Who We Are

On Saturday March 16th close to 200 people gathered for a morning of joyful music making at the South Dade Regional Library for MCC's 4th presentation of its newest community project, Song & Spoken Word.

The Miami Children's Chorus has successfully completed four of six presentations of its newest community initiative Song & Spoken Word. If you haven't had a chance to attend you won't want to miss out. Each event offers new opportunities for people of all ages to experience the joy of singing while reflecting on the impact words can have. You can join MCC for Song & Spoken Word at the Miami Beach Regional Library on Saturday, April 13th and at the West Kendall Regional Library on Saturday May 4th. For more information please call 305.662.7494

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.

Please join us in wishing Mr. Sharp well as he begins a new chapter in his life. We will honor his tremendous contribution at our final performance of the season, “Let the Children Sing,” on Sunday, June 2, 2019 at 4:00 PM at the University of Miami Gusman Hall.

Mr. Sharp is facilitating a smooth transition, effective January 1, 2019, by appointing Liana Salinas Artistic Director and Conductor of the Advanced Chorus. Ms. Salinas was a member of the Miami Children’s Chorus for 10 years. During her time as a chorister, she received the Christie Prieto Outstanding Chorister Award in 2006 and 2008. She remains the only chorister to have ever received this distinction twice. Upon graduating from MCC, Ms. Salinas continued her music education at the University of Miami Frost School of Music while she continued her work with the Miami Children’s Chorus as the Intermediate Chorus Rehearsal Assistant. In 2013, Ms. Salinas earned her B.M. in Music Education and became the Assistant Music Director of the Miami Children’s Chorus. Her extensive experiences with the Miami Children’s Chorus gives Ms. Salinas a unique opportunity to continue the legacy Mr. Sharp leaves behind.

Additionally, we have appointed two new conductors: Stefanie Sagaro, who will conduct the Beginning Chorus, and Rebecca Gonzalez who will conduct the Intermediate Chorus. Mrs. Sagaro is a graduate of Florida International University with a Bachelor’s in Music Education. She is currently the founder and director of the Academy for International Education Charter School Music Department. Mrs. Gonzalez, is currently the Choral Director for Gulliver Schools and holds a Bachelor’s in Music Education from Florida State University. We are fortunate to have them both join our MCC family.

We welcome all of our new staff members and look forward to working alongside Ms. Salinas, Mrs. Mendez, and the entire MCC staff to continue the work Mr. Sharp set in motion. We can count on his guidance as we continue to develop the voices of the future while sharing the joy of singing.

Join MCC in an inspirational sing-along that challenges you to connect with others as you explore the power and magic of words through song. This event is free and open to the public.

The legendary Barry Manilow performed his A Very Barry Christmas show, Thursday, December 6, 2018 at American Airlines Arena. Joining him on stage to close the show were the electric voices of the Miami Children's Chorus. They sang a medley of Deck the Halls, Jingle Bell Rock, White Christmas, Feliz Navidad and his own Because It's Christmas (For All the Children). To end the show they sang with Mr. Manilow a reprise of Miracle. What a grand time was had by all in attendance. As one MCC singer put it: "It was well worth the hours of practice and waiting backstage to spend a few minutes singing on stage with Mr. Manilow. This was the best night of my life."

Join the MCC for Song and Spoken Word Sat., Dec. 8, 2018 11:00AM at the Pinecrest Branch Library 5825 SW 111 ST. Joining MCC will be South Miami Middle School with their choral director Eric Firestone. Sing songs that uplift the human spirit and hear two outstanding ensembles share their joy of making music. This event is free and open to the public.

Make your holiday season merry and bright with the artistry and excellence of the Miami Children's Chorus. Experience traditional and contemporary holiday fare from the children of the MCC with a splendid string quartet, oboe and a rollicking holiday sing-along. Purchase your tickets today on Event Bright.

This Thanksgiving MCC gives thanks for the choristers who provide the artistic excellence that personifies the organization; their families who trust us with their continued growth and development as individuals and artists; the Board of Trustees who continue to guide the support of the program; and the staff of the MCC who give their expertise to guide our youth.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Give Miami Day is a one-day affair. For the entirety of November 15th non-profits in Miami-Dade County will receive support from friends like you who believe in their cause.

Your gift to the Miami Children's Chorus can impact the trajectory of choristers like Sara, Nicole, Juliana, Francesca and Enrique as they continue to explore their artistry and excellence in the MCC. Click here to give today: https://givemiamiday.org/npo/miami-childrens-chorus-inc

Explore the joy of music and Sing-along with the choristers of the MCC as they guide you along the path to musical excellence in Sing Miami.

