Chicago

Blustery winds, shamrocks everywhere, the Midwest kindness, and choir students from across the country--we were swept away in a four day adventure over St. Patrick's day Parade in Chicago.

We were able to tour the Art Institute, get some Giordano's famous stuffed pizza, discover the architecture of down-town Chicago, the beautiful Roosevelt University and Auditorium, Millennium Park, and the Marriott Hotel where we lodged.

Right on Michigan Avenue, with the Lake right outside our window, and a computer who welcomes us by name, we felt quite spoiled. Every evening, I snuck into the Versaille-esque spacious Ballroom on the second floor. It was exquisite. I played the grand piano there at my leisure--usually bringing different Singers to perform in that beautiful space. Exploring the hotel was almost as exciting as exploring the city, and considerably warmer.

It was delightful to recognize so many faces from Wisconsin stakes, BYU Singers alumni, Stanford friends, and even my middle school choir director.
BYU Singers was chosen to close the convention. We entitled our selections 'Reasons for Singing' and were able to testify through each piece, representing Brigham Young University and representing all those of our faith. It was thrilling to end the program with "Each Day" by Stephen Paulus. We will most likely never have an audience as appreciative.


After much prayer and our last performance in Orchestra Hall, we filed out backstage to our designated room to offer up a prayer of gratitude.

Much to my delight, we were followed by Cory Katseanes--my first conductor at BYU and the head of the Music Department--who congratulated us heartily. His presence there meant more to me than his words. Then one of the heads of the convention came in and said, "we've been following Dr. Staheli for quite some time now... we didn't think that you could continue to improve! We've seen a lot of things this convention, this week... but you... You are the future of Choral music."

May I sing each day according to Thy Justice
Each day may I show Thy chastening, O God
May I speak each day according to Thy wisdom
Each day and night may I be at peace with Thee
Justice, Wisdom, may I be at peace with Thee, O God

Each day may I count the causes of Thy mercy
May I each day give heed to Thy laws
Each day may I compose to Thee a song
May I sing each day Thy praise, O God
Justice, Wisdom, may I be at peace with Thee, O God

Each night, may I do the same
Each day and night, dark and light,
May I laud Thy goodness to me, O God
May I sing each day Thy praise, O God, Jesu

Each day and night may I be at peace with Thee
May I sing each day according to Thy justice
Each day may I compose to Thee a song
May I each day give love to Thee, Jesu
Justice, Wisdom, may I be at peace with Thee, O God

Each day and night may I be at peace with Thee, Jesu