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Those who remember the intense experience of working toward the planned Europe trip and then having to see it postponed may be interested in the following two letters. I had been serving as president of the choir and felt a need to share with the BYU Administrative Council some of what the experience meant to many in the choir. The first letter is addressed to President Wilkinson. The second letter is his reply. June 13, 1967
President Ernest L. Wilkinson Dear President Wilkinson, Several weeks have passed now since the decision was reached by the administrative council to postpone the European tour of the BYU A Cappella Choir. I have contemplated writing this letter since that day and I hope that you will find some interest in, and satisfaction from it. Several days prior to the meeting of the administrative council, we decided as a choir to hold a fast which came on the same day as the council meeting. It seemed that virtually all of our projects had been plagued with problems to the extent that something drastic had to happen or we could not make the trip. We decided that the fast was not to be a plea for help in making the trip, but rather an attempt to determine the Lord's will concerning our tour. If the Lord wanted us to make the trip, the way would be opened, and if not, then we wanted to know about it. In our rehearsal hour that Friday morning, the members of the choir were in a particularly spiritual frame of mind. As Dean Cameron and Brother Covey spoke to us and so kindly explained the decision and the factors involved in reaching it, there was certainly some disappointment, but there was no bitterness whatever. I believe these brethren could tell you of the spirit which seemed to pervade. They left too soon, however, to see the real reaction of the choir. The rest of the rehearsal turned into a virtual testimony meeting with a great number expressing their love for the Lord and their support of this decision which we regarded as an answer to our fasting and prayers. So many did not get a chance to express themselves that we held another meeting on Sunday evening, two days later, which was devoted entirely to further testimony bearing. The same spirit was manifest at this meeting. During the rest of the year, there was a high morale among the members as we worked toward our spring concert and several recording sessions. Many members, some of whom will not be returning to the choir next year, participated in a final fund raising project for the benefit of next year's choir. We feel that our efforts have not been wasted and that a good foundation has been laid for next year. My purpose in writing today is twofold. First, I thought you might be interested in the effect that the whole project and the final decision to postpone the trip had on the choir. I feel that in a less spiritually oriented group, the results would have been much different. Secondly, I would like to express my appreciation and that of the choir to you and to the administrative council. Many hours and much effort have been expended in our behalf this last school year and for this we are grateful. We would appreciate it if you could express our gratitude to the members of the council. Thank you for all your help.
Sincerely, ................................................................. June 15, 1967
Mr. Kent Price Dear Brother Price, Seldom do I receive a letter which gives me the satisfaction that your letter of June 13th has given me. We discussed the trip to Europe many times but we just couldn't find a way to finance it. It certainly makes my heart rejoice to know that the Choir received the decision in the spirit which they did. Like you, am sorry that there are Senior members who will not have the opportunity to go next year. I hope that the good Lord in some way will recompense them for this loss.
Sincerely,
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