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. Anyone with an interest in music was free to join without audition, an operating principle that continues to this day.

The choir debuted in joint concert with the Ypsilanti Community Band (now known as the Washtenaw Community Concert Band) in April 1983. The band provided support for the first couple of years of our existence, and our two groups continue a close relationship to this day.

Since our inception, we have 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. We have also performed at venues outside Washtenaw County, including Belleville Presbyterian Church and St. Paul's Presbyterian Church in Livonia.

We have also participated in numerous local community events. For several years we have provided sidewalk caroling for holiday events in Downtown Ypsilanti and Depot Town, as well as other neighborhood events. The choir has had the honor of leading the audience in singing the National Anthem at Eastern Michigan University basketball games.

Our media appearances include an appearance on Ann Arbor's Community Television Network and a handful of YouTube videos with the Washtenaw Community Concert Band. In 2009 we began a new tradition of guest appearances as part of Lucy Ann Lance's Hometown Christmas Show which airs in WLBY radio.

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.