Academician

The following document is the Curriculum Vitae of Dr. Sharon J. Willis who has served in the Atlanta University Center since 1996. Other institutions include Agnes Scott College and Atlanta Metropolitan College where she served as Voice and Piano Teacher. Retiring from Clark Atlanta in 2016 as Department Chair before being invited to serve again as Department Chair at Morris Brown, she decided to retire from all full-time academic teaching in 2021. Presently, she teaches one class as an Adjunct Professor at Clark Atlanta University.

Clark Atlanta University

Department Chair, Associate Professor, Interim Choral Director

Agnes Scott College

Guest Lecturer, Affiliate Voice Instructor

Atlanta Metropolitan State College

Adjunct Piano and Voice Instructor, Piano Accompanist

Morris Brown College

Department Chair, Associate Professor, Concert Choir Director, Curriculum Committee Chair, Accreditation Committee

Curriculum Vitae 2023

Sharon J. Willis, D.M.A.

Mobile: (404) 936-1689 Home: (770) 719-0749

Sjw.composer@gmail.com


Education

Doctor of Musical Arts, Vocal Performance 1988

Music History Minor, University of Georgia

Dissertation: The Use of Spiritual Melody in 20th-Century Art

Songs by Selected Black Composers


Master of Church Music, Scarritt Graduate School 1980

Nashville, Tennessee

Thesis: Survey of Music Ministry Programs at Selected Black Churches


Master of Music in Theory, Georgia State University, Atlanta 1979

Georgia

Thesis: Musical Analysis of Selected Works of Florence Price


Bachelor of Arts in Music, Clark College, Atlanta, Georgia 1972

Major: Voice, Theory, and Piano


Dissertation: The Use of Spiritual Melody in 20th-Century Art Songs by Selected Black

Composers. This topic was selected because many American Higher Education Institutions have yet to acknowledge the importance of African American composers and their setting of the ‘Negro Spiritual’ as legitimate American Art songs. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to investigate the use of spiritual melody in art songs of selected twentieth-century African American composers. ‘Negro’ folk music evolved from the cotton fields to concert halls via African American composers and arrangers, and concert or recital artists presenting them in such fashion. This was done over a period of many decades by using spiritual melodies as thematic material for art song development just as Schubert and Schumann composed German Lieder from their native folksong canon. The founding and subsequent composers of this genre were selected from the late nineteenth century to the late twentieth century and include Harry T. Burleigh, J Rosamond Johnson, William Grant Still, Florence Price, Margaret Bonds, R. Nathaniel Dett, William L. Dawson, Wendell P. Whalum, and John Carter. In these composers, one will find absolute diversity in which spiritual melodies have been set to European Art Song style: traditional, contemporary harmonies and rhythmic variations that seem to reflect and exploit more of the African rhythms of our ancestors.

Biographical Profile

Sharon J. Willis, D.M.A., Former Associate Professor and Department Chair of Music at Clark Atlanta University and Morris Brown College; holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Georgia; a Master’s in Church Music from Scarritt Graduate School in Nashville; a Master’s in Music (Theory) from Georgia State University; and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Clark College (Clark Atlanta University).

Willis is also the Founding Director of Americolor Opera Alliance. She has written 16 operatic theater stage works to date that features Afro-Centric, Social, Health, and American subjects: The Opera Singer premiered in April 2000 in the City of East Point with resounding success followed by The Herndons; LaRoche (about the only black passenger on the ill-fated Titanic); The Great Divide; Pink Lady (three women and their struggles with breast cancer); Madam C. J.; The Seduction of King Solomon; 3kings and a PRINCE; The Candlers of Callan; and Carmen J. The premiere of her 11th work The Bridge focused on the state of homelessness in Atlanta; and her twelfth opera, Three-Dream Portrait was a presentation of three mini-operas in one: Vashti, Paul Robeson, and The Maid’s Dream. Dr. Willis is also a playwright and has written many Afro-Centric and Biblical Dramas including Unspoken, (AIDS Ministry work); Rev. Sistuh! (Three women ministers in perspective). Connect-3 (the overwhelming effects of Alzheimer’s Disease on the elderly, the misconception of Autism on children, and the apathy experienced by some family members); Victorian Secrets, and The Prophet’s Brother. Currently, Dr. Willis is the only woman composer in the United States to have founded an opera company, and composed and premiered twelve operas and five plays in the United States of America.

In addition to composing, Willis presents lectures and dramatic presentations centered on Afro-centric History -–her most popular ones to date: When I Was in Africa and Portraits of Harriet Tubman. A much sought-after Church Music and Vocal Workshop Facilitator, she has traveled extensively throughout the Southeastern Seaboard presenting dramatic presentations and workshops.

