Grand Concert

Friday night I was able to attend Timberline Middle School's Grand Concert. This year, Timberline performed a song that was written by Mack Wilberg, the director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, for Timberline Middle School. Dr. Wilberg was even there on Friday night to see it performed. The song featured the choir, the band and the orchestra! It was so incredible to hear this song and be a small part of the history that accompanies it. When this song is published it will read in the dedication, "written for Timberline Middle School." Now how cool is that?? Being at Grand Concert sent me on a trip down memory lane. I remember being in 9th grade and performing at Grand Concert both nights and thinking, why don't they just let the choir sing every other number instead of making people sit through the band and orchestra perform songs in a row?? This year, I was entranced by the band director. I have decided that it's all about the director and the pieces chosen for the entertainment value of the crowd. I can honestly say that I enjoyed watching the band as much as listening to the choir this year.

On my trip down memory lane, I remember how big Grand Concert was to me. It was one of those moments during 9th grade when you truly have to put EVERYTHING into the songs just to make them great. I remember singing "Prayer of the Children" and the goosebumps I got from that song. This year, the choir sang a song called Cross Cry. I've heard this song sung before, but this choir had every single one of the hearts of the singers in it. The accompanist played from memory and after the song I was left with the same feeling that I had after "Prayer of the Children." I was so amazed at the heart and the talent of these young 14 and 15 year olds. In the last few months, I've really gotten to know some of these kids. I accompanied 3 groups in Solo and Ensemble, and have even hung out with these kids on weekends. They amaze me. I think how I was at that age, and while I feel like I was so much older than they are, they have something that I never had. They are so strong in their standards and their beliefs. While I'd like to think I was that strong, I see these kids chastise each other for accidentally swearing, or keeping less than the highest standards. It is so awesome to see that these kids are being raised with the standards they set for each other and they keep each other accountable for their own actions. These young people will enter the world and will be strong warriors of the spirit. They will touch countless people through their influence and their example. People will want to know the gospel and Jesus Christ because of these kids. They're only 15 now, and I can't imagine how powerful these kids will be when they're 18 and graduating high school. It has been the best experience for me to feel a part of them and to have them treat me as one of their own. I am only bettered by being a part of them and in all reality I look up to most of them (literally and figuratively!).