oratorio "Bring Forth My Zion"! For the next three days (today, Friday, and Saturday) I want to record my personal thoughts about this oratorio and how I've felt it bless me in my own life.

Today in Collegiate, as we sang through some of the songs, I had a thought occur to me as we sang through number eight ("He Lives!"). The lyrics--where I had my thought--are this: "For we saw him, heard him, and we know that He lives! He lives, and we know He lives!" That is repeated several times at the very end! Even as I sang these words, I thought to myself "Well, I haven't seen Him with my physical eyes, nor have I heard His voice physically. So, how do I know that He lives?" Well, after some thought, this is how I've concluded that I know He lives; true, I haven't seen God physically in my life. However, I have seen His hand in my life every day! He has blessed me so much (sometimes more than I think I deserve) with a loving family, wonderful friends, and best of all His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who was willing to die for me so that I may return to my Heavenly Father one day. I also have not heard His physical voice, but I have heard the men that He has called to guide and direct me today. I know that President Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God! I know that, in the year 1820, God did in fact appear to a young boy who had a question about which church was true. That young boy, Joseph Smith, was then guided and directed by God to restore the true church on the earth! I know that God speaks through His prophets today.

Because of these simple things that I know and believe to be true, I know and believe that He--Jesus Christ--lives! Not only did He live in ancient times, but He lives even today! He died for the sins of every individual on this earth. I don't think saying "He died for the sins of the world" because I feel that is too general. Although it is true, I know that He died for each of us individually!

            Well, day one is over. I can’t believe it! We came to the Stephens Center at Idaho State University. I felt more than excited to get off of the bus and sing! The building was absolutely beautiful! The architecture and the cleanliness was fantastic! I wish I had pictures of it, but I did not. We went into their beautiful auditorium and sang through a few of the rough spots. As we sang through, I couldn’t help but think about my own testimony of this work. I wouldn’t say it is weak, but I didn’t feel it was as strong as I would like it to be.

            We then went for dinner at a nearby Stake center; it was a very quick bite. We were then asked to quickly change and get ready for the concert. I was so excited; I’m surprised I didn’t explode from all of the excitement! We got ready to take the stage, and it got a little hectic. We weren’t lined up, so we decided to just walk on (it wasn’t something that we had really thought of before, because in the BYU-Idaho Center and in Salt Lake, we won’t be entering). I quickly realized how much I appreciated the chairs in the I-Center, we had to stand for the duration of the oratorio. Almost as quickly, I didn’t really care! I could feel the spirit as soon as the music started.

            As we went through, there were a few of the songs that really touched me. The first one was movement 3, “The Love of God”. It had never really touched me as much as it did tonight. I could almost imagine my Heavenly Father sitting in the audience just smiling at the orchestra and choir, Several times through out the piece, I felt like He was hugging me or smiling at me. I truly believe that He was there with us. This performance I completely dedicate to Him, this entire TOUR I dedicate to my loving Heavenly Father!

            The second piece that really touched me was movement 4, “O Ye Fair Ones”. That one has always been really touching, but I did actually cry! Tears were coming out from my eyes! The spirit was so powerful! I couldn’t help but ask myself “How many times have I rejected the Savior, who stood with open arms?” and my heart sank as I realized I have done is several times. I felt horrible and close to nothing as I thought of those times, whether they were intentional or not (there weren’t many intentional). As we moved into the section about Joseph Smith, my heart was overwhelmed with the thought of repentance. I have the wonderful blessing of being able to repent any time of the day! What greater blessing is there? I submit that there isn’t one!

            The other movement that really touched me was movement 8, “He Lives!” As I mentioned earlier, I had a completely different mindset when I sang it this time. Remembering that I have seen Him, I see Him in my life daily. I have heard Him; He has sent prophets and leaders to guide me today! I know that my Redeemer lives!!

Faith in Every Footstep

What a beautiful Sunday! This has been the best weather I've seen in Rexburg for several days! The sun was shining, it was warm, the wind was calm, and there was a beautiful spirit! Today I had the blessed opportunity to sing at a CES Fireside. Elder Quinton L. Cook spoke, and something that stood out to me was "What e'er thou art, act well thy part." (Shakespeare) It really made me think about who I want to be and what I am. I love knowing that I'm a daughter of God, and knowing that I really need to go and show that in my countenance.
As a combined choir (the BYU-Idaho Collegiate Singers, Men's Choir, and Women's Choir) we sang two songs: "Guide Us O, Thou Great Jehovah" and "Faith in Every Footstep" The first piece is an arrangement done by Mack Wilberg and the latter is an arrangement that is part of the oratorio we are singing this semester written by K. Newell Dayley. "Faith in Every Footstep" also had parts of the song "A Marvelous Work" It was fantastic!
I've been thinking about the lyrics to this hymn, "Faith in Every Footstep". I think that, in my life, I need to walk more in faith. During church, I looked up the definition of "faith"and part of the definition included "confidence". Whenever I think of "confidence" I think of a constant trust; I don't think I'm very constant on trusting in the Lord. There are times when I do, but there are times when I don't. I want to trust in the Lord more consistently and have Him be first in my life. I know that, if I do that, I can have the Lord more in my life and feel the spirit more.

Bring Forth My Zion

Oh my goodness, what a great day today has been! Such a tender mercy for me! I went to my classes today and got quite a bit done! At 2:00, my friend Mike had put together a Forum Hour Naptime! It was from 2:00-3:00pm (which is Forum hour here). Not many people actually ended up taking naps, but six people pulled up benches, laid on the floor with blankets and pillows (Mike even had an eye mask thing), and they took a nap for an hour! It was kind of funny to watch them do that! The next hour I got to babysit Tony; it was a blast! We played on the stairs most of the time, but we also played on the elevator, listened to Kameron sing his version of "Book of Mormon Stories" (for our Ed. Psych class), and just played around in the Fishbowl.

However, the greatest thing today had to be studying the Oratorio with Cassandra. We met up at about 6:00pm and started sharing thoughts about the oratorio (it's called "Bring Forth My Zion"). We were supposed to get through Mvts. 1B, 2, 3B, 4, and 7. We only got through 3B! But it was such a good discussion, it wasn't even just about the oratorio; we also talked about life in general and how we are doing. Our stresses, concerns, successes, and so on. It was a powerful discussion. One of the funniest things happened as we were studying. Cassandra was telling me about some things she was struggling with; well, her scriptures were open and the pages slowly started to fall. She made a comment on it and as soon as they fell, she put her hand in to see what scriptures were on those pages. She started moving her finger around the page and told me to say "when". We landed on the scripture Exodus 26:15 that saying:

"And thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle of Shittim wood standing up."
I then looked at her and said, "Cassandra, we're going to build temples . . . our homes!" She made the most amazed face I had ever seen and then exclaimed, "Out of Shittim wood!" Ha, it was such a riot! But, I am ever so happy for her friendship! I love her to pieces and am so grateful for the wonderful example she is to me!

Tonight I also got my Endorsement (which basically is an interview with the Bishop saying that I will continue to live the Honor Code both here at BYU-Idaho and wherever I go). As we waited for the Bishop, I had a wonderful conversation with one of the girls in my ward about the ward choir (of which I am the conductor) and she even said she would start coming! After I had my interview, we (Cami and I) talked to the executive secretary (Cameron) for a few minutes! It was one of the funniest conversations I've ever had in my life! I'm all done with homework tonight, and I'm trying to decide what to do with myself . . . maybe practice! That's right, 9:38pm and I'm thinking about going and practicing!