Deseret News | Choir president sings praises of Jessop

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Choir president sings praises of Jessop

Texas | 10:28 a.m. March 6, 2008

God bless Craig Jessop, and I say: let's let his life, and ours, unfold before we rush to conclude, judge or comment.

We'll miss Craig in the role, just like we'll miss President Hinckley, but the river of life flows where it will, and the choir, as President Hinckley said many times, is only on the foot hills with the mountain still ahead.

Jessop moved the choir forward so dramatically. Others will follow that will build on Jessop's foundation and take it up the mountain that Hinckley envisioned. All the individual efforts will build to the glory of God, not the glory of any one of us.

That's my take, anyway.

Sandman5 | 5:26 p.m. March 6, 2008

The Choir has excelled in SPITE on Craig Jessop. Do you listen when the choir sings, hole hole holy, when it is supposed to be holy holy holy, or when they added an L to the word Christ. It is not pleasant. The choir does not sing words on the Iktus, meaning the down beat, because when Jessop is conducting, there is no down beat, only swoops. Whoever told this guy he could conduct--what a joke.

Rob H | 7:44 p.m. March 6, 2008

I am a BIG fan of the choir ever since Craig Jessop and Mack Wilberg came on board. The spirituality of the songs just rang through. I am so sorry to see him go. I wish Brother Jessop the best.

Comments continue below

Scott | 7:57 p.m. March 6, 2008

He will be missed. He truly brought the spirit to people during the choir's performances.

FromAChoirDirector | 1:42 a.m. March 7, 2008

Sandman5: I'm curious--what are you talking about? Can you steer me to a recording of what you are saying? I've never heard the choir do the things you said. Yeah, Bro. Jessop didn't have the best *conducting* technique, but if you are a *director* with any mettle, you assuredly know that *conducting* is only one part of what makes your choir program. I've seen other directors have lousey technique, but man could they get their choirs to sound superior!

I also think you are very disrespectful. You could give your opinion without causing others to think badly about you.

Brad H.

mitch | 6:38 a.m. March 7, 2008

I disagree Sandman. If you knew anything about music you would realize the technical prowess of this choir soared during his tenure.

A local choir teacher | 9:08 a.m. March 7, 2008

Sandman5,
You are obviously an orchestral conductor - not a choral conductor. And you obviously are not a singer. I sang in the choir with Craig and it was much easier to sing for him than Mack (who does have a strong ictus). Singing on the ictus is much to harsh and rigid for choral singing. "Swooping" creates superb phrasing, warmth and openness in the sound. The fact is - the Choir sounded better under Craig's baton than Macks.

I beg to differ. | 10:17 a.m. March 7, 2008

"The fact is - the Choir sounded better under Craig's baton than Macks."

Oh, booshwa!!! You don't need to diss Mack Wilberg to make your point. Under whose baton the Choir has sounded the best is a matter of subjective opinion. It's not all measured by intonation and rhythm. There are those who will swear it sounded better under Ottley, Welch, Condie, or Cornwall.

Let's not get into the business of such comparisons. If we're talking about fact, the Choir has been a great inspiration throughout the years no matter who is at the helm or who has occupied the seats in the loft, and it will continue to be so.

We'll miss Craig terribly, but future conductors will have their own strengths to add.

good grief | 12:29 p.m. March 7, 2008

Sandman, I don't know who you are nor your qualifications,if any. You are entitled to your opinion.
But what is the point of being so ugly about it?
There are as many different conducting styles as there are conductors. Mack and Craig, both brilliant; each gets something different from the Choir. It's interesting to see how it all works out.
So what if Craig's is less defined? It's magically expressive. A good musician can interpret any great conductor's style, and frankly, most of the greats are not typical, one to another.
So why on earth should you possibly care, and care enough to be so nasty about it?
The Choir doesn't sing Christ with an L in it. Period.
I'm glad you've listened to the Choir, but sorry it hasn't been a happier experience for you.
No group is perfect, nor will it satisfy everyone all the time. But a lot of that is listener's choice and personal taste. You can focus on all you find wrong or you can find the good and enjoy it.
That applies to everything in life.
It's up to you.

