The YOUNGER GENERATION CHORUS OF PLANO, a premier community children's choir for 4th through 8th grade students, was formed in 1983 by the Plano Civic Chorus. Since its inception, Younger Generation has achieved national recognition for excellence, and the choir's artistry and dedication have taken it from Plano, to Carnegie Hall, and to the White House.
Each year, Younger Generation Chorus reaches out to Plano and the surrounding communities through an ambitious performance and community service schedule. The choir performs annual Spring and Winter concerts and at events such as: Plano Family of the Year ceremonies, Dickens Festival, the Plano Chamber of Commerce Christmas and 4th of July Parades, Very Special Arts Festival,and others. In addition to joint performances with Plano Civic Chorus, Younger Generation has performed with the Plano Symphony Orchestra, the Vocal Majority and, the Sweet Adelines. They have also performed in a "Dare to Dream" special performance at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas and prior to the Nutcracker at the Majestic Theater.
In 1991 the choir traveled to Washington, D.C. ,to perform for President George Bush at the White House. In 1994 the choir won distinction as an Elementary Division Honors Choir at the 75th Anniversary of Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) convention. In 1998 the choir won the Grand Marshall's Trophy for its performance in the Plano Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade.
Younger Generation performed on stage at Epcot Center at Walt Disney World in the spring of 1999. 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. In 2001 the choir traveled again to Washington D.C., including a performance at the old Post Office Pavilion. Younger Generation was also honored to perform at the 2002 Kerrville Folk Festival in Kerrville, Texas. The choir was invited to sing at the birthday celebration of folk music icon, Peter Yarrow (Peter Paul & Mary).
In the spring of 2002, YG performed under the direction of the internationally renowned Robert Xavier Rodriguez along with members of the UTD Community Chorus, Evening Song Choir, The Singing Unity Choir, tenor soloist Kim Childs, bass-baritone George Cordes, and the Musica Nova Ensemble.
In spring 2003, The Younger Generation Chorus traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah, to participate in America Sings! where they joined over 1000 young people from across the nation to dedicate their time and talents to provide community service. To culminate the 20th Anniversary season, in the spring of 2004, Younger Generation Chorus embarked upon its first international tour to Quebec, touring the historic region, and performing in several cathedrals and a joint performance with a local children's chorus.
In 2005 members of the chorus traveled to San Antonio and were honored to perform for an audience of about 2500 veterans and civilians at the Memorial Day ceremonies at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. Members also performed at the Alamo. Members of the choir enjoyed their first trip to Branson, Missouri, in 2006, where they performed for hundreds on board the Showboat Branson Belle and in Presley's Country Jubilee Theatre. In September of 2006, the chorus sang for a crowd of thousands during a one of a kind 9/11 Recognition Ceremony at the International Association of Fire Chiefs 2006 Convention.
During the summer of 2007, Younger Generation delighted Houstonians while singing at the Kemah Boardwalk, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center. In 2008 choristers culminated the season with another trip to Branson, Missouri, where they performed at Legends and the Showboat Branson Belle. They were kept very busy with community service and performances throughout the season. Members joined the Plano Civic Chorus in celebrating their 35th anniversary with a performance at the PCC Concert.
The 25th anniversary season (2008-09) was a full season with singing in Allen, Plano, Murphy and Richardson. But the most memorable venue was the Festival at Carnegie Hall in New York City with Emily Ellsworth as director. The choir also got an opportunity to privately sing for Ellsworth at the Calvary Baptist Church. Ellsworth had tears in her eyes as she gave praises to our talented group. The group of over 65 YG choristers and family members traveled all around NYC and saw Central Park, Times Square, Lady Liberty, Mary Poppins on Broadway, Rockefeller Center and much, more! The midnight cruise was the perfect finale to a great trip.
The 2009-10 season was another full year of performances in Frisco, Plano, and Mexico! The choristers enjoyed singing for the public at Senior Centers, Art Festivals, Christmas Holiday venues, church services and community events. The Christmas season kept us particularly busy with venues at The Lights at Legacy, Dickensfest (where we performed twice and lead a community sing-along), Nutcracker Tea, and our Winter Concert. In the Spring, we once again achieved the best possible ratings at the Sandy Lake Funfest with a 1 rating and wonderful comments from the judges! Our season ended with a wonderful 5 day Carnival Cruise where the children (and parents) had a grand time & filled the lounge & dining room with a variety of music.
After the 2009-2010 season Younger Generation expanded to include children in 2nd through 4th grades (FUTURE GENERATION) as well as youth in 9th through 12th grades (RISING GENERATION.) All three choirs have excelled and continue to thrive under the direction of Mrs. Rasmussen. As the YG family of choirs looks ahead we eagerly anticipate magnificent opportunities to share our love of music and to further develop professional relationships and partnerships with the local Arts organizations and our beloved Community.
