Welsh Roots

While we were up in Logan this past weekend Burke and I went with my Dad to the Welsh and Scottish festival out at the American Heritage Center in Wellsville.  It was a beautiful, windy afternoon and I couldn't help but laugh at all the men and women trying to keep their traditional, plaid, clan garb from blowing over their heads!  Dad had been asked to give a presentation on the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (he has been singing in the Mo-Tab as Tenor #46 for nearly 10 years now!) and the influence of the Welsh on the origins of the choir.  It was fun to listen to Dad's presentation and learn some new things about the choir.  Apparently Brigham Young had never heard 4 part harmony until a Welsh choir of church members performed for him.  Right then and there he declared that they would be the choir that would represent the "Mormon" church which is what has eventually evolved in the 350 member choir that we know today.  Dad said that if you asked the members of the Mo-Tab today if they have any Welsh heritage, over 50% of the choir would say yes.

I'm so glad that my Papa has been able to be involved with the choir for so many years.  I've seen the joy it brings him to be a part of such a wonderful organization and I love hearing about the special experiences they have had from choir dinners with the prophet, to singing at the winter Olympics in Salt Lake, at the Nauvoo Temple dedication and all around the United States on their summer tours.  It's been so neat to hear him perform in Music and the Spoken Word, the incredible annual Christmas concert at the Conference Center and know that on every CD from the last 10 years, my Daddy's vocals have contributed to the perfect blend of their remarkable choir.  It's no surprise to me that with talent like his, there is a strain of proud Welsh blood still flowing in our family's veins!