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
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.)
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 Prince” 2007, 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 Singer” 2000, 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.