Yee, Emily,

Emily Yee was one of the founding members of the choral society, which evolved from friendships developed among Chinese American families who met monthly for potlucks in Pittsford during the 1970s and early 1980s. The Chinese Choral Society was formed in 1983, drawing from both the established community and from students at Eastman School of Music. Members practice twice a month at Christ Clarion Church in Pittsford and employ a part-time conductor, who is generally a faculty member at Eastman.

Society membership dues are $50/year for materials and members rehearse six to nine months per year (taking summers off). The society presents an annual fundraising concert (first one at Kilbourne Hall/Eastman School), usually in the spring (May or June). The society's purpose was fellowship and singing of classical and folk Chinese songs; they also perform songs in English.

The society fluctuates between twenty and thirty members, all of whom are of Chinese ancestry, except for Russ Simpson and his wife, who lived in Asia. The group celebrated its twentieth anniversary in June with a concert at Penfield High School.

In the late 1990s, another Chinese choral group, connected with the Rochester Chinese Christian Church, was formed. This group performs religious music, whereas the Chinese Choral Society does not.