Willis has received commissions from the American Guild of Organists (AGO) Convention, Seattle, Washington, 2022, and Chicago, IL, 2006 where, The Agora Organ Suite, was premiered in July of the same year before an audience of over 2,000 AGO members. Other commissioned works include We Shall Overcome and The Journey Suite: Tone Poem for Organ. Both commissions were requested by Dr. Calvert Johnson, International concert Organist, and former Music Department Chair, M. Agnes Scott College, Decatur, Georgia. The Exodus Suite, dedicated to Harriet Tubman was commissioned by Trey Clegg, International Concert Organist (who also has a custom label recording of We shall Overcome distributed by the Music Store at the Woodruff Arts Center); and Celebration Mass, commissioned by The DeKalb Choral Guild, which was later recorded on a custom label and broadcast on WABE radio, 2008. Soriety, an all-girls’ stage work, was commissioned by The Atlanta Girls’ School, in 2006. Organ works are published by Vivace Press in Wisconsin; and Wayne Leupold Editions, Incorporated, North Carolina; ‘O For A Faith’, anthem for SSAATTBB, and organ published by GIA Publications 2010. Her commissioned work Vocalise for Trumpet and Organ was recorded on the Fleur de Son, Ltd label – From The Mountain Top by David Kuehn, trumpet and Calvert Johnson, organ, and was broadcast on Pipe Dreams, WABE in 2013. Willis was commissioned by the Georgia Music Teachers Association to write an organ composition for their concert event at Spivey Hall, in 2014.

Memberships include the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), since 2006; The American Composers Forum since 2000 and was awarded a composers’ grant to produce The Herndon Opera, 2001; inducted into the Phi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society, the University of Georgia Chapter, 1988 and first graduate to enter and graduate from the Doctor of Musical Arts program in music. The composer was included in the exhibit of Georgia Classical Composers at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Macon in 2001; and was inducted into the National Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, the Clark Atlanta University Chapter, 2013.

Courses Taught

CMUS 101 Music Fundamentals (Basic Theory); CMUS 201, CMUS 202, CMUS 301,

CMUS302, Theory Sequence; CMUS 304 Form and Analysis; CMUS 204 Basic Conducting,

CMUS 403 Orchestration; CMUS 115 – 415 Music Seminar; CMUS Song Writing and

Arranging; CMUS 120 Music Appreciation; CMUS Introduction to Church Music; CMUS

Introduction to Hymnology; CMUS 320 African American Music; Special Topics: World Music

CMUS 425 Senior Project; MUS Vocal Diction; CMUS Introduction to Composition;

MUS Introduction to Music Industry; MUS Keyboard Harmony; MUS Concert Choir.

Teaching

Clark Atlanta University, Associate Professor of Music, Adjunct 2022 - present

Morris Brown College, Associate Professor, Music Department Chair 2016 - 2021

Clark Atlanta University, Associate Professor, Music Department 2005 – to 2016

Chair; Restructured curriculum program to include five

Concentrations: Voice Studies, Piano Studies, Commercial Composition, Jazz Studies

and Church Music.

Morris Brown College, Associate Professor; Music Department 1995-2006

Morris Brown College, Curriculum Chair (Accreditation) 2006 - 2016

Chair and Concert Choir Director 1995-2005

Courses Taught: Fundamentals of Music, Form and Analysis,

Concert Choir, Keyboard Harmony, Music Industry Seminar, Vocal Diction,

Introduction to Church Music, Applied Voice, Opera Workshop,

Sight Singing and Ear Training, African American Music

Atlanta Metropolitan College, Atlanta, Georgia 1986-1996

Adjunct Professor of Music

Courses Taught: Applied Voice, Voice Class, Piano Class and

Piano Accompanist for Concert Choir

Agnes Scott College, Decatur, Georgia 1992-1994

Artist Affiliate Voice Instructor

Courses Taught: Applied Voice

Published Works & Recordings

The Oxford University Press (largest university press worldwide) 2022, August

has invited Sharon J. Willis to submit an original composition for their upcoming

publication: 21st Century Women Composers of Organ Music.

The Ascension Suite for Organ 2022, July

Commissioned by the American Guild of Organists

Tribute to Civil Rights Advocates: Rev. Joseph Lowery,

Dr. C. T. Vivian, and Congressman John Lewis

(Special tribute to George Floyd and Brianna Taylor)

Published by Wayne Leupold Editions

Spiritual Story: My Journey, My Story, My Songs 2022, March

Historical and Artistic Perspectives on the African American Spiritual

Vine City Blues (Life in Vine City 1955) 2021, December

The Poetic Art of Sharon J. Willis Rhymes, Readings, and Remembrances 2021, November

W. Sharokee Music, Amazon

Suazu and Nomeka’s Heir: The Musical 2021, November

Story by Margaret Thomas, Script and Music by

Sharon J. Willis, W. Sharokee Music Publishing

The Fancy Gal Trilogy and Prequel, W, Sharokee Publishing 2020, March

Books I and II distributed by Amazon , Madu Bookstore 2019, August

Book Signing, The Fancy Gal, JB Records 2019, August

Book Signing II, The Fancy Gal, New Zion 2019, September

My Journey to Freedom (live) Diana Nicole narrated by Dr. Sharon J. Willis 2019, Summer

Free at Last, Kathye J. Gary, Soprano featuring selected Spiritual Art 2017

Songs, and the Alexander Solo Mass

Beautiful City, Reisha Lauren, Artists featuring selected Spiritual Art Songs 2016

of Sharon J. Willis, produced by W. Sharokee Music

Spiritual Song Celebration, published by W. Sharokee Music 2016

Deliverance (3 Spiritual Art Songs) arranged by Sharon J. Willis 2016

Published by W. Sharokee Music

O For a Faith, featuring Friendship Baptist Church Chancel Choir 2014

Sharon J. Willis, Director; recording features her arrangement

Of ‘O For A Faith’ published by GIA Music.

