History

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 the White House. 

Each year, Younger Generation Chorus reaches out to Plano and the surrounding communities through an ambitious performance 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, the Sweet Adelines, and in a “Dare to Dream” special performance at the Morton H. MeyersonSymphony Center in Dallas. 

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 at the end of the season at Carnegie Hall in New York City! The choir thoroughly enjoyed participating in the festival choir with Emily Ellsworth as director.  The choir got an opportunity to show the renowned conductor their talent with their own songs at the Calvary Baptist Church.  Mrs. Ellsworth had tears in her eyes as she gave praises to our talented group.  It wasn’t all work and no play...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, much more!  The midnight cruise was the perfect finale to a great trip.