After the release of their first album “So In Love”, Oklahoma Christian University’s student-led acappella group, New Reign, went on tour from coast to coast this summer to lead worship services at various churches and camps.
Wes McKinzie, assistant professor of business, attended New Reign’s first summer concert this year.
“The very first concert they gave was literally one of the best New Reign concerts. We were super excited about how well that concert went,” McKinzie said. “It spoke to their level of dedication and preparation, but also to the natural gifts God has given them. It truly was one of the most special, memorable moments I’ve had working with the group.”
This year was junior Caleb Hensal’s second summer tour. Hensal shared about what life on the road is like in a van full of close friends.
“Van life is fun. You really do get close with your friends, and you learn things about them,” Hensal said. “It’s exhausting, but it’s really cool to get to see different churches and Christians all across the nation.”
Favorite tour stops for some singers this year were in the upper northwest.
“New Reign is known to travel pretty far, and this summer was not an exception. We went all the way up to Washington, pretty much as far northwest as you can get,” Hensal said. “We sang at Yellowstone Bible camp, which was my favorite place we got to sing at. It was a family camp with whole families of all different ages.”
Junior Alexi Hufstedler also liked the northwest.
“I really loved Oregon, I had never been,” Hufstedler said. “We had a day off there and went to the beach, saw sights and got to spend time with each other.”
The singers did encounter one detour en route to Tennessee.
“We did have a tire blow out one time. The boys changed it in an hour or so, but it was interesting,” Hufstedler said.
Before each service, New Reign has a remedy to calm their nerves.
“Praying before always helps with nerves,” Hensal said. “We huddle up and remember that we’re out there praising God instead of seeking our own glory.”
Hufstedler shared her favorite part of being on tour.
“The best part about tour is after every show, people would come and tell us how encouraged they were,” Hufstedler said. “That felt great, especially when I didn’t feel like we had the best day.”
McKinzie said New Reign represents Oklahoma Christian at their concerts.
“I’ve talked to countless students whose first or most memorable exposure to OC was New Reign,” McKinzie said. “Our concerts and the role they play, from both a ministry and a recruiting perspective, are invaluable.”
New Reign will begin auditions in the spring of 2024.
“I would recommend spending the summer traveling and praising God with friends,” Hufstedler said.
New Reign’s album, “So In Love,” is available on all music streaming platforms.
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