Yeppoon Choral Society

Next date: Thursday, 13 August 2026 | 07:00 PM to 09:00 PM

PURPOSE

• To provide quality entertainment for the local community
• To encourage and support developing musicians and actors through workshops and an annual bursary for young musicians
• To provide substantial donations to charitable organisations as a result of an annual concert in return for community support
• To participate in community events such as the annual ANZAC Day service and quarterly citizenship ceremonies

HISTORY

The Yeppoon Choral Society (YCS) was formed as a community choir in 1965 by a group of Country Women’s Association ladies (one of whom is still an active member), but soon added musical theatre, with Oklahoma being performed at the Yeppoon Town Hall that year. YCS has performed at least one major production every year since, ranging from Gilbert & Sullivan to Lerner & Lowe and from Camelot to Mamma Mia and all places in between.

The Society has collaborated with groups such as the Capricorn Silver Band, the Salvation Army Band, the Rockhampton Youth Orchestra, and the Yeppoon State High Band, and also welcomes volunteers from the Yeppoon Girl Guides, and the Rotary and Lions Clubs.

The YCS Voices choir, the first year-round choir in YCS history, began in 2024 and while having heaps of fun together and learning a wide range of different songs for diverse occasions, they can work on and improve with the regular rehearsals. The choral conductor, Lorraine Manifold, has an MA in Vocal Pedagogy (the science of teaching how to sing), as well as extensive training in choral conducting.

The choir sings at various local events, including Carols on the Beach, the Yeppoon ANZAC Day ceremony, Australian citizenship ceremonies, and World Singing Day among others. The choir also presents the annual charity concert near year’s end, raising over $70,000 for local charities over the years.

PARTICIPANT QUOTE

"My mother was among the ladies who founded YCS, and I joined fifteen years ago, even though I hadn't sung since high school."

Libbie, YCS member for 15 years

• YCS membership is open to anyone with a love of music and theatre. Annual membership is $30 (adults) or $15 (under 18).
• The choir, YCS Voices, meets each Thursday from 7-9pm during school terms in Community Centre Rooms A&B. Cost is $10 per rehearsal or $60 for a full term.
• Major productions are at the Yeppoon Town Hall with a children’s production in April and an adult production in August.
• Participation in the major productions involves a fee that varies per show. Under 18 membership is included in the fee for thechildren’s productions.

PEOPLE

• Members come from all walks of life and range in age from school children to those in their nineties, and all have a passion for singing.
• More than 60 young people were involved with the 2025 production of Finding Nemo, Jr, ably supported by a large support team of adults.
• From 40-60 cast members are involved in major productions, such as last year’s Shrek, also with a cadre of volunteer supporters.
• 20-30 attend rehearsals of YCS Voices.
• Approximately 80 singers took part in last November’s production of Handel’s Messiah in collaboration with the Rockhampton Music Union, UniSong, the Keppel Bay Community Choir, and the Rockhampton Symphony Orchestra.

CHORAL CONDUCTOR

• Lorraine Manifold, Conductor of YCS Voices, has an MA in Vocal Pedagogy (the science of teaching how to sing), as well as extensive training in Choral Conducting, and is a local singing teacher.
• She is also the President of the Queensland / Northern Territory chapter of the Australian National Choral Association.
• She has directed choirs in Australia, Canada, Europe, and the United States.

SEEKING NEW MEMBERS

The Yeppoon Choral Society is always seeking new members. The entry requirements for singers is that they love music.

• Some of the singers read music scores, many do not.
• Some have sung in choirs before, others have not.
• Some have taken singing lessons, others have not.

There are no auditions to join the choir, although the conductor may want to listen to your voice to know what part you can sing (e.g. soprano, tenor).

HANDEL'S MESSIAH

In honour of the 60th anniversary in 2025, the group worked with other groups to perform George Frideric Handel's Messiah.

PARTICIPANT QUOTE

"People are happier when they sing! My parents both sang, so I learned singing while I was growing up. I love meaningful traditions, and this is one."

Paula, YCS member since 2013

When

Location

Yeppoon Community Centre, 80 John Street, Yeppoon, 4703, View Map