Miami Children’s Chorus to present singing workshop for boys, Jan. 26

Some 100 boys will descend upon the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music on Saturday, Jan. 26, for a morning of choral music making hosted by the Miami Children’s Chorus, a Coral Gables non-profit music education and performance organization.

“Bring on the Boys,” a singing workshop for boys with unchanged voices, developed by the MCC, seeks to get boys excited and interested in singing again. The past few decades have seen the steady decline of boys in school choruses and many are asking why.

Put quite simply, boys say they just are not having fun in choir. The Miami Children’s Chorus is looking to change this perception and the singing workshop for boys aims to make singing a more dynamic experience for young boys.

The workshop, led by MCC music director Timothy A. Sharp, will prove to all involved that boys can sing and that singing can be fun. Sharp has served as music director of the award winning Miami Children’s Chorus for more than two decades and teaches general music at Vineland K-8 Center in Miami-Dade County.

As a performer he appeared with the chorus of Florida Grand Opera for five seasons and he continues his FGO work, preparing children to appear in opera productions, including this season’s La Boheme and The Magic Flute. Sharp has been awarded a MAXIE award by the New World School of the Arts in recognition of his contributions to the arts for children; named Educator of Note by the Young Patronesses of the Opera, and Arts Teacher of the Year by the Children’s Cultural Coalition.

The “Bring on the Boys” half-day workshop explores the lifelong possibilities of making music by singing. With the support of Sharp, the Miami Children’s Chorus, and the University of Miami’s Frost Men’s Chorus — Maelstrom — boys in Miami-Dade County can be inspired, learning to feel comfortable expressing their artistry and musicality.

Maelstrom will perform for the boys during the workshop and later will join them on stage for a short free public recital at the conclusion of the workshop. They will serve as positive role models for young boys with aspirations of singing long term. At “Bring on the Boys,” boys can feel free to experience the joy of being part of a choral group in a positive and supportive team like environment much like that of a sports team.

The truth is that choir provides an excellent point of entry for boys and families interested in music and vocal training. Many male members of the Miami Children’s Chorus got involved in singing and performing because they attended the “Bring on the Boys” workshop. Some have even continued their music careers beyond middle and high school, studying to be music educators and vocal performers in some of the countries leading music schools, including the University of Miami Frost School of Music.

For just $20 participants will get the highest quality singing instruction from MCC music director, a workshop T-shirt, sheet music to take home with them and an afternoon snack. More importantly they will have the opportunity to meet boys from distant neighborhoods of Miami-Dade County who share similar interests and new friendships will be forged! Also, Miami-Dade County school music teachers are encouraged to observe the workshop and take some ideas to their own schools.

Be a part of this exciting workshop on Saturday, Jan. 26, 9 a.m.-noon; check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. The workshop will take place at the University of Miami Frost School of Music Victor E. Clarke Recital Hall. Registration is required. To register call the MCC at 305-662-7494. Group rates are available. The deadline to register is Thursday, Jan. 24.

For more information about the Miami Children’s Chorus, and its complete season schedule, call 305-662-7494 or visit online at www.miamichildrenschorus.org.


Connect To Your Customers & Grow Your Business

Click Here