THE HISTORY OF
TROY COMMUNITY CHORUS
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1978
The Troy Community Chorus was founded in November 1978. It started as a community education class and was called “Troy All City Choir”. Daniel Boyce was director and Elissa Hepner pianist. The first concert was at Troy Athens High School on December 11, 1978, performing Handel’s Messiah.
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1981
Daniel Boyce was still director, Pam Forsythe and Doreen Pettit were accompanists.
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1982
Dennis Gazso became director, and Pam Forsythe was the lone accompanist.
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1984
David Fox replaced Pam Forsythe as accompanist.
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1989
Troy Community Chorus was a winner in the Trapper’s Alley Choir competition.
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1990
Performed the National Anthem at Tiger Stadium, one of many performances there during the 1980s and ‘90s.
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1993
David Fox moves from accompanist to director. Joseph Palazzolo becomes accompanist.
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1994
Joseph Palazzolo moves up to director and Richard Wolf becomes accompanist. Performed at Festival of Trees at Cobo Hall in November.
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1998
Steven Kosinski (an actor on Broadway and in soap operas) becomes director, and Larry LaRue accompanist. Celebrated 20-year anniversary.
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1999
Mimi Gass becomes director and Larry LaRue remains accompanist.
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2000
Karen Andrew becomes accompanist alongside Larry LaRue.
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2001
Min Sook Chung replaces Karen Andrew as assistant accompanist and shares duties with Larry LaRue.
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2008
Mimi Gass continues as director and Min Sook Chung becomes sole accompanist. The choir was recognized by Governor Jennifer Granholm and the City of Troy for 30 years of service to the community.
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2018
Chorus celebrated 40-year anniversary.
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2019
Jonathan Lowrie becomes interim director, while Min Sook Chung continues as accompanist.
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2020
The Spring concert is cancelled due to the Covid-19 shutdown.
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2021
Choir members met for a shortened semester outdoors at Raintree Park in Troy while the pandemic continued.
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2022
Jonathan Lowrie becomes permanent director and Min Sook Chung continues as accompanist. The choir resumes regular rehearsals and concerts with Spring 2022 term, wearing masks for most rehearsals.