History

Younger Generation Chorus of Plano, a community children's choir, was formed in 1983 by the Plano Civic Chorus. Since its inception, Younger Generation Chorus has achieved national recognition for excellence, and the choir's artistry and dedication have taken it from Plano to the White House.

Each Year, Younger Generation Chorus reaches out to Plano and the surrounding communities through an ambitious performance schedule. The choir performs at annual Spring and Winter concerts and at events such as:

In addition to joint performances with Plano Civic Chorus, Younger Generation Chorus has performed with the Vocal Majority, the Sweet Adelines, and in a "Dare to Dream" special performance at the Meyerson Symphony Orchestra Theater in Dallas.

In 1991, Younger Generation Chorus traveled to Washington, D.C. to perform for the President George Bush White House. In 1994 the choir won distinction as an Elementary Division Honors Choir at the 75th Anniversary of Texas Music Educators Association convention. In 1996, Younger Generation Chorus was featured in a televised performance on Channel 8 TV's "Good Morning, Texas" news program. In 1998, the choir won the Grand Marshall's Trophy for its performance in the annual Plano Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade.

In the spring of 1999, Younger Generation Chorus traveled to Orlando, Florida, where it performed on stage at Epcot Center at Walt Disney World. The choir's spring 2000 tour included performances in San Antonio, Texas at the Magic Children's Theatre and in Memorial Day services at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery and the Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital. In 2001 the choir traveled again to Washington D.C., performances included the old Post Office Pavilion.

Younger Generation Chorus performed recently under the direction of the internationally renowned, Robert Xavier Rodriguez at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). They performed Rodriguez's narrative cantata, Con Flor y Canto, along with members of the UTD Community Chorus (Ian Yeung, Director), The Evening Song Choir (David Featherstone, Director) and The Singing Unity Choir (Kim Childs, Director), tenor soloists, Kim Childs, bass-baritone, George Cordes and the Musica Nova Ensemble. This performance was a world premiere of the English translation by the composer, as well as a new instrumental setting for the chamber orchestra. Younger Generation was honored to have this opportunity. More info on Robert X. Rodriguez and Con Flor y Cantois available at http://www.schirmer.com/composers/rodriguez/bio.html.

Younger Generation was also honored to perform at the 2002 Kerrville Folk Festival in Kerrville, Texas. The choir was invited to sing for folk music icon, Peter Yarrow's (Peter Paul & Mary) birthday. After their performance, Mr. Yarrow asked the choir to join him in several songs, including Puff the Magic Dragon, This Land is Your Land, and Blowin' in the Wind.

In spring 2003, Younger Generation Chorus traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah to participate in America Sings! where they joined over 1300 young people from across the nation to dedicate their time and talents to provide community service to less fortunate children. In addition to singing at the festival, the choir also sang with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir during their Sunday morning broadcast.

Quebec, Canada was host to Younger Generation in June 2004 for the choir's first international tour. The choir enjoyed learning about the area's various cultures, performed in churches and a school, and sang with a local children's choir.

In 2005, the members of the chorus traveled to San Antonio, and were honored to perform for an audience of about 2500 veterans and civilians at the 2005 Memorial Day ceremonies at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery during the choir's annual tour. Members also performed at the Alamo, and enjoyed local sites, including the San Antonio Riverwalk, Mission San Jose (the oldest in Texas), and Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels.

To see pictures from our 2006 & 2007 tours, check out our Tours Page.