New Generation Singers embark on annual tour

Jul. 20—The new Generation Singers of St. Joseph are ready to embark on their 53rd annual tour.

The youth choir consisting of teens from Ashland United Methodist Church and Wyatt Christian Church, will be traveling across the U.S. for just over two weeks.

The tour kicks off on July 20th in Ogallala, NE with their first performance at 7 p.m. Their mission is to spread God's love through performing. The group will perform in multiple states while seeing famous landmarks along the way. This year the groups will be visiting Disneyland, Death Valley, Hollywood and more.

NG Singers executive director, Byron Myers, says his dad founded the group back in 1970. The singers consist of multiple denominations and unchurched children as well.

This year NG Singers are taking about 60 kids on tour, which is double the amount they took during COVID. Myers says this year their theme is to "enjoy" by focusing on the things that unite each other.

"We bring kids in from lots of different faiths, backgrounds and denominations," he said. "It's a very uplifting message about appreciating all that we have... finding the good and making life better for other people."

Myers says this program teaches the kids two important lessons. One being that there are Christians all across the country who are similar but also different from them. The other lesson is that music gives them a voice to share the word of God.

"In a group of 60, singing music really makes it fun. And it's still moving and meaningful at the same time," Myers said.

Katie Mendenhall, president of NG Singers, says this is her fourth year going on tour. She says it's an experience like no other.

"Just getting to travel around with your best friends is really such a unique experience that you don't get anywhere else," Mendenhall said.

For this trip she is looking forward to seeing the Grand Canyon and the huge Sequoia trees. For those experiencing their first tour, Mendenhall also gave some advice.

"Soak up every moment because it goes so fast. Even when your roommate's driving you crazy, even when you're on the bus and like, it's a six hour drive and you're like, 'can I just get off of here,'" she said.

One of her favorite tour memories was about four years ago during COVID. During tour worship, everyone came together to share compliments and to express gratitude towards each other,

Myers says his favorite part is seeing the kids' faces light up when they're performing and when they see a landmark that they've never seen before.

"They're kind of really into what's happening. It's very moving," Myers said.

The New Generation Singers will end their tour in St. Joseph on August 3rd at the Missouri Theater. For tickets or more information, visit their website at ngsingers.com.