It has been an interesting tour thus far now that we are on our penultimate day. Sorry, that is a word I use when I could use a more common phrase and blend in, but it makes me think I’m smart, even though I’m talking to many who are way smarter than me. Regardless, if you’ve never heard it before, penultimate means next to final. Ok, I’m done being condescending now, I’d like to apologize on behalf of my brain.
In choral sets the penultimate song is called the setup. It’s job is to provide a reprieve for the audience for a moment before the energy of the closer knocks them out of their seat. It’s the eye of the storm that provides contrast so that all of the emotion of the set can come to a peak.
And so today sets as the perfect setup. We have had a lot of different types of churches this tour and, in general, the crowds have been pretty generous in size. Some have been really big and may even rival homecoming in attendance (though not in energy – not. even. close). All of that energy that we have been accustomed to so far died down a little on the penultimate day. There was nearly no crowd that New G itself didn’t draw.
I’ve gone on 11 tours with New G now, and I’ve been in a lot of powerful performances, but the most powerful was in front of a crowd of three people. It was at 16th St. Baptist Church in Birmingham back in 2017, poetically on the same tour as this one. It came out of nowhere, the kids just picked up on something ineffable (doh! I did it again) and it just couldn’t be contained.
This performance wasn’t like that. The difference is that there is a surgical precision to this sermon and this group of kids. They are just consistent, professional, and give the same amazing performance every single time regardless of the size of the audience. I am convinced they believe that it is worth it to give that quality of performance to even just an audience of one person, to just lavishly pour out God’s love. So if this is the calm before the storm…
I’m a little concerned.
Well, we’ve had our setup performance. Get ready for a barn burner. We all are. We love you all!
Signing off, Joseph
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Remaining Schedule
Sing-Out – Wyatt Park Christian Church
NG Singer/Parent Tour Meeting 2026
Sing-Out #9– Good Shepherd Church Gladstone Campus
The New Generation Singers from St. Joseph, MO, took a longer drive than usual to perform at the Good Shepherd Church Gladstone campus. This was their second annual visit, and the group was excited to see familiar faces. Several of the adult sponsors are members of...
Sing-Out #8– Ashland United Methodist Church
he New Generation Singers recently performed at their home church, Ashland United Methodist Church, where they always feel a deep sense of comfort and belonging. Being in front of a home crowd that has supported them through thick and thin creates an environment where...
Sing-Out #7– Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church
Yesterday, marked a memorable occasion as Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church hosted the New Generation Singers for the first time in their sanctuary at this current location. The performance was an amazing success, drawing an enthusiastic and energetic audience that...
Sing-Out #6 – Huffman Memorial United Methodist Church
Every year, The New Generation Singers eagerly anticipate our return to Huffman Memorial United Methodist Church. This cherished tradition feels like coming home, not only for the beauty of the sanctuary and the uplifting music we create there but also for the warm...
