Profile - Franklin Willis and the W.H. Oliver Middle School Chorus

Nashville Singers loves the opportunity to showcase youn talent on our annual concert. Last year, we featured the John Overton High School Chamber Choir and the MET Singers.


This year, one of the area schools receiving funding from our Music Makes a Difference grant program was W.H. Oliver Middle School. Their chorus is directed by Franklin Willis. Attendees at our upcoming Season of Harmony concert can look forward to hearing a few songs from this ensemble on November 17.

Mr. Willis is excited about teaching choral music for the second year at Oliver Middle School. It is astounding to see the growth of this choir from last year to the present. It is difficult to believe that a little over one year ago these students were placed in a chorus without any prior musical background or desire to sing. The chorus was one of the few groups that had not been formed, thus leaving few children left to join. Mr. Willis allowed anyone to be a part of the chorus, and he rose to the challenge of creating a place of musical talents, embedded among a unique and culturally diverse group. He believes every person is a musician. While there are different levels of talent, students are highly expected to give their best effort. It is his goal to excite students about music and to provide them with meaningful musical instruction in a positive, supportive learning environment. He has high expectations for each musician and believes that anyone can be successful in music. This year the Oliver Middle School Chorus sang background vocals for Carrie Underwood in the ABC program Teachers Rock. Also they presented concerts at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and the recent Nashville Sings event sponsored by the Metro Arts Commission.

 

Franklin J. Willis is a graduate of the University of Memphis, where he earned a  Bachelor's of Music Education with an emphasis in choral music. Most recently he completed the Master of Education Degree in Nonprofit Leadership at Belmont University. Mr. Willis is a featured vocalist (Baritone) at Woodmont Christian Church. He has performed in productions with Opera Memphis, University of Memphis Opera, and the Chattanooga Choral Society. He has been a special guest vocalist at various community galas, events, and special services. Mr. Willis has presented music education workshops at the state, national, and international conferences. He is a member of the National Association of Negro Musicians, Tennessee Music Educators Association, National Association of Music Educators, and the Middle Tennessee Vocal Association.

2013

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Todd Wilson    Executive Director The Nashville Singers, Inc.  615-852-SING (7464) office  615-669-TODD (8633) cell 615-523-TODD (8633) fax