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Rochester Community Chorus

250 West Avon Road
248-652-1215

The mission of the Rochester Community Chorus is to enrich the cultural life of the community by providing its singers with opportunities to perform quality choral music under professional direction and by enhancing the lives of all through the resonant power of harmony and word.

The Rochester Community Chorus (RCC) was originated through the efforts of two music teachers from the Rochester Community Schools, Frank Irish and Bernard Leshley, who organized a group of singers to perform for special occasions. The first performance, in 1981, was a cabaret concert with the Rochester Symphony Orchestra. In 1983, the Chorus performed in Detroit's Orchestra Hall, again with the Rochester Symphony Orchestra. In 1984, the Chorus presented a Lerner and Lowe concert, under the baton of a new director, Al Fisk.

In the Fall of 1986, the RCC was officially established under the joint direction of Al Fisk, Vocal Music Director at Hazel Park High School, and Tim Lentz, Rochester Adams High School Vocal Music Director. Fisk continued as RCC Director for the next five years.

From the very beginning of the history of the Chorus, Paula D'Ambrosio has been its accompanist. Her support from behind the keyboard has helped to mold the Chorus into an impressive ensemble through the years. Her husband, the late Gerald D'Ambrosio, was the group's first president.

In those early years, The RCC also participated in concerts with the Heart of the Hills Barbershop Chorus, and made appearances at the Palace, Tiger Stadium, and Cobo Hall. The RCC has made the Rochester Christmas Parade an annual affair, and has performed at the Rochester Prayer Breakfast, Rochester's Heritage Festival and for various local organizations.