The Stadium of Fire Chorus, 2019

This year I sang in the Stadium Chorus for the 2019 Stadium of Fire. We opened for main the performance by Country artist of the year, Keith Urban. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! I intend that sardonically—while it was fun to try something new, record a track in a studio, and perform on a grand stage, and earn 5 discounted tickets ($25 instead of $35; possibly $85) to enjoy with my loved ones, I don't think I'll want to do it again. In the words of an introverted friend of mine, "large crowds and country music aren't really my thing."

Participation in the chorus required a hefty time commitment:

• 4x1.5 hour practices 
• 3-hour run-through on location
• 5-hour dress rehearsal

After all that practice, I still didn't think we sounded that great. The choir was primarily composed of LDS Stake Choir "All-Stars." Despite our multiple practices, and many of us already knowing the songs by heart, (This Land Is Your Land, Grand Old Flag, Armed Forces Medley, etc.), we still required sheet music in front of us. It was needed. Many singers near me at the performance weren't singing the right notes, let alone the correct lyrics. There was a backup track behind all of our 5 or 6 patriotic pieces. They were all masterfully arranged by Brett Rasmussen (a local composer, and our chorus conductor). Brett especially had us practice The Star-Spangled Banner (TSSB).

The Saturday before the performance, Brett held auditions for voices to record the backup track for TSSB. About 20 of us made it. After a 2-hour rehearsal that morning, we recorded from 2-8pm that night. Even with the 20 best singers, we were all flat, and the dynamics weren't great (including myself). The studio magicians in the booth had to put a lot of lipstick on that pig, IMHO (in my humble opinion). In the end, it sounded doctored, but so much better!

The night of the performance arrived and Brett still had us practicing his baby, TSSB, minutes before going on. Here's a video of us singing on top of the backup track. The soloist in the video sang live; listening to him was the best part of my experience with the choir! What a classical voice. Amazing pitch, vowels, energy, and ability to express meaning throughout the piece. The high note at the end was a cherry on top.

Once we got on stage, we sang through the set of songs ending with TSSB. After hours and hours of practicing to specific timings (that Brett had fed to his earpiece), we were given no timing track, nor a backup track that we spent hours recording. We all sang a capella!

Sidenote: I put my hands up to my ears after the final note of TSSB because there was suppose to be a 5-jet fighter flyover immediately followed by 3 howitzers firing just off stage. I wasn't ready for the cannon fire, because—for the first time since Stadium of Fire began—they canceled the fly over. It was a multi-bummer.

If you're interested in participating in the choir for free/discounted stadium of fire tickets, join their facebook page and find more info on their website.

Dress Rehearsal

Walking Off Stage

Selfie with the family (Section 137, #freecheapseats)

Keith Urban asked for the stage lights to be turned off...

Normandy 75th Anniversary Tribute

Pro-tip: Bring earplugs. Even if you're in the cheap seats, where the speakers aren't as loud, the fireworks will be. I felt bad for all the soldiers who come home with PTSD and have to endure our celebrations for them.