The Miami Children's Chorus is pleased to partner with FineReads for its project Song and Spoken Word. Through its publishing FineReads seeks to: foster • inspire • nurture • entertain while promoting literacy around the world.

Thursday, August 2, 2018, the Miami Children's Chorus was honored to be part of a major celebratory announcement for military veterans in Miami-Dade County.

Still time to join the Miami Children's Chorus 2018-2019 Season. Click here to request an audition today http://miamichildrenschorus.org/join-explore-mcc/ With new community projects, a children's opera featuring alumni and youth ensemble soloists and singing at some of the best venues in Miami-Dade County, MCC is still the one for developing vocal excellence for youth age 8-18. Visit here to learn more http://miamichildrenschorus.org/join-explore-mcc/

Saturday, September 8, 2018 – engage with the MCC at ArtsLaunch on the Ziff Ballet Opera House Stage and at The Children's Trust 2018 Family Expo at the Miami-Dade Fair and Expo Center.

ArtsLaunch is Miami’s biggest annual event celebrating and kicking off the Arts Season—and it’s FREE! Join us for a day of fun and discovery: family activities, mini performances, a community arts village of more than 100 arts and cultural organizations. Stop by and see what the MCC season holds in our community and at the Arsht Center.

The Children's Trust Family Expo, is a daylong festival held at the Miami-Dade Fair & Expo Center. The event features activities and entertainment for the entire family in an effort to provide parents with direct contact to health and social services, as well as educational opportunities. The Expo attracts more than 15,000 visitors a year. Catch our live informance at 12:30PM on the Main Stage.

The MCC concert An Immigrant's Journey was highlighted by the stellar world premier performance of Réfugié Mon Frère (Sydney Guillaume) and La Esperanza del Caminante (Cristian Grases). The chorus sang with a passion and fervor that complimented the well-crafted commissioned offerings. They were complimented exquisitely by the Bergonzi String Quartet who opened the afternoon with a work by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Punto from Danzas de Panama by William Grant Still, and an arrangement by 1st Violinist Scott Flavin of Danza Ecuatoriana. Their magnificent playing displayed a high level of artistry and gave positive energy to the choristers.

An Immigrant's Journey sought to pay homage to communities often viewed in a negative light in our community. One audience member welcomed the intention by the MCC with: "The inclusion of songs in both French and Spanish; recognizing the Haitian community for their work and valuable asset to the community." Respect and empathy were our goals and we set a path to show that through this event.

Sometimes you hear a group and you go, "That was nice." And sometimes you hear something that move you to clap louder than you ever have before, cry just a little or smile more broadly than you have in a long time. Sunday, May 20, 2018 the youth of the Miami Children's Chorus evoked those emotions and more in their season ending concert.

The graduating seniors spoke recalled memories of their time in the MCC and gave thanks to those who nurtured them along. The six graduates averaged 8 years in the MCC. We will certainly miss their leadership, their commitment, their artistic excellence and most of all their beautiful character. We wish them well as they start a new chapter of their lives.

The ADV Chorus started the afternoon with the dulcet tones of On suuri sun rantas autius. The solo by Alexandra Berros was a very moving way to begin the concert. Their set closed with an inspiring The Lord's Prayer. The INT Chorus took us on a musical journey that included American folk songs; a German folk song; a cuban son; and for good measure a South African Freedom Song. There dancing and diction were impeccable. Then came the BEG Chorus with a stellar diverse offering that highlighted their tremendous growth. They sang unison, 2-pt and 3-pt. songs. From the first song taught in a public school – O Music by Lowell Mason – to Sally Gardens, Crawdad Hole and Galop they wowed the audience with their spirited singing.

2017-2018 saw the commission of two new works for the MCC. Réfugié Mon Frère (Sydney Guillaume) and La Esperanza del Caminante were given there second performance at Let the Children Sing. Well-crafted works were given a well-nuanced rendering by the string quartet, percussionist that joined the choristers of the MCC. Thank you to the Miami Foundation and Miami-Dade County (Youth Arts Miami Grant) for your support of these new works.

When a culmination of a year's worth of artistic development occurs, you get the artistry and excellence of the Miami Children's Chorus like no other ensemble can perform. See and hear the young people of the MCC Sunday, May 20, 2018 4:00PM at the First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables – 536 Coral Way. Tickets can be purchased securely on the MCC website.

Reviews of their last show include: "The shows are really, really good. Keep it up.!" "I was very impressed with the whole concert." "Voices and music, excellent!"

