Participant Biographies and Project Descriptions

Timmaris McDowell
Timmaris began her renowned singing and performing career at the age of twelve. Throughout the years, she has made numerous appearances on television and the live stage, traveling across the U.S. and abroad, and used to sing backup vocals for such music legends as John Lennon. Timmaris has studied voice, piano, guitar, dance, music theory, and theater arts both privately and at New York University of Music Education and Julliard School of Music. Teaching and volunteering has been a significant part of Timmaris’ career and she especially enjoys her work with children. With her guitar in hand, she has been volunteering for years at the Children’s Hospital in San Diego singing for the families in crisis, and has produced a CD of her original songs which is presented to the parents of terminally ill children.

Timmaris plans to provide music lessons for children ages eight to eighteen from low income families, teaching them vocal technique, music theory, and the basics of performing. She is very excited by the opportunity to bring musical instruction to this population of underserved youth who would normally not have this opportunity and states, “This project is important to me because it is all about what I love to do-work with young people and to help them feel good about themselves”. Timmaris hopes to provide as much opportunity for children as possible and will possibly teach group singing too. During the course of the year, evening recitals will be planned periodically for friends and family, so the children can showcase their talent and efforts. The Boys and Girls Club of Encinitas will serve as a venue and help select low-income children for Timmaris’ program.