Shining moments: Increase in confidence
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A theatrical presentation about Joseph Smith by the youth of the Chihuahua Mexico Tecnologico Stake not only entertained and inspired stake members, but it also changed the performers as well, said President Luis Edgardo Juarez Hurtado, first counselor in the stake presidency.
A few months later as stake conference approached, circumstances were such that a stake choir had not been formed, nor could one be formed. To make matters more serious, a General Authority was expected to attend.
So the youth who had presented the drama were called upon to become the stake choir.
"The youth responded with enthusiasm, despite the fact that 85 percent of them had never sung in a choir before," said President Hurtado. "Only those who had been in the play's choir had that experience."
The choir director had to be very patient as he taught the young singers how to breathe as they sang, to sing on key and to stand together. His teaching continued, but his anxiety grew as the young men in the choir hardly sang. He revised the music to help them, but nothing changed. At one point, he even reminded them that if Joseph Smith went into the grove to pray at age 14, they could sing at age 14.
The date of stake conference drew closer and the stake was notified that the visiting General Authority would be Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve. Time grew shorter and the director grew more nervous.
A few days before conference, at the final rehearsal, the youthful voices began to increase in volume and confidence. On the day of conference, the meetinghouse chapel and cultural hall were filled to capacity. The youth sat in the choir seats, waiting with nervous confidence. Even the piano accompanists were youths; the only adult was the director.
When it came time for them to sing, "Everything went beautifully," said President Hurtado. "Their performance was worthy of an apostle."
After Elder Uchtdorf complimented the group, the young men began singing the next selection, "Battle Hymn of the Republic," with great energy — and volume. "It made one feel the power of the priesthood," said President Hurtado. — John L. Hart
