THE HISTORY OF
TROY COMMUNITY CHORUS

  • 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.

  • 1981

    Daniel Boyce was still director, Pam Forsythe and Doreen Pettit were accompanists.

  • 1982

    Dennis Gazso became director, and Pam Forsythe was the lone accompanist.

  • 1984

    David Fox replaced Pam Forsythe as accompanist.

  • 1989

    Troy Community Chorus was a winner in the Trapper’s Alley Choir competition.

  • 1990

    Performed the National Anthem at Tiger Stadium, one of many performances there during the 1980s and ‘90s.

  • 1993

    David Fox moves from accompanist to director. Joseph Palazzolo becomes accompanist.

  • 1994

    Joseph Palazzolo moves up to director and Richard Wolf becomes accompanist. Performed at Festival of Trees at Cobo Hall in November.

  • 1998

    Steven Kosinski (an actor on Broadway and in soap operas) becomes director, and Larry LaRue accompanist. Celebrated 20-year anniversary.

  • 1999

    Mimi Gass becomes director and Larry LaRue remains accompanist.

  • 2000

    Karen Andrew becomes accompanist alongside Larry LaRue.

  • 2001

    Min Sook Chung replaces Karen Andrew as assistant accompanist and shares duties with Larry LaRue.

  • 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.

  • 2018

    Chorus celebrated 40-year anniversary.

  • 2019

    Jonathan Lowrie becomes interim director, while Min Sook Chung continues as accompanist.

  • 2020

    The Spring concert is cancelled due to the Covid-19 shutdown.

  • 2021

    Choir members met for a shortened semester outdoors at Raintree Park in Troy while the pandemic continued.

  • 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.