About a month ago, we were able to go on a behind the scenes tour of the Tabernacle at Temple Square. My parents-in-law served their mission in Frankfurt, Germany, the same place as Ron Jarrett and his wife, and the couples became good friends. Ron Jarrett actually was called to be the Mormon Tabernacle Choir President while he was serving his mission and had to come home early to report for his new duties. So when he invited my in-laws to go on a tour, I jumped at the chance, since it is a rare opportunity.
We were told that the tabernacle actually has 3 basements underneath it. We were able to see two of them; the third one is off limits to most everyone because there is a dead indian buried there, and out of respect, they leave it alone.
We started off in Brother Jarrett's office and then he took us to the womens' dressing room. Every outfit is handmade for the ladies. They just buy fabric and have master seamstresses.
We then saw the elevator where they can take large instruments or decorations upstairs.
Next was the library. Every member has their own box to keep their music organized.
There is also a huge vault of music where they keep several pieces of music. If I heard right, it's 40,000 different songs, and upwards of 11 million pieces (since every choir member gets a copy). Sometimes they just rent the pieces so they don't have to store them.
Next was the soundproof recording room.
The men's dressing room was organized. They purchase every suit from Mr. Mac's (who used to be the choir president). He is fortunate to have the church's business. They buy so many extra suits because they want to make sure to have enough for new members, and if some become damaged.
I got a kick out of how they have a "model" showing the men how they should look. The women don't have one in their room. Also, they name the ties funny names, like "amoeba", or "shining star", so the men know which one to wear.
Next was some storage rooms.
There was the special dressing room of the guests. They even have a tv where they have been known to check on football game scores.
We went upstairs and admired the organ which is on a lazy susan, by the way, so it can turn any angle needed.
We enjoyed the beauty of the pipes, which are really just made of pine and are painted gold. The "real" pipes are hidden behind them.
What a pretty view from the front.
The choir has earned multiple awards and that even includes some Grammys. They are displayed in an attractive case in the basement.
We ended in Brother Jarrett's office again. I was amazed that his official call is signed by the First Presidency. Lucky guy to have their autographs! It was a lovely tour. If my sons would have been calmer, I would have enjoyed it even more.