From the Mountain Top, Vocalise Trumpet and Organ Suite, Sharon J. Willis 2012

David Kuehn, trumpet and Calvert Johnson, organ

Fleur de son Classics, Ltd

O For a Faith for SSAATTBB and Organ, GIA Publications 2010

The Agora Sacred Suite for Organ, Commissioned by The American Guild 2006

of Organists, Chicago National Convention, Wayne Leupold Editions, Inc.

Exodus, A Tribute to Harriet Tubman. Suite for Organ in three 2006

Movements, Wayne Leupold Editions, Inc.

The Journey Suite, Tone Poem for Organ, Wayne Leupold Editions, Inc. 2006

A Mighty Fortress, Trey Clegg, Organist, Custom Label CD, featuring 2005

We Shall Overcome, Willis

Freedom in Song, DeKalb Choral Guild, Willis, Martin Luther King, Jr. 2005

Celebration Mass recorded at Oglethorpe University

A Musical Offering, Morris Brown College Concert Choir 2003

Featuring “Behold That Star,” Soprano Trio: “We Shall

Overcome” SATB, Willis

The 3 Inspirational Tenors Old Time Religion Custom Label CD 2002

Featuring “Old Time Religion,” Arranged by Willis

We Shall Overcome, Suite for Organ, Vivace Press, Inc. 2001

Commissioned Works

Portraits of Peace for Tenor Voice and Organ 2023, March

Commissioned by The Department of Music

Western Illinois University Premiered

Honoring Dr. Cordy Tindell Vivian

Civil Rights Advocate

American Guild of Organists Convention, Seattle Washington 2022, July

Organ work: Ascendance, Honoring Black Lives Matter

The 40th Anniversary of Hoosier Memorial United Methodist 2022, July

That Preaching Harry Hoosier: God’s Circuit Rider of Faith

Sharon J. Willis, Playwright and Director

Central State University Concert Chorus 2021. August

Inauguration of the 9th President: “God, You Are My Strength

“Lord, I Know I Been Changed,” spiritual

Americana Folksong Suite for Voice and Harp 2020, May

Feiner Musicke Duo

A Central History Lesson: A Tribute to the Black Church 2017, Sept

The Sesquicentennial Celebration Central United Methodist

Transcendence, Suite for Organ, Piano and Voice 2014, Fall

Commissioned by The Georgia Music Educators

Earth Light, Song Cycle for Soprano, Flute and Piano 2012, March

Premiered March 2012, New York, Faces of Eve Festival

Love Ritual, Song Cycle for Soprano and Piano 2009

Premiered March 2010, New York, Faces of Eve Festival

Suite for Trumpet and Organ, Dr. Calvert Johnson 2008

Unspoken, AIDS Ministry Play, Friendship Baptist Church 2007

The Agora Sacred Suite for Organ, The American Guild of Organists 2006

3kings and a PRINCE, Opera. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center 2006

Soriety, Musical for Girls, The Atlanta Girls’ School 2005

The Celebration Mass honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 2005

The DeKalb Choral Guild

Exodus, A Tribute to Harriet Tubman. Suite for Organ 2004

Trey Clegg, International Concert Organist

The 9-11 Suite for Organ, Trey Clegg, Concert Organist 2002

We Shall Overcome, Suite for Organ, Vivace Press, Inc. 2001

Dr. Calvert Johnson, International Concert Organist

DaySpring, Orchestral Tone Poem, Dr. Alfred Duckett, Atlanta 2001

University Center-wide Orchestra

O For A Faith, Hymn arrangement for SSAATTBB Chorus, Soloists and 2001

Orchestra or Organ. South Carolina State University

Major Performances and Presentations

An African American Journey: 4 Women 2023, March

Dramatic Historical Narrative and Presentation

Featuring Dr. Sharon J. Willis’s portrayal of 4 Women.

The Bridge, Tone Poem for Symphonic Orchestra by Sharon J. Willis 2023, January

Conductor’s Forum presented in Valencia Spain by

Dr. Carlos B. Brown, Director of Choral Activities Central State University

The Exodus Suite for Organ, Exodus, Música Sacra 2022, September

Marcel Verheggen, Organist

Maastricht Sint Servaasbasiliek, the Netherlands

(Basilica of Saint Servatius Catholic Church)

Sissieretta, The V.P. of Vaudeville, Opera Premiere 2022, June

Hoosier Memorial United Methodist and

Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing

16th Opera of Composer Sharon J. Willis

Cast of 25 Singers, Dancers, Actors

That Preaching Harry Hoosier: God’s Circuit Rider of Faith 2022, July

Sharon J. Willis, Playwright and Director

Cast of 7 Principals, Anniversary Choir

40th Anniversary, Hoosier Memorial U.M.C.

The Operatic Kaleidoscope featuring operatic excerpts from 2022, July

The Operas of Dr. Sharon J. Willis (lecture and

Performance) Americolor Opera Ensemble

The Ascension Suite for Organ (National Premiere) 2022, July

The American Guild of Organists Convention

Seattle, Washington, July 6th and 7th 2022

Church Women United Twenty-Second Awards Luncheon 2020, February

Sharon J. Willis, Special Guest Presenter

The Black Heritage in Music for the Pipe Organ featuring 2020, January

Dr. Calvert Johnson, organist playing the works of

Fela Sowande, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Florence Price

And Sharon J. Willis, We Shall Overcome. Chicago Music

Association, First Baptist Congregational Church.