Huh? | 9:03 p.m. March 10, 2008

Sandman, if you are going to use the word "ictus" you should try to spell it correctly. Unless you have sung for Dr. Jessop, I think it's very unfair to cast aspersions from your armchair.

California | 9:54 p.m. March 10, 2008

Ictus...Picktus!
Who cares?
The fact is, Dr. Jessop was amazing.
Dr. Wilbeg is also amazing.
You cannot compare apples to oranges.
The next conductor will also be amazing.
That Choir only hires the best!
They are amazing--they work hard, bring tears of joy, of pride for our country and a peaceful spirit to their audiences, They have the voices of thunder and voices of peace all rolled into one whole.
Craig will be missed but he is not married to the choir--life goes on.
The Choir will go on--nominated for Grammy after Grammy--they are loved far and wide BEYOND Utah!

Y Student | 3:24 p.m. March 12, 2008

I think that every good conductor has something unique that they bring to a musical group. I know several people who performed under Dr. Jessop, and loved his style and encouragement. It was like the choir and orchestra were extensions of his arms... Amazing! I'm not old enough to know much about past conductors of the choir, but I'm sure that each one has contributed significantly to what the choir has become and upcoming directors will do the same. I have sung under Dr. Wilberg and though his style was different, there was nothing wrong with it. They are all inspired men, who are sustained through a difficult leadership calling. No one need worry about the past or the future of the choir and orchestra... they will continue to go places and inspire. All we have to do is sit back and be edified! So don't worry about it! Does leave a bit of a void when they're gone though...

Fay | 12:33 p.m. March 15, 2008

Brother Jessop is my hero, and will sorely be missed.

dulcimur | 7:33 p.m. March 24, 2008

I'd like to know who the possiblities are for replacing Dr. Jessop. I can only think of Staheli and Brady Allred at the U. Are there others?

Joe | 11:00 a.m. March 28, 2008

I'd like to go on the record to say thanks to a great group, the choir, the conductors, the orchestra, the bell choir, the technicians, producers, and directors. Together this team makes beautiful music! When I see "your good works" I "glorify [my] Father which is in heaven." I am grateful for the dedication of Craig Jessop and will greatly miss him. Thanks, thanks, and more thanks!

Anonymous | 12:41 p.m. March 29, 2008

Why did Craig Jessop resign?

Former Member | 1:56 a.m. March 30, 2008

May I express my heartfelt gratitude and love to Dr. Craig Jessop. It matters not why he resigned. I worry that it might have been a similar reason to why our beloved Dr. Jay E. Welch resigned, misunderstandings which I hope have not happened.
I have sung under Dr. Condie, our dear Dr. Jay Welch whom we are soon to lose one of these days I'm afraid, and Dr. Jerrold Ottley, all of whom have been dear blessings in our lives. I never sang under Dr. Jessop, but I have felt his love and compassion as I watched and felt the spirit of the Lord as he passionately worked his magic, and truly. . . "by their works, ye shall know them." Each one have given their whole heart. Shame on whoever drove him away if that was the case, for I know how much it broke Jay's heart and he didn't deserve it. You see, true artists just give all they have. There is not a speck of guile in them.
May our Heavenly Father give each of them the honor and gratitude they are due now . . .and eternally.

Eric & Mary P | 2:36 p.m. April 6, 2008

Our family knew the Jessop's and our children grew up and played with his children. We were friends with Craig when he was the Director of the Air Force Band of the Midwest in Papillion, Nebraska. We were present when he made the decision to take an early retirement from the Air Force, to become an Associate Director of the Choir. He returned to Papillion, a few month after starting the position stating it was everything he wanted and more than he expected. We have nothing but great love and admiration for the effort and love he puts into every task. May the Lord, bless him and his family

Phil | 6:44 a.m. April 8, 2008

Whatever the reason for Craig's resignation, I'm considering this to be a personal matter and leaving it there. Every Conductor has brought and will bring strengths and weaknesses to this demanding job. Craig did great things for the choir and has left a lasting legacy. These changes need to be kept within a proper perspective. The Choir will outlast any of it's Conductors and this is as it should be. Good luck Craig in your new job at USU and thank you for all you did with the Choir.

