November is a wonderful time to reflect on the many blessings we have. I love seeing the thankful posts on Facebook. I love making our “Thankful Tree” the first family night in November. I love finding gratitude for the big things and the little things. Last year I started writing my Thankful Thursday posts to give me a chance to reflect what I am thankful for. We have so much to be thankful for in our family. One of the things that has been on my mind is how much I love the Millennial Choirs and Orchestra. I wanted so share with you why I love having my family involved in this choir.
MCO started in Orange County, where we are originally from. They have choirs from ages 4 to High School, and adult choir as well. They also have a full orchestra. My husband joined about 8 years ago. And we put our oldest son, Gandalf, in the Young Singers Choir when he turned 4. We now have 3 sons singing in the choir and my daughter can’t wait to join next year. It’s hard to describe just how amazing these concerts are. We always invited others to watch our children sing when they have a concert. Concerts are held in December and late spring. Our friends are usually blown away at the level of these choirs. I’m sure we have all been to choir concerts for children. We go because we love our kids and want to support them. But these concerts are different.
I remember talking to my girlfriend after her kids joined and they attended their first concert. She was so surprised that more people from our church weren’t attending these amazing concerts. MCO motto is “All Ages. All faiths. One Voice.”
My former bosses’ father told me he thought the Millennial Choirs & Orchestra were better than the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. That is the kind of concerts my children are involved in. I feel so blessed that my children are able to have this kind of experience. I don’t know why everyone isn’t putting their kids in this choir.
And the choir has grown. It started in Orange County, CA ten years ago and then took off in the East Valley area of Arizona. My husband joked that we could move out of state now that the choir was expanding. (Never did we dream we would actually move to Arizona) They now have choirs in Texas, Utah, and Idaho. The founders of this one of a kind choir had this idea that they could help America’s youth learn about sacred music. MCO is exposing our youth to classics and strong choir music. They are expanding their diet of music, feeding their souls with music that has lasted through the years. Music that inspires and touches your soul. Or as they more eloquently state on their website:
MCO was founded for the purpose of teaching and encouraging excellence in quality sacred and classical music. Its primary purpose is to fulfill the need for more refined music performance education in our communities, with a focus on God and country. Similar to the music of the masters—Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms—we are bringing God back into the concert hall with the sacred/classical music that is such a rich part of the history of the world. We feel this is vital in today’s society, particularly for the youth of America.
We are a music loving family! We love music in all it’s variety (well…except for country) and we love exposing our kids to different kinds of music. And certainly classical music is being listened to in our homes. But there is something different about having my children in this choir.
This last spring I attended the spring concert that was focused on the atonement of Jesus Christ. It was one of their best concerts, and I am always thrilled with the concerts MCO provides. It was powerful and uplifting. I have heard that the best songs and music have yet to be written. Or we can’t even imagine the music of the heavens. But as I was sitting in that concert, with my heart swelling, I felt closer to heaven. And then the thought hit me. My children are learning and studying this music every week. If I felt this way listening to it now, what kind of impact is this having on my children? I am so thankful that my children can be part of this amazing group.
It’s more than just a choir where they are being taught how to sing and to learn musical theory- although it does that too. And brilliantly. The Professors and instructors at Millennial Choirs & Orchestra are passionate about music. Their training is impressive. And they are particularly excellent in teaching children. They have high standards and practices are efficient. I love watching them rehearse when I can volunteer at their weekly practices. I’m always impressed with the professionalism and talent. And the children sound like angels!!! But it’s much more than that.
The Millennial choir is such a blessing in our family. I have seen such wonderful changes in my husband. He was born to perform. He loves singing for others and developing his talent. And our children have performed, at young age of four, in amazing concerts halls accompanied by orchestras. We would never live somewhere where they couldn’t be a part of this choir.
And as I talk to other choir moms I am even more committed to this choir. Friends have shared tender things their children have said and felt during practices and performances. More important than exposing my children to the finest music available, or being part of making albums. more than having my children immersed in classics, and more than being taught by truly gifted professors, my children will have the chance to draw closer to their Savior. That is my focus as a mother, bringing my children closer to our Father in Heaven. What other organization can do that for me?
Music is a powerful thing. It teaches us in such a way that we can remember what we were taught. It helps convey feelings. And it is a powerful way to feel closer to God. How are we using music to bless our children? And what kind of music are ‘feeding’ our children?
I would love to invite those of you who live in Arizona, California, Texas, Utah, or Idaho to attend the upcoming Christmas Concert. You will not be disappointed. And if MCO is close enough, see if your children would want to join. Don’t worry if you think they can’t sing. Have them give it a try. This choir will bless children of all faiths.
And I am so happy to share that they just released their newest Album, Amazing Grace! It features songs from the latest concert! I have loved listening to it this past week. (Perfect for Christmas) And it would be a great album for all faiths to listen to as a family.
Thanks for reading along with this Thankful Thursday post! I am so thankful for my readers and that I can open up my heart. I would love to hear what you are thankful for! Leave a comment below…
And a special thanks to Steve Porter Photography for these amazing pictures.
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