Sing, Marian, Sing, Recital Opera by Sharon J. Willis featuring 2019, October

Featuring Pamela Dillard, Sponsored by Spelman College

An Americolor Opera Production, Sister’s Chapel, Atlanta

The Ancestral Arrival, 400 Year Commemorative Concert, Reisha Lauren 2019, October

Samuel Martin, Jonathan Blanchard with Dr. Sharon J. Willis

As piano accompanist and narrator. Clark Atlanta University

10th Annual 2020 Leading Women’s Society Award featuring 2019, October Americolor Opera, Sharon J. Willis, Directing as special

music guests, SisterLove Organization, Atlanta City Hall

The 95th Birthday Celebration of Dr. C. T. Vivian 2019, July

Americolor Opera Ensemble presents Spirituals and History

Narrative sponsored by Friends of C. T. Vivian, Hyatt Regency

Madam C. J. Opera by Sharon J. Willis, Americolor Opera sponsored by 2019, May

2nd Century Invictus, Inc., Strand Theater, Marietta

An Evening of Elegance featuring selected Atlanta artists including 2018, July

Dr. Sharon J. Willis as Rosa Parks, Lou Walker Senior Center

Guest Women’s Day Choir Director 2018, May

First Baptist Church, East Point

Guest Women’s Day Choir Director 2018, April

New Life Presbyterian Church, Monica Kaufman-Pearson

A Celebration Mass: A Tribute to Martin Luther King 2018, April

A 50th Year Commemoration. LaGrange College,

Big Bethel A.M.E. Church, First Presbyterian Church

Marietta, Georgia

Porgy and Bess by Gershwin, Excerpts in Concert Version 2018, March

Featuring Americolor Opera, Sharon J. Willis

Directing, Strand Theater, Marietta Square

Judas Iscariot, Cantata for Solo Quartet, by Sharon J. Willis Encore 2017, March

First East Point Mallalieu U. M. Church

The R. N. Factor, Dedicated to Registered Nurses, Porter Sanford 2016, May

Soup for Seniors, Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute, Wilmington, NC 2016, January

Dramatization: Rosa Parks, Septima Clark, Martin L. King, Jr.

On a Caravan, presenting Calvert Johnson, Organist in Concert 2015, November

Featuring We Shall Overcome Suite for Organ by Sharon J. Willis

Satin Paul’s Cathedral, Mdina, Malta

Soup for Seniors, Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute, Wilmington, NC 2015, January

Dramatization: A Moment in Time.

A.O.A. Theater Arts, The 7th Door by Sharon J. Willis, playwright 2015, August

Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center

A.O.A. Theater Arts, Sistuh-wise by Sharon J. Willis, radio play 2015, August

Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center

Americolor Opera, Pink Lady Opera by Sharon J. Willis, Encore Production 2015, October

Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center

Judas Iscariot, Cantata for Solo Quartet, by Sharon J. Willis Premiere 2015, April

Encore performances: Athens, First Baptist; Lithonia, Baptist

Americolor Opera Ensemble, An Evening Gala Concert 2014, November

Congregation Shearith Israel Synagogue

Americolor Opera, Carmen J. by Sharon J. Willis, Encore Production 2014, Sept

Ray Charles Performing Arts Center, Morehouse College

Americolor Opera, Tribute to Dr. C. T. Vivian, Civil Rights Icon 2014, May

Marriott Marquis, sponsored by the C. T. Vivian Institute

Judas Iscariot, Cantata for Solo Quartet, by Sharon J. Willis Premiere 2013, March

Encore performances: Emory University, Friendship Baptist

First Presbyterian, Marietta, Central United Methodist 2014, April

Americolor Opera: Portraits of Porgy and Bess by Gershwin 2014, April

Sponsored by The Men of Saint Luke Methodist Church

African American Voices, Black History Program, Paideia School 2014, February

Americolor Opera Ensemble

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Foundation presents Americolor 2013, October

Madam C. J. opera by Sharon J. Willis

Americolor Opera: Afro-Centric Opera, Radcliffe Presbyterian Church 2012, November 4

Connect3, an Alzheimer’s and autism awareness play, premiere set

For July 15th and 22nd, 14th Street Playhouse 2012, July

LaRoche, opera based upon the only Black passenger

On the ill-fated Titanic; April 14, 15, and 22, Atlanta Metropolitan 2012, April

The Atlanta University Symphony Orchestra presents the 2012, March

Mandela Portraits, Maestro Hankerson, South Africa,

also featured composer Sharon J. Willis, excerpts from LaRoche

Victorian Secrets, play based upon the legal rights of women during 2011, September

Victorian era, 14th Street Playhouse, AOA Theater Arts

Sharon J. Willis, Composer, Artistic Director and Conductor

An Evening of Show tunes, Spirituals and Opera with the Americolor 2011, January

Opera Ensemble, Congregation Shearith Israel Synagogue

This Flag, based upon black and white perspectives on 2010, July

The Confederate flag, 14th Street Playhouse

The Candlers of Callan, based on the lives of three members of 2010, April

The Coca Cola family, Porter Sanford

Three Kings and a Prince, Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center 2009, December

