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There is a lot of art in today’s world that has only one purpose: entertainment. Every once in a while, however, something comes through the mainstream of modern art forms that is of more intrinsic value.
On May 15, my wife and I went to see “The Soloist” featuring Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie for two main reasons. First, the two main characters are a writer and a musician, and I am both. I also enjoyed it because, as truly great art should, the movie caused me to think about my own experiences and beliefs. A little reflection on how we view the world and ourselves is healthy. Music is one of the most powerful tools in my life to spark such reflection and to inspire me to reach beyond myself.
Whether I’m listening to Beethoven intermixed in a feature film or on stage singing John Rutter, music has a way of helping me connect with the divine. I have had the privilege to sing in three excellent auditioned choirs thus far in my life. Every song I have learned and performed has become a part of me, shaping who and what I am, and what I am becoming. That is the power of good music. It makes me want to be better than I am.
The first choir I sang in was at Bellevue West High School. In high school I had the opportunity every Christmas to sing at different retirement homes. As a teenager, I wasn’t all that jazzed about spending an evening with a bunch of old folks, but I loved to sing, and those were some of the most appreciative audiences I have ever performed for.
After graduating from high school, I went to Brigham Young University, where I sang with the BYU Men’s Chorus. The Men’s Chorus sang at the state juvenile correctional facility a few times during my time in the choir. After performing for the inmates, we spent some time talking with them. “The Soloist” reminded me of that experience. I was able to use music as a tool to get outside of myself and participate in something of far greater value than the music itself.
I currently sing in the Colorado Mormon Chorale. We are nearing the end of the season, with our last two concerts on June 5th and 6th. Each concert this year has been special, but none were more special to me than our Easter concerts. We sang what has become one of my favorite songs, Charles Gounod’s “O, Divine Redeemer.” While singing that song I experienced an overwhelming feeling of God’s love for me and all mankind. I can’t help but believe that if I felt that while performing it, at least one person in the audience must have been moved while listening to it.
In three different stages of my life, I have had special experiences with music that have helped me grow closer to God and become a better son, a better husband, a better father, and a better man. I expect that I will continue to have enlightening, life changing experiences connected to music and other great art.
There is so much of negativity and despair in the world. It is essential to take time to enjoy the beauty that exists around us. For you, whether that means reading a good book, watching an uplifting movie, or participating in great music, I hope you will take the time to appreciate the wisdom and beauty that great men and women have created for us to enjoy. And if music is your thing, please visit www.cmcco.org to find times and locations for Colorado Mormon Chorale concerts.
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