A Legacy of Artistry & Excellence: Miami Children's Chorus Director Retires

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The Miami Children’s Chorus has provided choral singing instruction to children and youth in Miami-Dade County since 1965! Originally The Miami Choral Society, the organization offered both adult and youth choral ensembles. When Timothy A. Sharp started with the Miami Children’s Chorus in 1988, then the Miami Choral Society, he directed the boy choir. No one could have imagined the lasting impact his work would have on the community. His appointment as Music Director in 1990 placed the organization on a trajectory of progressive artistry and excellence. It built on a foundation laid by former directors Paul Eisenhart and Lynee Gackle – to name a few.

Mr. Sharp has provided us with 30 years of devoted service and we are indebted to his vision and commitment to the youth in Miami-Dade County. His work has given us a platform to build upon for continued progress. With sadness but gratitude, we announce the retirement of Timothy A. Sharp, effective with the close of the 2018-2019 Season.

The Miami Children’s Chorus will honor his tremendous contribution at the final performance of the 2019-2020 season, “Let the Children Sing,” scheduled for Sunday, June 2, 2019 at 4:00 PM at the University of Miami Gusman Hall. The concert will be followed by a reception to honor the legacy of artistry and excellence Mr. Sharp leaves behind.

What’s next for MCC? The Miami Children’s Chorus has appointed former Assistant Music Director Liana Salinas as its new Artistic Director and Annie Mendez as its new Executive Director. Both Salinas and Mendez are Miami natives and alumni of the organization. They are in a unique position that looks towards the future but that is deeply rooted in the past.

A protégé of Sharp’s, Salinas has been groomed to lead the organization from an early age. She was a member of the MCC for 10 years and received the Christie Prieto Outstanding Chorister Award in 2006 and 2008. To date Salinas remains the only choristers to have received this distinction twice. She is a graduate of the University of Miami Frost School of Music and taught middle school and high school choral music, jazz vocal and Music Theory at Miami Arts Charter Wynwood Campus. During her studies she worked with the Miami Children’s Chorus as the Intermediate Chorus Rehearsal Assistant and in 2013 was appointed the Assistant Music Director of the Miami Children’s Chorus. She is an active member of the South Florida choral and jazz scene, teaching and performing extensively.

Executive Director, Analy Mendez rejoined the MCC team for its 2018-2019 season after serving 4 years as Program Director for The Thinking Child Academy in Homestead, FL where she was responsible for the management and oversight of programing, staff, finances, and grants. Mrs. Mendez is a Miami native, a graduate of New World School of the Arts, and was a member of the Miami Children's Chorus from 1997-2005. She attended and graduated from The Boston Conservatory with a BA in Music with an emphasis on Voice, and with a Master’s in Music Education. She previously served as MCC’s Artistic Administrator and conductor for MCC’s community choir project from 2010‐2014.

Plans for the 2019-2020 season are underway and Ms. Salinas and Mrs. Mendez are working in tandem to deliver an exciting and energetic program. “We are thrilled to continue the amazing work Mr. Sharp has done over the years. We are direct products of his teaching and as such are confident that he will always be a part of MCC!”

To learn more about the Miami Children’s Chorus please visit www.miamichildrenschorus.org  or call 305.662.7494.