The Seduction of King Solomon, presented at Porter Sanford 2009, September

Performance Arts Center and Benjamin E. Mays H.S

The Wings of Delta, Atlanta Alumnae Chapter Sorors 2009, May

Annual Concert featuring Americolor Opera,

Lawrence S. Weaver Chorale, and Bill Odum

Saint Paul Episcopal Church, Atlanta

Carmen J., Sharon J. Willis, Composer & Conductor 2009, May

Premiere, Porter J. Sanford III DeKalb County Community and

Performing Arts Center

Womanist Play: Black Women in Church and Society, the ITC 2009, March

Play: Rev. Sistuh! ITC Auditorium and Clark Atlanta University

African-American Voices: Our Legacy through Word and Song 2008, February

Co-sponsored by Atlanta Life Financial Group

Portraits of Carmen, by Bizet, Sponsored by Morris Brown College 2002, October

Opera Workshop and Americolor Opera, Willis, Conductor

First Friday at First Congregational Church, Trey Clegg, 2002, June

Organist, Recital, We Shall Overcome

The Herndon Opera, sponsored by Beulah Baptist Church 2001, October

Composer and Conductor, Willis

The Magic Flute by Mozart, Sponsored by Trinity UMC 2001, September

Music Director and Conductor, Willis

The Opera Singer, by Sharon J. Willis, Americolor Opera 2001, April

North Atlanta High School

The Opera Singer, by Sharon J. Willis, Americolor Opera 2000, October

East Point City Auditorium


The Exodus Suite for Organ, Exodus, Música Sacra 2022, September

Marcel Verheggen, Organist

Maastricht Sint Servaasbasiliek, the Netherlands

(Basilica of Saint Servatius Catholic Church)

Sissieretta, The V.P. of Vaudeville, Opera Premiere 2022, June

Hoosier Memorial United Methodist and

Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing

16th Opera of Composer Sharon J. Willis

Cast of 25 Singers, Dancers, Actors

That Preaching Harry Hoosier: God’s Circuit Rider of Faith 2022, July

Sharon J. Willis, Playwright and Director

Cast of 7 Principals, Anniversary Choir

40th Anniversary, Hoosier Memorial U.M.C.

The Operatic Kaleidoscope featuring operatic excerpts from 2022, July

The Operas of Dr. Sharon J. Willis (lecture and

Performance) Americolor Opera Ensemble

The Ascension Suite for Organ (National Premiere) 2022, July

The American Guild of Organists Convention

Seattle, Washington, July 6th and 7th 2022

Church Women United Twenty-Second Awards Luncheon 2020, February

Sharon J. Willis, Special Guest Presenter

The Black Heritage in Music for the Pipe Organ featuring 2020, January

Dr. Calvert Johnson, organist playing the works of

Fela Sowande, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Florence Price

And Sharon J. Willis, We Shall Overcome. Chicago Music

Association, First Baptist Congregational Church.

Sing, Marian, Sing, Recital Opera by Sharon J. Willis featuring 2019, October

Featuring Pamela Dillard, Sponsored by Spelman College

An Americolor Opera Production, Sister’s Chapel, Atlanta

The Ancestral Arrival, 400 Year Commemorative Concert, Reisha Lauren 2019, October

Samuel Martin, Jonathan Blanchard with Dr. Sharon J. Willis

As piano accompanist and narrator. Clark Atlanta University

10th Annual 2020 Leading Women’s Society Award featuring 2019, October Americolor Opera, Sharon J. Willis, Directing as special

music guests, SisterLove Organization, Atlanta City Hall

The 95th Birthday Celebration of Dr. C. T. Vivian 2019, July

Americolor Opera Ensemble presents Spirituals and History

Narrative sponsored by Friends of C. T. Vivian, Hyatt Regency

Madam C. J. Opera by Sharon J. Willis, Americolor Opera sponsored by 2019, May

2nd Century Invictus, Inc., Strand Theater, Marietta

An Evening of Elegance featuring selected Atlanta artists including 2018, July

Dr. Sharon J. Willis as Rosa Parks, Lou Walker Senior Center

Guest Women’s Day Choir Director 2018, May

First Baptist Church, East Point

Guest Women’s Day Choir Director 2018, April

New Life Presbyterian Church, Monica Kaufman-Pearson

A Celebration Mass: A Tribute to Martin Luther King 2018, April

A 50th Year Commemoration. LaGrange College,

Big Bethel A.M.E. Church, First Presbyterian Church

Marietta, Georgia

Porgy and Bess by Gershwin, Excerpts in Concert Version 2018, March

Featuring Americolor Opera, Sharon J. Willis

Directing, Strand Theater, Marietta Square

Judas Iscariot, Cantata for Solo Quartet, by Sharon J. Willis Encore 2017, March

First East Point Mallalieu U. M. Church

The R. N. Factor, Dedicated to Registered Nurses, Porter Sanford 2016, May

Soup for Seniors, Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute, Wilmington, NC 2016, January

Dramatization: Rosa Parks, Septima Clark, Martin L. King, Jr.

On a Caravan, presenting Calvert Johnson, Organist in Concert 2015, November

Featuring We Shall Overcome Suite for Organ by Sharon J. Willis

Satin Paul’s Cathedral, Mdina, Malta

Soup for Seniors, Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute, Wilmington, NC 2015, January

Dramatization: A Moment in Time.

