Sharon Searles – Opera Singer, College Professor, Golfer
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Know Your Neighbor By Tim Palmer Sharon Searles – Opera Singer, College Professor, Golfer I will have to admit – I’m in over my head on this article. While I have been exposed to a variety of experiences in my short life, the arts didn’t get much time in my schedule and I am, therefore, woefully ignorant of the time and discipline required to succeed as an actor, painter or operatic performer. Fortunately for me, my conversation with Sharon Searles gave me a new appreciation for training and practice required to be a success in the dramatic arts. Sharon Searles’ life has been about singing. Born in Memphis, Tennessee as the middle of six children, Sharon has been in a musical environment her entire life. Both of her parents were active in musical activities at church – her father as the choir director and mother as organist. Her father owned his own plastics company, but was known for his interest in music and talent as a singer. As a result, his penchant for music permeated the family environment, where classical music was the only music allowed in the house. Sharon started piano at age six but didn’t become serious about singing until the eighth grade when she participated in stage performances. It wasn’t until high school that her voice changed dramatically and with that change came a very operatic sound. While singing was becoming an increasingly important part of her life, it was just one of many interests she had at that time. Sharon’s unique voice caught the ear of her teachers and they encouraged her to seek a music scholarship. She applied for and received a Grace Moore Scholarship at the University of Tennessee, endowed by the famous actress and opera singer. The scholarship was specifically geared for voice students wanting a career in opera. The course of study was conservatory based, i.e. all studies directly related to music (with the exception of Physical Education). Included in the course of study were the languages needed to be a serious opera performer – French, German and Italian. Knowledge of these languages is absolutely essential for one to sing in opera performances, most of which were originated in those countries. Indeed, fluency in at least one other language is virtually a “must” for a successful opera performer. Sharon’s operatic voice and talent prompted her professor, Edward Zambara – a well-known music educator - to recommend that she pursue an advanced education at Julliard or Curtis School of Music. Sharon chose Curtis, founded by Mary Curtis Bok of the Curtis Publishing family. While Curtis did not offer a degree program, it provided the artistic environment and educational focus essential for success in the dramatic arts. Success as an opera performer requires time, education and physical maturity. Seven years of experience and a Masters Degree in Music are virtual prerequisites for performance in a major opera. In addition, one must be able to sing in four languages, possess dramatic performance ability (acting and dance), know how to follow the conductor and know the music (the composer, its history, the message). In addition, one’s voice, the “instrument” in opera, must be physically matured (occurs between age 25 and 30) and tuned through continual practice. Following her year at Curtis School of Music, Sharon entered Indiana University to study for her Masters degree. She chose Indiana U. because it is the largest music school in the country and known for its opera studies and performances. She studied under Margaret Harshaw, a famous Metropolitan Opera performer and teacher. Her tutelage under Ms. Harshaw was intense and constant – the total immersion needed for success as an opera singer. It was during her studies at Indiana that Sharon met another promising singer that would change the direction of her life – his name was David Searles. As their relationship flourished, it became apparent that marriage and the continual training needed to be an opera performer were not totally compatible. Following receipt of her Masters Degree and marriage to David, Sharon accepted a position as Professor of Voice at Butler University in Indianapolis. David took a similar position at the University of Indianapolis. During her years at Butler University, Sharon also had the opportunity to perform at a variety of prominent events. In 1994, she was selected as an Artistic Ambassador for the United States, performing in India, Pakistan and Bahrain before diplomats, foreign- service officers, American dignitaries, as well as other musicians. In 1999 she and her daughters Megan and Jenny represented the State of Indiana as part of the Millennium Concert Series at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. She has also toured England, performing with the York Choral Society, singing a recital at St. Martin-in-the-Fields on Trafalgar Square in London. As well, she has taught at a music camp in Vermont where she had the opportunity to sing with Yo Yo Ma, world renowned instrumentalist. Among her many accomplishments are Metropolitan Opera district contest winner and accreditation as a Wagnerian Soprano, listed in the New York Wagner Society Gold Book. Sharon retired from Butler University after 27 years of teaching and is now Professor Emeritus of Voice at that school. At that time, her husband David had sold his very successful specialty tours business and wanted to live in a golf community. David’s parents lived in Jacksonville, so St. Augustine was a logical place to look for a second home. They decided on Marsh Creek in one day and have been very happy with their decision. Sharon took up golf a couple of years ago and is realizing that being a good opera singer and golfer have one thing in common – practice. With her demonstrated quest for excellence, you can bet she will conquer it as well. .