TAMI TYREE is a singer, actress, writer, and poet. Her work as a cultural "ambassador of good will" enables her to teach historical music to people of all ages and ethnicities at schools, churches, and in the community at large. The fulfilment of this "calling" began in 2005 when Ms. Tyree decided to end her 20-year career in fashion merchandising in order to devote herself to researching, writing, lecturing and performing. The goal was to pass on the musical traditions of the past and enforce the ideals that facilitated the music. This emphasis has become ECHOES of OUR ANCESTORS, which has as its slogan: "Know our history, sing your song." The daughter of a jazz aficionado and granddaughter of a gospel choir director, Ms. Tyree is deeply rooted in jazz, blues, spirituals and gospel--the music that ECHOES of our ANCESTORS seeks to protect. TAMI TYREE has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Howard University. Upon graduation, she returned to her native New York and began professional studies in acting: The Herbert Berghof School, music: the famed "Jazzmobile" workshop in Harlem, and studies in song interpretation at The Mannes School of Music. As a singer, she's shared the stage with jazz luminaries Al Grey and Wycliffe Gordon and continues to perform a solo cabaret act at venues throughout the city (N.Y.). Tami began her life as a chorister at the age of five, and traveled extensively with The Gregory Ward Company of Washington, D.C. She was a member of The City College Community Chorus under the esteemed direction of Professor John Motley. As a member of The Riverside Church, she has served as a soloist for its Inspirational Choir and in this capacity, has appeared at The New York Historical Society, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Tami is a published poet and has also completed work on an anthology of spirituals. She has studied with Julia Cameron "The Artist's Way" and developed interactive, multi-media learning experiences. Tami Tyree served as The Manager of Educational Services for The United Negro College Fund at its former New York headquarters. A deeply spiritual and civic minded individual, Ms. Tyree always has time to partake in religious and cultural activities. Her affiliations include: The Schomburg Society, The Louis Armstrong Foundation, The Harlem Arts Alliance, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and The Howard University Alumni Association. She has voting privileges as a member of the STELLAR AWARDS Gospel Music Academy. The proud mother of two sons, she resides in Manhattan.