Members of Portland Church Choir, Troon decided to set up an 'ad hoc' choir, specifically to support this important event, enlisting also the support of other choirs across the county. A small committee, under the charimanship of Ronald Lang, secured the services of Douglas McBay as conductor and implemented fund-raising and sponsorship plans. Rehearsals commenced, and, with a membership ultimately approaching 100 from throughout Ayrshire 'The Twelve Choir Chorus' was born.
Under the patronage of the then recently ennobled Lord Lang of Monkton and accompanied by a small orchestra, the concert in Troon Concert Hall was a sell out, ultimately raising nearly £4500 for The Ayrshire Hospice.
After the success of the concert, the organising committee felt there was an opportunity to establish a more permanent chorus and, at a meeting convened on Monday 19th January 1998, this proposal enthusiastically supported by about forty 'Twelve Choir Chorus' members, 'Troon Chorus', with Douglas McBay as musical director, was launched.
After two more years, Douglas decided to move on and the conductor's baton was taken up, and again we were well serviced, first by Peter Black, organist and choirmaster of Dundonald Parish Churce, thereafter by Archie Thom, Director of Music at Holy Trinity Church, Ayr, and currently by Andrew McTaggart, a student of choral and solo singing and conducting at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Glasgow. Andrew has imparted many of his singing skills to the Chorus as well as persuading some of his young and talented colleagues to join with us as soloists or choristers for our concerts.
Troon Chorus is growing, as we are joined by an increasing number of new members annually. So far they have all been female voices, and their contribution is much valued. However, to maintain a well balanced sound, the Chorus requires to recruit more tenors and basses.
