About the Hilltops Choir
Originally known as the Choir of the Southern Cross established in 2008, the Hilltops Choir Inc. grew out of the original choir as an independent community choir.
The photo on the right shows the Hilltops Choir, guest choristers and soloists performing the "Messiah" at St.John's Anglican Church in Young NSW in 2017.
Choral singing brings people together
Community choral singing offers significant benefits for mental health (reducing stress, anxiety, depression), physical health (improving lung function, posture, cardiovascular health), and social well-being (fostering connection, belonging, reducing isolation) by releasing endorphins, strengthening social bonds quickly, and providing an empowering, inclusive space for emotional expression and cognitive engagement.
Hilltops Choir performing at "The Grange" Harden
Hilltops Choir is a community choir based in Young, New South Wales, Australia.
As the name suggests, the Choir draws its singers from the Hilltops Local Government Area and beyond, which includes Young, Cootamundra and Harden.
The Choir was initially under the direction of Rodney Clancy as Musical Director. Currently our accompanist Stewart Bruce has stepped up to provide musical direction and Susan Rolfe is assisting with the accompanying.
The Hilltops Choir embraces a number of different music genres, from Mozart and Bach to musicals such as Hairspray, The Lion King, Carousel and favourites from popular composers.
At regular intervals, we have rehearsed and performed a number of concerts, including a performance with the Sydney Male Choir.
In the past we have performed an Easter Extravaganza Concert for the Young community along with a Hark, Hilltops, Hallelujah Concert at Christmas. We have also had joint concerts with Sing Australia.
We are a non-auditioned group of around 30 choristers with Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass sections.
We always welcome newcomers.
Our mission statement sums up our main aim and that is "Sharing the Joy of Singing"
Recent Events
Hilltops Off the Beaten Track
Hilltops Choir Past Events
Hilltops Off The Beaten Track Arts & Cultural Trail
An annual event held in the Hilltops LGA that covers exhibitions, open studios, live performance, artisan markets and workshops across Boorowa, Harden Murrumburrah and Young.
The next Event will run from 14-29 March 2026
When City Meets Country
A combined Concert with the Canberra Community Voices Choir at the Ross Memorial Church in Murrumburrah on 25 August 2025
Cherry Festival December 2025
When and where do we meet for rehearsals?
Weekly choir practice sessions every Monday Night during School Term time. In 2026 rehearsals start on Monday 2nd February.
Place: St John's Anglican Church Hall in Cloete St. Young NSW
Time: 7:30pm to 9:30pm
The first year of rehearsing and performing was 2017.
No! The Hilltops Choir is an unauditioned Community Choir. We improve our singing abilities over time by practising together in a supportive, non judgemental way. Depending on your natural vocal range, you can join a Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Bass section.