How We Began
Theresa Cummings, Keiko Clark, and Robert Stone approached Lynn Bateman with an idea to start a youth choir. The idea included teaching music knowledge to youth, singing various popular and inspiring songs, involving multiple musical instruments, solo opportunities, and most of all, having fun! These four accomplished musicians voluntarily agreed to get it started. This was back in the Fall of 2011. Since then, they have donated hundreds of hours to help bring music knowledge to the youth of the South Bay Los Angeles area. The choir has steadily grown every year and performs multiple programs in various venues, including the Los Angeles Temple Visitors Center and the Special Olympics.
Sponsored by the Torrance Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Torrance Youth Chorale is FREE for every choir member. All children ages 7-18 in the South Bay area are welcome to join, regardless of membership in the Church.
Click on the tabs above for more information! We accept choir members all year!
Lynn Bateman, Founder & Director
Musical since birth, Lynn has sung in choirs and been in school musicals her entire life. Her children have also performed with her. She has directed the Interfaith Choir for South Bay area, and has been directing the Torrance Youth Chorale since 2011.
Keiko Clark, Founder & Director
Keiko Clark, soprano, has thrilled audiences across the globe with a voice remarkably pure and clear, and a stage presence fresh and engaging. Aside from directing the Torrance Youth Chorale, she teaches at Torrance's North High School and is a private voice teacher. http://keikoclark.com
Terri Mahkorn, Director
Terri Mahkorn has loved singing since she was a tiny child. She sang at family reunions and everywhere else she could, including church musicals, roadshows, and even in a rock band in college. She also enjoyed singing in a women’s group for over 20 years. While taking piano lessons as a young child, her very wise teacher taught her how to lead music “just in case” she might need it some day. She began to lead choirs at church as a young mother, and continues to love singing in and leading choirs. A highlight of her life has been directing a beautiful cantata, “Jesus Is The Christ” with a church choir for many years. She is new to the Torrance Chorale as of this year, and considers being one of the directors a privilege and an honor.
Robert Stone, Founder & Bass Guitar
Robert Clark has been involved in music his entire life. After serving an LDS Church mission, he joined a band and started playing bass guitar. He is STILL active in his band! He also plays in a Ukulele choir. He has performed with his band at the Special Olympics for 19 years straight. This year, their band name is "Lady Pyro & the Maniacs".
Karen Harper, Pianist
Karen has been playing the piano since she was 5 years old and studied music at Brigham Young University. There is nothing that makes her happier than making music with other people. More than solo pieces, her favorite is to be an accompanist.