A.O.A. Theater Arts, The 7th Door by Sharon J. Willis, playwright 2015, August

Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center

A.O.A. Theater Arts, Sistuh-wise by Sharon J. Willis, radio play 2015, August

Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center

Americolor Opera, Pink Lady Opera by Sharon J. Willis, Encore Production 2015, October

Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center

Judas Iscariot, Cantata for Solo Quartet, by Sharon J. Willis Premiere 2015, April

Encore performances: Athens, First Baptist; Lithonia, Baptist

Americolor Opera Ensemble, An Evening Gala Concert 2014, November

Congregation Shearith Israel Synagogue

Americolor Opera, Carmen J. by Sharon J. Willis, Encore Production 2014, Sept

Ray Charles Performing Arts Center, Morehouse College

Americolor Opera, Tribute to Dr. C. T. Vivian, Civil Rights Icon 2014, May

Marriott Marquis, sponsored by the C. T. Vivian Institute

Judas Iscariot, Cantata for Solo Quartet, by Sharon J. Willis Premiere 2013, March

Encore performances: Emory University, Friendship Baptist

First Presbyterian, Marietta, Central United Methodist 2014, April

Americolor Opera: Portraits of Porgy and Bess by Gershwin 2014, April

Sponsored by The Men of Saint Luke Methodist Church

African American Voices, Black History Program, Paideia School 2014, February

Americolor Opera Ensemble

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Foundation presents Americolor 2013, October

Madam C. J. opera by Sharon J. Willis

Americolor Opera: Afro-Centric Opera, Radcliffe Presbyterian Church 2012, November 4

Connect3, an Alzheimer’s and autism awareness play, premiere set

For July 15th and 22nd, 14th Street Playhouse 2012, July

LaRoche, opera based upon the only Black passenger

On the ill-fated Titanic; April 14, 15, and 22, Atlanta Metropolitan 2012, April

The Atlanta University Symphony Orchestra presents the 2012, March

Mandela Portraits, Maestro Hankerson, South Africa,

also featured composer Sharon J. Willis, excerpts from LaRoche

Victorian Secrets, a play based upon the legal rights of women during 2011, September

Victorian era, 14th Street Playhouse, AOA Theater Arts

Sharon J. Willis, Composer, Artistic Director, and Conductor

An Evening of Show tunes, Spirituals, and Opera with the Americolor 2011, January

Opera Ensemble, Congregation Shearith Israel Synagogue

This Flag, based upon black and white perspectives on 2010, July

The Confederate flag, 14th Street Playhouse

The Candlers of Callan, based on the lives of three members of 2010, April

The Coca-Cola family, Porter Sanford

Three Kings and a Prince, Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center 2009, December

The Seduction of King Solomon, presented at Porter Sanford 2009, September

Performance Arts Center and Benjamin E. Mays H.S

The Wings of Delta, Atlanta Alumnae Chapter Sorors 2009, May

Annual Concert featuring Americolor Opera,

Lawrence S. Weaver Chorale, and Bill Odum

Saint Paul Episcopal Church, Atlanta

Carmen J., Sharon J. Willis, Composer & Conductor 2009, May

Premiere, Porter J. Sanford III DeKalb County Community and

Performing Arts Center

Womanist Play: Black Women in Church and Society, the ITC 2009, March

Play: Rev. Sistuh! ITC Auditorium and Clark Atlanta University

African-American Voices: Our Legacy through Word and Song 2008, February

Co-sponsored by Atlanta Life Financial Group

Portraits of Carmen, by Bizet, Sponsored by Morris Brown College 2002, October

Opera Workshop and Americolor Opera, Willis, Conductor

First Friday at First Congregational Church, Trey Clegg, 2002, June

Organist, Recital, We Shall Overcome

The Herndon Opera, sponsored by Beulah Baptist Church 2001, October

Composer and Conductor, Willis

The Magic Flute by Mozart, Sponsored by Trinity UMC 2001, September

Music Director and Conductor, Willis

The Opera Singer, by Sharon J. Willis, Americolor Opera 2001, April

North Atlanta High School

The Opera Singer, by Sharon J. Willis, Americolor Opera 2000, October

East Point City Auditorium

Honors and Awards

Recipient of the Artistic Genius Award, Music, The P.E.A.R.L.S. 2022, September

Literary Club, Friendship Baptist Church

Special Honoree in Music Contributions (Opera) and Presenter 2022, July

At the National Association of Negro Musicians National Convention, Atlanta

Faculty Honoree for Outstanding Service, Morris Brown College 2021, October

Recipient of The Atlanta Music Legends Award in honor of 2019, December

Legendary Contributions to the World of Music

Ray Charles Performing Arts Center. Presented by the

Atlanta African American Music Society

Recipient of the Clara Jackson Johnson Achievement Award 2019, October

In Recognition of Superior Leadership, Dedication and

Devotion to Morris Brown College

Kuumba Honoree, Excellence in the Arts, Delta Sigma Theta, East Point -- 2019, May

College Park Alumni Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Women Composer’s Conference, Selected as one of the Composers 2018, March

to present a work, March 1 – 3, 2018, Mississippi University for Women

Recipient of the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award 2017, January

By the Marquis Who’s Who Publications Board


Recipient of the Samuel H. Johnson SSSP Foundation, Inc, 2017, April

Education Award, Music

Recipient of the RPM Music Studios 21st Music Recital, Legacy Award 2016, June

Composer of the Year, 2016, National Pen Women, Atlanta Chapter 2016, April

Awarded the Woman of Distinction by the Women for Morris Brown 2015, March

College, Hyatt Regency Hotel

Recipient of the G. Johnson Hubert – Cleophus Johnson 2013, October

Distinguished Achievement in Music, Tower of Strength Gala,

Marriott Marquis, Morris Brown College

Composer’s Luncheon, sponsored by Progressive Retired 2010, June

Educators of Brunswick and New Hanover Counties,

Wilmington, North Carolina, June 26, 2010

Recipient of the Georgia Professional Women Association, 2008, August

Linda Torrence Arts and Humanities Award.

