Listen Louder

Nearly every Sunday morning, I arrive early before the start of our weekly Music & the Spoken Word broadcast. I often take a seat at the back of the concert hall and watch as the choir loft fills, one by one, with members of The Tabernacle Choir.

The sounds coming from the few members of the Choir who are already there are at first soft and barely noticeable. As the loft fills, the sounds of morning greetings grow louder until it becomes impossible to understand what is being said.

And then, Mack Wilberg steps to the conductor’s podium and with a few quick taps of his baton, the room falls silent. Seconds later, the Choir members warm their voices and then begin to sing. Suddenly, what was just a room full of indistinguishable noise transforms into a sound that might be described as angelic.

I marvel each week as I witness this event—one voice joining with hundreds of others, all different people from different places with different life experiences coming together and creating a magnificent sound.

The sound of The Tabernacle Choir, or any choir for that matter, is found in its blending and unity of voice. Each voice matters and makes a difference. But the strength and contribution of a single voice are not only found in the singing but also in the listening. Mack Wilberg often reminds the Choir, “The key to succeeding in the Choir is to listen louder than you sing.” One of the great secrets to the heavenly harmonies that are created by a choir is found not in the voices that sing loudest, but rather in listening to others.

The choirs of life are made up of families, communities, and workplace associations to name a few. Each of these choirs includes people who are unique and different. The diversity of voices and life experiences matters and when listened to, can add to the beautiful crescendo of songs that a choir sings.

As we listen louder than we sing, we discover the beauty of our neighbor’s voice. We hear and feel their contribution. When we really listen, our voices can then complement theirs in a way that builds, sustains, and uplifts.

Yes, when we really listen, even louder than we sing, we elevate each other’s voice in true melodious harmony.