See and hear it for yourself as each ensemble demonstrates the progression of excellence that occurs in the development of the voices in the MCC. Hear how some choristers have participated for ten years and the impact MCC has had on their young lives. With a healthy respect for the diverse cultures in our community, MCC pays tribute to them with the second performance of the commissioned works Réfugié Mon Frère and La Esperanze del Caminante.

Click the event calendar to purchase your tickets today for Let the Children Sing.

Rescheduled for Sunday, May 6, 2018 4:00PM at All Souls' Episcopal Church 4025 Pine Tree DR

The conception of An Immigrant's Journey started in the Miami Children's Chorus many years ago. From its diverse programming to its commissioned works, MCC has understood the value of inclusion. This project, sponsored in part by The Miami Foundation through its Community Grants program, seeks to build community by focusing on two populations – Haiti and Venezuela.

Composer Sydney Guillaume states: "We have to get past thinking of Haiti only in terms of hurricanes and election monitoring." This is the 7th MCC commission of Mr. Guillaume. Praised by the Miami Herald for their “impressive maturity and striking melodic distinction”, Sydney Guillaume’s compositions are known to be intricate, challenging and yet highly spirited. They promote human values and are full of heart and passion. His latest piece for MCC Réfugié Mon Frère exemplifies that standard in a momentous way. It is written for string quartet, piano and children's chorus.

Composer Cristian Grases is an Associate Professor in the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California. Most recently he conducted the 2018 Florida All-State Middle School Treble Chorus in a groundbreaking program that featured a brand new composition written by him for the occasion. For the MCC he has crafted La Esperanza del Caminante. It is also written for string quartet, piano and children's chorus. Dr. Grases says, "For us migrants, parting with one’s home is an experience filled with internal conflict. It implies leaving all that is familiar: our family and friends, our food, our culture and traditions, our language, our scenery and smells, our weather, our music, and so much more. Even though leaving our countries might be a necessary choice, it is filled with nostalgia."

This concert will take place 4:00PM Sunday, May 6, 2018 at All Souls' Episcopal Church in Miami Beach. Tickets are $20 for adults and $7 for MCC Alumni, Children and Seniors.

Members of the Miami Children's Chorus will join Orchestra Miami for a magical presentation of Mozart's The Magic Flute. The opera will be performed in English with three performances at the Miami's Scottish Rite Temple – 471 NW 3rd ST.

Choristers from the MCC will play the role of the three spirits. They help Tamino weave his way along his journey. Perhaps the most magical moment is when they save Papageno from a tragic ending by suggesting that he play his magic bells. When he does Papagena appears and they sing a memorable duet on their want of a large family.

All performances will take place at the Scottish Rite Temple:
Friday, May 11, 2018 • 8:00PM
Saturday, May 12, 2018 • 2:00PM
Sunday, May 13, 2018 • 2:00PM

Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.orchestramiami.org/magic-flute

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MIAMI, FL • March 8, 2018

The Miami Children’s Chorus regrets to announce that the upcoming concert event – An Immigrant’s Journey – scheduled for Sat., March 10, 2018 7:00PM at the Colony Theatre in Miami Beach, has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. The concert will be rescheduled for a later date. All tickets purchased for this concert will be honored at that time.

We apologize for the postponement and the inconvenience this may have caused but look forward to making an exceptional presentation at a later date and time. Please keep in touch with us via social media – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or via the MCC website for more information.

You know the feeling you get when you start singing along to a song you hear on the radio? Whether young or aging gracefully its something we all have done – and felt good doing.

The Miami Children's Chorus invites you to add your voice to Sing on the Beach 2018 11:30AM Sat., Feb. 24, 2018 at the North Beach Bandshell – 7275 Collins AVE. For one hour you can join in the singing and hear some outstanding developing young artists. This event is open to the public and presented free of charge.

The Miami Children’s Chorus is supported, in part, by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; the City of Coral Gables; the City of Miami Beach, Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council; The Miami Foundation; the Miami Marlins Foundation and Citizens Interested in Arts, Inc.

An inspiring afternoon was had by all as boy's from Tampa to Miami came together to work with vocal expert Fernando Malvar-Ruiz for Bring on the Boy's 2018 presented by the Miami Children's Chorus. Boy's with changed and unchanged voices learned the mechanics of their voice, the value of working together to achieve a goal and a manifestation of their self-worth.

Maestro Malvar-Ruiz stated, "The voice is a very personal thing. When working with the boys you must have empathy and respect for them. As they navigate the changes in their voice, they need the security that all is well and developing in a normal, healthy way."