Honoree, Extraordinary Service and Performance, 2008, May

Nu Lambda Omega Foundation of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

South Eastern African American 16th Choral Festival, Composer 2007, March

And Conductor of Festival Choir, Alabama State University

Appreciation Award, African American Heritage Award 2007, February

Urban League Guild of Battle Creek, Michigan

South Eastern African American 14th Choral Festival, Composer 2005, March

and Conductor of Festival Choir, South Carolina State University

Recipient of the Teaching Excellence Award 2004, May

Vulcan Materials Company and Georgia Foundation

for Independent Colleges, Incorporated, Morris Brown College.

Honored by The Georgia Music Hall of Fame for contributions from 2003—

as African-American Composer in Classical Music

South Eastern African American 11th Choral Festival, Composer 2002, March

And Conductor of the Festival Choir, Morris Brown College

Opera excerpts “Hear All The Music Playing” and “Le Charm” from 2001, March

The Opera Singer, featured at Carnegie Hall by the Center for

Contemporary Opera. Winner, Jeanné Brown, New York

Woman of the Year in Fine Arts, sponsored by the 1995

Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.

Lectures and Historical Re-enactments

Panelist, Lift Every Voice Concert and Historical Discussion 2023, February

African American Civil Rights Museum

Featured Historical Narrator and Re-enactor, Saint Mark UMC 2022, February

Featured Historical Narrator and Historical Re-enactor, Diana Nicole 2020, February

and Friends, Apex Black History Museum

Portrait of Rosa Parks, Sharon J. Willis, Black History Month 2019, February

Historical Re-enactment, Hoosier Memorial U.M.C.

Portrait of Harriet Tubman, Sharon J. Willis 2018, February

Historical Reenactor, February, Warren U.M.C

Tribute to a King featuring Sharon J. Willis as Rosa Parks 2016, January

Deborah McCrimmon as Septima Clark and

Richard Morton as Martin Luther King, Jr.

Ebenezer Baptist Church, Wilmington, N.C.

Special Guest Speaker, Mo-So-Lit Circle’s 92nd Year, 2015, March

Maya Angelou, The Entertainer

Soup for Seniors, Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute, Wilmington, NC 2015, January

Dramatization: A Moment in Time.

Rosa Parks, My Story, My Song, The Pearls Literary Club Luncheon 2010

September 11, Airport Hilton

When I Was in Africa, a Historical Dramatic Presentation featuring

The African American Journey, Holly Grove A.M.E. 2010

Peachtree City, Georgia, March 21, Women’s Ministry

African American Women and Music: The Last 100 Years 2009

Womanist Scholar Program, The ITC, January

A Monologue of Harriet Tubman, Savannah Technical College 2009

February 29, sponsored by Student Activity Council

Lecture: ‘Spiritual Story’, Historical development of the spiritual 2008

The Interdenominational Theological Center, November

Lecturer, recitals and historical reenactments: When I Was in Africa 1995--2008

The African American Journey as told through stories and songs of four women. (Chicago, Memphis, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama)

Featured Stories: Broadcast and Print Media

Blacks in Classical Music: Opera, WNYC: WNYC.ORG|93.9 FM|AM 820 WQXR: 105.9 FM|WQXR.ORG

Terrance McKnight, Host, New York, Featuring Dr. Sharon J. Willis 2023, February

Classical Pipedreams, America National Public Media Radio 2022, Fall

Featuring American Guild of Organist commissioned word

The Ascension Suite for Organ by Sharon J. Willis

Classical Pipedreams, American National Public Media Radio featuring 2021, March

Women Composers of Organ Music. Exodus Suite for Organ

Played by Sarah Simko (Detroit, Michigan)

Hosted by Michael Barone (an American organist, radio host, and producer, specializing in the

pipe organ. His weekly Pipedreams program is distributed by American Public Media.) 

Women First | Pipedreams

Living Voices: An Annotated Resource of Contemporary Organ Compositions 2021, January

Including works of Dr. Sharon J. Willis

Living Voices | Sarah Simko-Organist

Music for Black History Month: Concert Series 2021, Feb

Saint Lawrence University (New York) featuring We Shall Overcome, Suite for Organ

by Dr. Sharon J. Willis. Sondra Goldsmith Proctor, Organist

Black News Channel, Network, National News Interview 2021, June

Composer Interview, Operas of Sharon J. Willis

Article and Pod Cast: 19 Black Composers You Should Know by 2020, June

Kelly Lantz. Article featured Dr. Sharon J. Willis.

In this article, we highlight nineteen powerful voices in our musical community.

Their voices and stories are essential parts of the tapestry of our musical lives.

We invite you to carry their music and stories with you, today and every day.”

