Red Choir, Day 1

I will hopefully get to post some pictures at a later date, but for now I'm still figuring out how to blog (I'm a first-timer, does it show?!), so please bear with me!

For those of you who haven't yet heard, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is putting on a Pageant this summer, in Chorley, Preston. And I get to be a part of it! If you want to know more about the Pageant itself, have a look at www.britishpageant.org. I'm going to assume that most of you know about it though, and just launch in with my thoughts and musings.
 
Last week I was fortunate enough to be a part of the recording choir (music to be available to download later this week!) and when I got back afterwards I was using words like 'amazing!' 'incredible!' 'brilliant!' to describe it, but in all honesty those words are completely inadequate. In the choir rehearsals so far we have had glimpses into the pageant, brief insights as to what part comes before a song, or what has just happened in the script, but that was all. Last week we were privileged to have the core cast join us for awhile, and run through some parts before we sang. I have to say, I missed several cues as I was so overwhelmed and completely captivated by their parts. We all became a little emotional at seeing this pageant begin to come together in those moments. Recording went on quite a bit later than planned, but I didn't hear one person complain; we were all just happy to be here and grateful to be a part of it.
 
Today is my first day back here in Preston, this time preparing to be part of the live choir, and tonight we prepared (briefly!) to sing at the fireside this evening. At the fireside we heard from Brother Trebilock, Elder Kerr and others. It was wonderful to listen to their inspired words and know that this Pageant is something that will touch hearts and lives for years to come.  

Tomorrow will be a full day for all of us, and we have been told already that the spirit of pageant is change - things can change here on a daily, or even hourly basis! But that is because we are following inspired leaders who listen to the promptings of the Spirit.

As I sat there and listened to the speakers, I was struck with the effort made by so many to take part in this experience. As a teacher, I have the opportunity to be flexible with my summer; I can sort out my classroom and plan lessons in the latter end of the summer and that's not a problem. But many people have taken time off work for this - using their allotted holiday time so that they can be here to take part. Families with young children are here, other singles like myself, and older people too. We're a really mixed bunch! One of the comments I've heard from other cast and choir members is that everyone here seems to be happy. We're all smiling. And I've noticed it too - the moment I arrived, I couldn't seem to stop smiling! The atmosphere, the whole feel to this Pageant is so great that you just can't help but smile. I'm hoping that by sharing a small part of that with you, that you will get a glimpse of the spirit of the pageant before you arrive. And if you are reading this and don't yet have tickets for the Pageant, please get them!