ABOUT THE MIAMI CHILDREN'S CHORUS
Bring on the Boy's is an event sponsored by the Miami Children's Chorus. The Miami Children’s Chorus is supported, in part, by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; the City of Coral Gables; the City of Miami Beach, Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council; The Miami Foundation; The Rotary Club of Key Biscayne Foundation; the Miami Marlins Foundation and Citizens Interested in Arts, Inc.

Happy New Year! May 2018 bring you much joy, peace and happiness!

The MCC holiday season was filled with gifts of love by supporters and contributors closing out 2017 and by newly arrived gifts from composers Sydney Guillaume and Cristian Grases. Réfugié, Mon Frère (Guillaume) and La Esperanza Del Caminante (Grases) are the latest works commissioned by the MCC. Both were written for the MCC project An Immigrant's Journey. This project – sponsored in part by The Miami Foundation – seeks to build community through song. We seek to spark a community conversation with our youth that will lead to greater empathy and substantive understanding of segments in our community often seen in a negative light.

This project of the MIami Children's Chorus is supported, in part, by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; the City of Coral Gables; the City of Miami Beach, Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council; The Miami Foundation; the Miami Marlins Foundation; the City of Coral Gables and Citizens Interested in Arts, Inc.

MCC is excited to announce that Fernando Malvar-Ruiz – an expert on training boy's voices – will lead Bring on the Boy's 2018. A former Music Director of the distinguished American Boychoir and future Music Director of the Los Angeles Children's Chorus, Fernando will guide boys with changed and unchanged voices at Miami-Dade College Kendall Campus Saturday, February 3, 2018 from 9:00AM to 1:00PM. The day will conclude with a public informance.

Sign up today by downloading and completing the registration form or calling 305.662.7494 to complete your registration. Cost is $20 per participant with a group price of $15 when registering 5 boys together. You won't want to miss this rare opportunity to learn from one of the best young voice experts in the country. Register now! We look forward to seeing you Sat., Feb. 3rd at 9:00AM.

Miami Children's Chorus is holding new auditions for the second half of its 2017-2018 Season. Audition dates are:

Tues., JAN 16th
Thurs., JAN 18th
Tues., JAN 23rd
Thurs., JAN 25th

Scheduled appointments begin at 4:00PM. Complete an audition request form online today to schedule your appointment to audition for the MCC.

Shopping on Amazon for Cyber Monday? You can shop and support the MCC at no extra cost to you. They reveal nothing to us about you so it is safe and secure shopping while helping advance the work of the MCC.

Use this link – smile.amazon.com/ch/23-7250811 – and Amazon donates a percentage of your purchase to the Miami Children's Chorus. Thank you in advance for your support of the MCC.

"What sweeter music can we bring, Than a carol for to sing?" These words by poet Robert Herrick sum up the joy one feels when listening to the sound of children's voices during the holiday season. The MCC Annual Holiday Concert – Voices of Angels – will evoke great joy as we share with you the music of the holiday season by all three ensembles. Composers past and present, traditional and contemporary will be on full display by the artistry and excellence of the children of the MCC.

Voices of Angels will take place Sun., Dec. 10, 2017, 4:00PM at the First United Methodist Church of Coral of Coral Gables – 536 Coral Way. Tickets – $25 General Admission | $10 Children (age 5-18), MCC Alumni & Senior Citizens [Available through Golden Ticket Program] • Call MCC 305.662.7494 for information. Tickets can be purchased securely directly on the MCC website.

Sunday, November 5, 2017 the youth of the Miami Children's Chorus presented Bach to Basics with alumni guest artist Frances Collins-Tamargo, soprano and a stellar group of instrumentalists led by MCC principal accompanist Alan Ngim. Singing the music of Bach, Handel and Vivaldi the audience was taken on a journey of music from the Baroque period. Singing solo works, chorales, excerpts from cantata's and masses, it was a wonderful afternoon of artistic music-making by the children of the MCC.

Without question, the highlight of the afternoon was the singing by soprano Frances Collins-Tamargo. Frances gave a passionate and inspiring performance in each and every work she performed. As one audience member wrote: "This was the most beautiful choral concert I have heard in years. Not a 10 but higher. Frances Collins-Tamargo gave me chills." Maestro Sharp commented: "Thank you Frances for sharing your performing excellence with the MCC. Your preparation, stage presence and singing were a joy for the current choristers to witness. I could not be more proud of how much you continue to grow as an artist. Bravo!"

