By Ken Jarvis, Choir Member, Public Affairs – Hill Country Stake
Beginning Sunday, October 21, a group of over 80 singers, selected from the San Antonio Area Stakes, began to rehearse music for the President Russell M. Nelson Devotional. At 8 a.m. on the day of the Devotional the Choir began their rehearsal and sound checks in the Alamodome. After a few hours off to attend Sacrament meeting and gather their families they returned for a final rehearsal at 3:30 p.m.
Just before the Devotional began the Choir stood and sang their prelude number. About two hours later the Devotional was concluded and all who attended knew they had experienced something very special. The same was true for members of the Choir.
In her final communication with the Devotional Choir Sister Kim Long, Conductor, wrote, “I’m still trying to process our wondrous experience Sunday evening.”
She went on to say, “Something truly remarkable happened during ‘It Is Well’. We have NEVER sounded this good!”
Brother Dean Palmer, a member of the base section said, “The emotion and deep feeling of love and reverence was so nearly overwhelming as we sang the last hymn that I had to pause twice to cut off the tears to finish singing.”
Sister Laurie Ann Judd Atanasio, alto, remarked that, “During the closing song, I knew that I was singing my very best and I could hear the wonderful sounds all around me but was not overcome to tears but, rather, supported.” She then added, “The minute the song ended, I burst into tears.”
“For a few precious moments,” Sister Long said to the Choir, “there were more than 85 voices, and you got the privilege of singing with them! Our small loaves and fishes have been multiplied beyond belief. Tens of thousands have been fed because of our trust in the Savior. It truly is ‘well with my soul,’ thanks to each one of you!”