The Ypsilanti Community Choir was founded by Denise Rae Zellner. As early as 1981, the need had been expressed for a community-based choral group that would focused on all types of music, including sacred, spirituals, show tunes, folk songs, and jazz. Denise welcomed all interested singers to join; anyone with an interest in music was free to join without audition, an operating principle that continues to this day.

Our first rehearsal was held January 12, 1983, at First Baptist Church in Ypsilanti. The choir debuted in joint concert with the Ypsilanti Community Band in April 1983. The YCB provided support for the first couple of years of our existence, and our two groups continue a close relationship to this day, presenting a joint Holiday concert every December, and providing musicians as needed for special musical numbers.

Additional support in our formative years was provided by Lincoln Consolidated School District and Musical Youth International, who provided sheet music until our group was able to create its own library of music.

Since our inception, we have been performed concerts in many venues in and around Ypsilanti, including the sanctuaries of First Baptist Church, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, and Holy Trinity Chapel; Pease Auditorium at Eastern Michigan University; Towsley Auditorium at Washtenaw Community College; Ypsilanti High School; and Lincoln High School.

The choir has performed as a chorus in the Eastern Michigan University Department of Music's performance of "Amahl and the Night Visitors" and "Die Fledermaus".

Our group is open to all adult singers, regardless of musical training. We have never held auditions to join our group -- a love of music is the only prerequisite.