Youth Choir


Tours Pittsburgh Participants reflect on 44th annual trip BY KATHY SCHMIED


As a prelude to the 44th Annual Youth Choir Tour, we began with a concert offered as a gift to our congregation on Tuesday evening, April 23. After school on Tursday, 29 youth and eight adult leaders piled into the bus with our favorite bus driver, John.


Choir Tour always affords us the opportunity share God’s love through music. Tis year, Youth Choir director Brandon Remp led us as we sang in two senior resident facilities and offered a concert at a church where we sang for our meal (and had a chance to hang out and play basketball). What a joy it was to offer God’s message of hope and love to those who greeted us. Southminster Presbyterian Church kindly hosted us during our visit there. Before leaving for home on Sunday, we joined them in worship and sang in their two services.


All work, no play? Tanks to accompanist Sherry Deal’s incredible and meticulous planning, of course, there was play! We toured the Nationality Rooms of the Cathedral of Learning on the University of Pittsburgh campus. We enjoyed a beautiful day at the Pittsburgh Zoo. We went on a riverboat ride—in pouring rain! We recognized our graduating seniors in a very special way. And what would Choir Tour be without the Talentless Show? Tis year’s acts hardly met the “talentless” standard—there was amazing talent on display! On our way home, we soberly visited the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA.


It was a wonderful trip that both offered service to others and provided much for our youth to reflect upon.


THE IMPACT OF CHOIR TOUR


During hours spent on the tour bus, youth passed around five mini notebooks to write their thoughts about the tour. Below is a selection of (often anonymous) comments from the notebooks along with responses to a request for reflections.


“It was fun, and I enjoy singing to the elderly.”


“This Choir Tour to Pittsburgh was a great experience. I loved singing and making new memories that will last a lifetime.” —Mandy Barnes


“Choir Tour meant a lot to me as a senior because I really looked up to my siblings and friends when they were in the same position. It was humbling to be the role model for the younger kids.” —Mark Leiby


“Choir Tour connected me with my friends and allowed us to grow together by serving our church and different places. I love singing the classics; they always bring great memories of the church and how far we as a choir have come.” —Noelle Boucher


“I love having the time to talk and get to know people on tour. Also having group things to do such as the Talentless Show. The rap was awesome!”


“Senior recognition is always a very special experience.”


“The tour to Pittsburgh was really fun. I enjoy spending a wonderful weekend with my best friends.” —Maddie Souders


“I had a wonderful time here. I loved singing and making people happy. I love spending time with my church family.” —Victoria Toto


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