Mary | 10:55 a.m. April 8, 2008

Craig, thank you for all your years of service. My family was close to Tennille so I got to see you in person at her viewing and go to the performance dedicated to her. Thank you for your love and caring for her, and she is one of so many you touched. Thank you for your dedication to the Lord, may he bless you and your family for the sacrifices you and they have given.

Linda | 10:20 p.m. April 8, 2008

The morning of conference, I think it was Saturday, I got on my computer in the kitchen and clicked on the conference link. It was early in the morning. I started listening and realized that I was getting an audio link to the choir's rehearsal. First I heard someone in the choir giving an opening prayer, but I couldn't hear the words because they weren't miked. Then Mack Willberg spoke. He said something about how they really needed to really concentrate because they had so much to do and to cover in a short amount of time. Then he mentioned that Craig had called him the night before to ask him to convey his love for all the members of the choir. "So that is what I'm doing." Then they moved on to the music. It was kinda poignant. The sound went off moments after so I guess someone realized they had a live feed going.

TSgt Jim M. | 2:49 p.m. April 25, 2008

Dr. (Lieutanant Colonel, United States Air Force, Retired) Craig E. Jessop -- God's Blessings to you and your loved ones in whatever ventures you feel called to undertake ! I so enjoyed having you as my Commanding Officer and Conductor of the U.S.A.F. Heartland Of America Band in the early 1990's ! I tape each week's broadcast of Music And The Spoken Word (it airs each Sunday here in Bellevue/Omaha Nebraska at 5:30am on the Hallmark Channel) and then I enjoy the broadcast Sunday night after am church and a Nutro pet foods scheduled demo visit to an Omaha area PetsMart store.

The best wishes to you, Dr. (Lt Colonel) Jessop and family ! And -- continued Godspeed and best wishes also to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, to Mr. Mack Wilberg, and the fine Music And The Spoken Word broadcasts !

Sincerely,
James G. Mintern (TSgt, USAF, Retired)

Vicky | 7:24 a.m. April 29, 2008

As a singer, I would love to have had the opportunity to sing under the baton of Dr. Willberg. He brought great love and emotion to the music. God bless him in his new endeavors.

Hmmmm, could it be...? | 7:06 p.m. June 2, 2008

President Hinckley oversaw the choir since 1972, and apparently chose not to delegate that responsibility when he became president of the Church. Could it be that with President Hinckley's passing, Dr. Jessop saw a sea change coming down the pipeline (more "worship," less "art")? Consider President Boyd K. Packer's thinly veiled gripe in his March 31, 2007 General Conference address, delivered from the Tabernacle pulpit:

"This Tabernacle on Temple Square is 'a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of glory and of God, even [His] house' (D&C 109:16). Those called to speak or to perform words, music, and culture are obligated to present that which is worthy."

"To seek after the praise of men, the scriptures caution us, is to be led carefully away from the only safe path to follow in life. And the scriptures warn us plainly what follows when we 'aspire to the honors of men' (D&C 121:35)."

"...The Tabernacle Choir...has been a voice of the Church for many years. May they never drift from or allow themselves to be pulled away from the central mission which has been their place for generations."

I personally liked Dr. Jessop's style.

Ronald Gooden | 2:07 a.m. June 7, 2008

During the tenure of Dr. Jessop, the choir blossomed from the Mormon "Mush-Mouth" Choir to a chorus of incredible clarity and diction. All that without a precise ictus, amazing. May the Lord go with you Bro. Jessop and continue to guide you in all your endovers. You are remembered and missed.

Tony Watson. New Zealand | 7:22 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

My wife and myself have recorded M&TSW for some time being broadcast early A.M. and then sit and devour every note of music, every expression [in close-up] of choir members. Though not of the Mormon faith, we believe this to be the finest choir, no matter the choice of music. Find sweeter sops,altos, or smoother bass and tenor voices? don't think so!May our God bless you as you live and sing. Thanks to Craig Jessup, God bless..

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