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For many of us, January 8 was an ordinary Monday filled with daily routines. But for Todd Bell, Minister of Music and Worship, and his staff, it was an exciting day filled with celebration as the Prestonwood School of Fine Arts held its first classes. This prayerfully anticipated dream has been nurtured by Todd for 10 years, and now, through God’s faithfulness, this dream is a reality.
Todd and his staff prayed continuously for the Lord’s guidance, studied fine arts programs at large churches around the nation and ultimately developed a unique program of music and spiritual instruction. “Our hope is to provide the kids and adults of Prestonwood and our community an opportunity to take private lessons from the finest Christian instructors in the Metroplex,” Todd says. “Now is the time to capture this generation to refine their talents in arts for the glory of God.”
Indeed, the School of Fine Arts offers one of the most distinguished faculties in the Metroplex. More than 90 percent of the instructors have earned master’s degrees or higher in their area of teaching. The school’s 25 teachers instruct their specialties—voice, piano, guitar, brass, strings, woodwinds or percussion—to students of all ages. The artists don’t just teach the arts, though—they show how God-given talent can be used for His glory.
A familiar staff member is guitar teacher Quinten Hope, lead guitarist during worship at Prestonwood for Wednesday night and weekend services.
“I’m really proud of the Music and Worship Ministry for doing this,” Quinten said. “It’s something that I think the whole community will enjoy.”
Quinten and other instructors say they feel privileged to be part of the promising program.
“It is exciting to see the potential of the School of Fine Arts when one realizes that this school provides a unique opportunity to influence students and adults in our community,” says Marti Callies, voice teacher.
Interested musicians and vocalists can expect to receive faith-based instruction adjusted for their skill levels. And the School of Fine Arts offers even more, says Brett Fuller, Music Associate and Director of the School of Fine Arts.
“It gives us the ability to impact students, not only on the musical level, but also on a spiritual level—the spiritual well-being of our students,” Brett says. “We want to instill in our students a desire to worship and for them to understand that they have a gift from the Lord.”
Even the youngest are welcome at the new school. Infants and toddlers—and their moms—can participate in the program’s Kindermusik classes.
“You can see the joy in the children’s faces as they explore each instrument, participate in the fun activities or sing along with the music,” says Hsuan Nguyen, Kindermusik teacher and Prestonwood member. “A mom’s time with her child is so important during the first years of the child’s life. Through delightful songs and activities, she gets to bond with her child and also help all areas of her child’s development.”
Seventy-five students are enrolled in the inaugural semester of the program.
One significant change in the fall will be the group sessions offered for students interested in a larger setting rather than private lessons.
To enroll in the eight-week summer session or 16-week fall semester, visit the School of Fine Arts website at www.prestonwood.org/finearts, download an application and mail it to the Music and Worship Ministry office at Prestonwood. Classes and lesson times fill quickly, so register today to secure a spot in this distinguished program!
Faculty Recital
April 23,
7:00 p.m.
The Chapel
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