Day 5:: Tour 2025

Excitement filled the air this morning as choir members gathered at 8:30, arms full of luggage, snacks, and all the essentials for life on tour. For some, this marks their very first experience, while others are seasoned travelers—yet each Laudate tour brings something entirely new. No two are ever the same.

We've just wrapped up three and a half days of focused rehearsals, learning and refining songs that speak of joy, praise, a relationship with Jesus, and above all, worship. Each piece we sing is more than just music; it’s a message, a ministry, and a shared expression of our faith. 

We were reminded yesterday that our music has blessed hundreds of thousands around the world—a humbling realization that what we do is so much more than just about us. Each note, each harmony, each word we sing carries a message of hope and truth that reaches far beyond the stage or the moment.

This calling to minister through music is a privilege, and it unites us as a choir with a deeper sense of purpose. As we embark on this tour, we carry not just our suitcases, but the weight and wonder of a mission: to encourage hearts, uplift spirits, and point people to Jesus.

After four days of excellent meals and superb service, today we were “forced” to embrace the humble travel plaza experience! For some, this meant carefully mulling over the many choices on offer; for others, the deciding factor was simply which line was shortest.

Several of our young ladies demonstrated true tour multitasking skills—patiently waiting in line for what felt like forever, only to receive their food just five minutes before boarding. They ate quickly (and gracefully!) on the bus, making the best of a less-than-ideal situation. It was a good reminder that flexibility—and a healthy dose of humor—are essential parts of touring life! 

Our favorite bus driver is quietly doing his job—no fanfare, no fuss, just faithfully and safely guiding us from Lancaster County, PA to Guys Mills, PA, where we’ll present our first concert of the tour. This is my fourth tour with Laudate, and Lavelle has always been there. His calm presence and steady hands are as much a part of this experience as the music we sing.

As we approach our first performance, I suspect many of us are feeling the familiar pre-concert jitters. But instead of asking, “Will it sound good to the audience?”, I’ve learned to ask a different question: “Will our audience be able to worship?”

That shift in focus reminds us why we sing. Not for applause, but for impact. Not for perfection, but for presence—the presence of God among us and in those who hear.

We were a bit short on time for our pre-concert rehearsal, but our conductor skillfully led us through a focused and meaningful time of preparation. Despite the rush, we were reminded of our purpose and centered ourselves for the evening ahead.

Personally, I found myself feeling quite nervous at the beginning of the concert—and I imagine others may have felt the same, whether they showed it or not. But as the music began and the familiar harmonies settled in, those nerves slowly gave way to peace.

The kind and welcoming people of Guys Mills received us warmly and seemed genuinely appreciative of our efforts. Their smiles, encouragement, and attentiveness made the experience all the more special—and reminded us again that this ministry is not about perfection, but connection.

-Willard

TOUR ITINERARY