Nineteen Black Composers You Should Know | All Classical Portland

Radio 104.1, Interview with Monica Pearson, Madam C. J. 2019, April

WSB-TV, People to People, Interview and Coverage, Madam C. J. 2019, April

AIB STUDIOS, Art Comes Alive featuring Americolor Opera 2017, March

and Dr. Sharon J. Willis, Founder

College Music Symposium: Exploring Diverse Perspectives 2015, June

Cultural Influences of Organ Music Composed by African American Women

Presented by Carol Ritter. Dr. Sharon J. Willis one of several

Featured composers. We Shall Overcome Organ Suite

Cultural Influences of Organ Music Composed by African American Women - College Music Symposium

WABE PipeDreams broadcasting of Vocalise for Trumpet and Organ 2013, December

composed by Sharon J. Willis

Opera America: Opera in the South featuring Americolor Opera 2012

Capitol City Opera, and Atlanta Opera

People 2People, Jocelyn Dorsey featured Sharon J. Willis, composer 2012, April

The story of Joseph Phillipe LaRoche, opera subject

The Pipe Organ in African American Worship: Symposium at the 2011, June

University of Michigan. Article (Newsletter) by Sylvia Wall

Dr. Calvert Johnson, Recital-Lecture presentation including

Vocalise for Trumpet and Organ by Sharon J. Willis

June 2011 pp. 24-25.indd (wasabisys.com)

WATV Atlanta Live featuring interview with composer Sharon J. Willis

And excepts from operas: Pink Lady and Three-Dream Portrait 2011, March

Opera America: Opera in Georgia, featuring Americolor Opera, 2010, Winter

Atlanta Opera and Capital City Opera, interview with

Composer, Sharon J. Willis. [National magazine]

WCLK, Interview with Nicole Sweeney, This Flag – Black and White 2010, July

Perspectives on the Confederate Flag [Mid-day Jazz Swing]

Pink Lady Opera Interview on WSB-TV, People2People, 2008, October

Jocelyn Dorsey, Host

Featured guest, Spotlight on DeKalb Schools, DeKalb Comcast, 2008, Summer

Channel 24. Topic: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker.

Soprano Kathye J. Gary. Educational Television

AUC Digest Article, “Upcoming Production [Pink Lady] celebrating 2008, October

Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”

The Atlanta Inquirer Article, “African American Voices: Our Legacy” 2008, February

Atlanta INtown Newspaper Article, “3Kings and A Prince2007, December

The Atlanta Journal Constitution Article, “Why I Love My Job” 2007, March

[Madam C.J. Opera]

The Atlanta Journal Constitution Preview, “Afro-centric Stories Haven’t 2007, January

Been Told Before” [Madam C.J. Opera]

The Atlanta Journal Constitution Article, “Composer Puts Different 2005, July

Spin on ‘Titanic’ Tragedy” [LaRoche]

The Story: INtown West News Article, “The Candlers: Looking Beyond 2005, January

Coca-Cola…”[The Candlers of Callan]

The Atlanta Journal Constitution Article, “Opera Portrays Nuptials of 2003, October

Note” [The Herndon Wedding]

Wikipedia Article citing the opera work of Sharon J. Willis. 2003, July

Joseph Philippe Lemercier Laroche (May 26, 1886 – April 15, 1912) was a Haitian engineer. He was one of only three passengers of known African ancestry (the other two being his children) on the ill-fated voyage of RMS Titanic. He put his pregnant French wife and their two daughters onto a lifeboat; they survived, but he did not.[1] Joseph's daughter, Louise Laroche (2 July 1910 – 28 January 1998) was one of the last remaining survivors of the sinking of RMS Titanic. LaRoche, a three-act opera by Atlanta composer Sharon J. Willis, is based on his life and was part of the 2003 National Black Arts Festival, premiering at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center on July 18 of that year.” Gresham, Mark (July 17, 2003). "Women and children first"Creative Loafing. Atlanta.

LaRoche. Extra. Atlanta magazine. July 2003. Retrieved February 18, 2003.

Atlanta INtown Article, “Up From The Depths” [LaRoche] 2003, July

Creative Loafing Article, “Women and Children First” [LaRoche] 2003, July

Creative Loafing Article, “Opera without Prejudice” [The Herndons] 2002, April

The Atlanta Inquirer Article, “Local Composer to Honor Atlanta’s First 2002, March

Black Millionaire in Opera” [The Herndons]

The Herndon Newsletter, “Americolor Opera presents Porgy & Bess” 2000, October

Atlanta Goodlife Magazine Article, “Opera: The Atlanta Opera; 2000, April

Americolor Opera, Sharon J. Willis, Founder & Director

The Chicago Defender Preview of The Opera Singer 2000, April

The Herndon Newsletter Article reviews “The Opera Singer2000, February

Professional Memberships and Organizations

Member of the American Association of University Professors 2020

International Association of Women 2015

Inducted into the National Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi 2013, May

Clark Atlanta University Chapter

W. Sharokee Music Publishing Company, Entrepreneur 2010

and Author - Composer

Member of the American Society of Composers, Authors 2006

and Publishers (ASCAP)

Americolor Opera Alliance, Founding Director and 2000 to present

Principal Composer

Inducted into the Phi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society 1988

University of Georgia Chapter

Music Ministry Directorships 1974 to Present

Hoosier Memorial United Methodist Church, Present Ministry Service

Friendship Baptist Church, Atlanta; Riverdale First United Methodist Church,

New Life Presbyterian Church, Ben Hill United Methodist Church,

Greenforrest Baptist Church, Beulah Baptist Church, West End Presbyterian, and

Bethlehem United Methodist Church.