Noteworthy and Vocal Point pose with the audience in Ota Kumin Hall APRICO in Tokyo, Japan.
Since April, Vocal Point and Noteworthy have been on the go. From performing locally to embarking on their first combined international tour, these groups have showcased their exceptional musical talents and fostered relationships that have left lasting impressions on both the performers and their audiences.
Easter Weekend with Missionaries
These vocalists spent their Easter weekend performing at the Missionary Training Center. “This performance was different for me,” says Noteworthy member Kassie Sanders. “We had the opportunity to use some of our favorite arrangements that testify of Christ to share with these elders and sisters. I loved feeling the testimonies of everyone in the room, especially on Easter Sunday. It reminded me of the great gift Christ gave us.”
Sharing Light in Asia
Noteworthy and Vocal Point’s performances continued with three weeks of shows across east Asia. The tour began in South Korea, where the two groups performed at the prestigious MBC Gyeongnam Hall in Seoul and the Cheongju Arts Center. However, their adventures extended far beyond the stage, delving deep into the cultures and histories of the regions they visited.
One of the cultural highlights of the tour was their visit to the Korean Demilitarized Zone. This experience provided the groups with a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of the Korean Peninsula and prompted reflections on peace and unity.
The groups’ journey continued to Mongolia, where they participated in a workshop and special dinner with local youth in Ulaanbaatar. The groups shared stories and experiences, creating bonds that transcended geographical borders and cultural boundaries.
Japan offered its own set of memorable moments. Noteworthy and Vocal Point interacted with local youth and young adults on a personal level through dinners and outreach events in Tokyo. At Ryogoku High School and Fuchu Nishi High School, the groups led interactive sessions and delivered mini performances, offering an engaging experience for local students and strengthening cross-cultural connections. In addition to these activities, Vocal Point and Noteworthy were able to visit the Tokyo Japan Temple.
The tour resulted in two music videos, two devotionals, three outreach events, two workshops, a livestream, and 10 performances across the continent. Sanders encapsulates the tour by saying, “The Asia tour gave me experiences as a student performer that I could not have gotten anywhere else. I was impacted the most by the interactions I had with audience members. Through them, I gained a greater sense of gratitude to BYU for providing these opportunities to students. Through these experiences, we can connect with people around the world and improve our cultural competency skills.”
Vocal Point member Jack Nelson adds, “The Lord magnifies our efforts. I’ve seen that the Lord has been able to do much more with our offerings of songs than I would’ve ever imagined. . . . That’s been a blessing in my life.”
Looking Ahead
As Noteworthy and Vocal Point tackle a new school year, the memories of their experiences will undoubtedly remain vivid as they prepare to tour Arizona at the beginning of 2025.
Watch Noteworthy’s music video “The Feels”, filmed during tour.
Vocal Point filmed their music video “Butter” while in Tokyo.
