Dear Heather,
Time is flying now and it seems impossible that you only have one week left on your internship. I will be excited to see you and have you back for a time. I have had so much fun since you left. Last night I got to go with Heidi and Dillon to a special ticketed concert at the Tabernacle for the families of the choir and the workers that restored the Tabernacle and their families. The night started with a slide presentation in the Assembly Hall showing the work on the Tabernacle as it progressed. Then they took us on a tour underground from the Assembly Hall through the basement of the Tabernacle and up outside by the north visitor’s center and back into the Tabernacle. It has changed a lot since we first toured it with Mike seven years ago.
I tried to write a blog about my experience last night after I got home, but my heart was just too full and I couldn’t do it. After an hour, I gave up and went to bed. The way the power of music speaks to your spirit is so incredible; it is no wonder that the prophet has counseled us to guard ourselves as to how we use it. I just thought of this, but it is interesting to note how evil movies (and good ones too) use this power to drive a message deep into our minds and souls. I will have to think about the messages attached to my favorite movie music.
Well back to the concert. We got to sit in the sweet spot, not because we were the first in line, but I don’t think the people in the front of the line knew about it. With the renovation, the reserved section where the tardy choir members used to sit on Sunday is no longer reserved so you can sit right next to the choir. The stage has also been extended so that the sweet spot is behind the orchestra. This allows you to observe the face of the conductor and it is a real treat.
I never knew how athletic conducting music could be. Watching Craig Jessop conducting was like watching a dance and he danced the lead for over an hour. Wow! He is an Olympian. I don’t know how he physically can do it. The music totally consumes his soul and you can see him orchestrating the score to conduct every part in the choir and orchestra using some part of his body. He mouths the words to bring in each part and his expressions and gestures control the dynamics of each measure with a finger, a hand, a nod of his head, or the baton as he sways and taps a foot or marches out each measure. He is a masterpiece in his own right and I found my eyes riveted on the man; it was fascinating to watch.
The Tabernacle has always been to me what the library is to you; it is so special. My first memory of the building was 54 years ago. I was six when my sister was baptized there and I remember that day. Knowing how our ancestors loved music, I imagine that they were playing their instruments and singing the hymns of Zion on that very ground before the Tabernacle was even built.
Last night you could feel the presence of the pioneers listening to the concert. Entering that sacred edifice is in some ways like entering the temple. I can always feel the presence of angelic spirits when I go there. If you ever want to be near me when I am gone, go see the choir and I’ll be there. It is interesting that you find our ancestors in the library, cemetery and temple, and I find them in the tabernacle and in the temple. Last night the music was especially powerful and I was overwhelmed. The testimony of the sacredness of that place was so strong. I wish that you could have been there to experience it with us.
I love you very much. Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Love forever,
Mother