"As I said this past weekend, you and your kids really made the show a massive success. The oohs and ahhs that came from the audience told the story of the evening and I can't imagine a better ending for the opera than what you helped us create. Thank you for being the difference maker for our production. I hope we can work with each other on this again for 2018 and beyond." Graham Fandrei, Executive Director, Magic City Opera

Joining local professionals in a production by Magic City Opera, MCC appeared in 4 performances of Hansel and Gretel in the month of October. In what MCO hopes will become a South Florida tradition, hundreds of audience members young and old filled the performing space at Pinecrest Gardens and the Olympia Theater. They were treated to some outstanding singing and given a chance to "Trick-or-Treat" with the cast at the end of each show. Thank you Magic City Opera for a fabulous experience. We look forward to working with you some more in promoting "The Big Five."

At the stroke of midnight – in the first second of Thur., Nov. 16, 2017 – you can make a difference in the lives of young singers in our community with your support of the Miami Children's Chorus. The choristers age 8-18 have been very busy honing their craft and making presentations in the community. Now you can help them continue their growth by making a contribution in their honor.

To go to the MCC page to donate, click on the link. Your support will help provide funds for our choral music education and performance program as we commission new works, provide free community singalongs and prepare the next generation of artists and supporters of the arts with a high quality offering.

Give Miami Day is one of the largest annual giving events in the Southeast United States. It is conducted by The Miami Foundation with local corporate support.

Mix a wonderful group of children in three levels of ensemble with master song leader Nick Page; outstanding alumni and guest artists – Frances Collins-Tamargo and Johann Sebastian Guzman; the incredible Bergonzi String Quartet; newly commissioned works by composers Cristian Grases and Sydney Guillaume; a new project titled An Immigrant's Journey; newly-appointed Los Angeles Children's Chorus Artistic Director; Maestro Fernando Malvar-Ruiz; and four annual concerts with free family sing-alongs and what do you get – the Miami Children's Chorus exciting 2017-2018 Season.

Rehearsals for the season have begun. Hurricane Irma dealt us a minor setback but we forge ahead creating excellence each and every week. Find out how you can join us by calling 305.662.7494 today. Check out our calendar of events. We invite you to experience the masterful music-making of the children of the MCC for yourself starting October 2017.

Sun., Nov. 5th 4:00PM the Miami Children's Chorus is pleased to welcome alum Frances Collins-Tamargo as its featured soloist for Artistry of Youth 2017. Appearing on "Bach to Basics", Frances will share her musical excellence on pieces by Bach, Handel, Vivaldi and more along with the Advanced Chorus. Click Read More below to get your tickets today for Bach to Basics. Call 305-662-7494 to learn more about welcoming home Frances Collins-Tamargo.

The Miami Children's Chorus will be holding auditions for new singers for the 2017-2018 Season thru September. Secure your spot in this award-winning program today. Be a part of the artistry and excellence that is the hallmark of the MCC. Group vocal training, sight-reading, developing artistry and disciplined effort are all a part of the MCC offering.

The MCC NE Tour included Serenade 2017 which afforded MCC the opportunity to sing at the Kennedy Center. With an impressive display of artistry and passion, the choristers wowed the audience with their performance on the Millennium Stage. Their eclectic program offering showed the depth of emotive power and excellence when all works well. Hear for yourself their artistry and excellence.

Made the rounds today to find out how the routes were looking getting to and from rehearsal. Tough navigating the roads with street lights out and streets blocked off because of down trees near Riviera. As of today power has not been restored to the MCC office so we have not been able to respond to your calls as we would like to.

For now we will aim for rehearsals starting Wed., Sept. 20, 2017 for all MCC ensembles. If there is a dramatic shift in the fortunes we will let you know as soon as possible.

We hope that you have weathered Hurricane Irma without to much damage. Many are still without power and FPL is working hard to restore power to everyone by Tues. in Miami-Dade County.

We look forward to seeing you and to making music again. The challenges are ahead of us. Your commitment and artistry will help us get through them together with the same excellence you have consistently demonstrated. Until then!

We hope all our MCC chorister families, staff, Board and friends made it through the storm without much difficulty. It's no fun being without power for sure. Our office and rehearsal site are still without power. Our 21st Century world also reminds us how tied to technology we are. Limited connectivity, limited phone access ["Can I at least get 2 bars?"], and the like. As we pass the time with our families and friends we reconnect before the steady pace of life and routine starts again. We are hoping to resume rehearsals again starting Mon., Sept. 18, 2017. Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you soon!

The Children's Trust Family Expo 2017 scheduled for Sat., Sept. 9th has been postponed due to the threat of Hurricane Irma. It will be rescheduled for a date yet to be determined. Be safe my friends!