FBC Center for the Arts

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Fine Arts Academy Theory Tests

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The Fine Arts Academy will give its 2023 Theory Tests on Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. – Noon.  This test is for all students regardless of instrument.  This test sets a standard of musical knowledge for each level of study and follows the state standards set by the Texas Music Teachers Association.

General Test Instructions:

  • Each teacher will let their students know what level of test they will take.
  • Report directly to your testing room; your teacher will let you know which room number to go to the week before the test.
  • Upon arrival at the testing room, a teacher will confirm your registration and testing information. Students need to bring several pencils and good erasers.
  • All students may take the test between the hours of 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon.
  • Awards will be given to anyone who receives a passing score of 70 or above.passes.  Medals will be awarded to those students who receive a 90 or above on the test and these will be given out at your studio recital at the end of the semester.  90-93 is a Bronze, 94-96 is a Silver and 97-100 is a Gold.  Students receiving between 70 and 90 will receive a certificate.

Faculty Spotlight: Joel Pyron

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Joel PyronThis is the first of what will be a monthly spotlight on our Fine Arts Academy teachers.  Our first teacher that we will spotlight is Joel Pyron, our longest tenured faculty member!

What do you teach at the Fine Arts Academy?
Voice, piano, and guitar

How long have you been teaching at the Fine Arts Academy?
I have taught here since its inception in the early 1990s.

How many years have you been teaching?
Nearly 30 years!

Where is your hometown?
I was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I lived in multiple locations growing up as my father worked for the Federal Aviation Administration and we moved with his job advancement about every 3 years.

Which college(s) did you attend? What degree(s) did you receive?
I have a Bachelor of Music Education Degree (with vocal emphasis) from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Music Degree in vocal performance from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

Did you have an influential music teacher? If so, how did that teacher shape your life?
I’ve been blessed to have many outstanding music teachers. Two that stand out in my mind as exceptional are Ray Ballew and Dr. Charles Chapman. I took voice lessons privately with Mr. Ballew for about a year while finishing my undergraduate work and beginning graduate studies. I learned many things and made great strides during my studies with Mr. Ballew, however, the thing that has resonated with me most through the years was his kind and caring attitude toward his students. His servant attitude was always very evident whether it was helping with a difficult passage in an aria or serving a cup of his hot tea (something he’s renowned for amongst his students), you just knew that he cared for you as a person and had your best interest at heart. It was partly with Ray Ballew’s encouragement and recommendation that I went on to pursue graduate studies under the tutelage of Dr. Charles Chapman. Dr. Chapman influenced me in a different way. He challenged me with music literature that was far beyond what I thought I was capable of accomplishing and that was just what I needed at that time.

What made you choose music for your career?
I don’t think I chose music, I think music chose me. I started college doing pre-med studies. After my first semester, I just knew that wasn’t the right direction for me. Although my grades were good, I just did not have a passion for continuing that direction. I had enjoyed making music in high school choir and in church, so I made the decision to go that route.

What are you listening to/reading right now? Or what projects are you working on currently?
I regularly read articles on voice science/vocal pedagogy to better inform my teaching in that area. My wife accuses me of being an “information junkie” who has read the entire internet. I think she is hyperbolizing (yes, that is a real word) but I do enjoy learning and being informed.

What is something your students would be surprised to know about you?
I still enjoy watching “The Three Stooges”. The old “Bugs Bunny” is my favorite cartoon.

Mailing List

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We want to keep you updated on all of the exciting events and news for the FBC Keller Center for the Arts.  Click the link below to sign up for our mailing list.  You will be able to select the specific areas that interest you.  We will never sell, trade, or otherwise misuse your contact information!

Leadership

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First Baptist Church Keller

fbck_buildingFirst Baptist Church Keller is a dynamic community of believers located in northeast Tarrant County.  Our church is characterized by our love for God’s Word, for each other, and for the community and world around us.  We are committed to using all of the arts for God’s glory!

We have music and arts programming for preschoolers through senior adults, including choirs, handbell ensembles, and instrumental ensembles. For more information, visit www.fbckeller.org.

 

 

Stacy Porter
Director, Center for the Arts

stacyporterA member of FBC Keller for more than 11 years, Stacy Porter is starting her 4thyear as Fine Arts Academy Director and Children’s Worship Arts Coordinator for FBC Keller.   She completed her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Sam Houston State University in 1990.  Stacy has over 23 years teaching experience in the church, public schools and in private instruction. Married to Matt Porter for more than 20 years, Stacy is the mother of 3 sons. It is her desire to provide excellent musical instruction in the greater Keller area while serving in the Worship & Creative Arts ministry of FBC Keller.

 

Concert Series

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The Center for the Arts hosts a yearly concert series featuring some of the best collegiate and professional musicians and ensembles in the region.  In previous years, we have hosted choirs from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Baylor University, the Lake Junaluska Singers, the Annie Moses Band, and many others!

Summer Art Camp

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In our Summer Art Camp, children spend a week learning about various art techniques and media from several talented teachers.  The students create numerous artworks that they are able to take home with them at the end of the week.

Summer Music Camp

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Brace yourself for a week of music and fun – singing, art, Bible exploration, recreation, a water day and electives where kids can choose piano, violin, guitar or hand drumming!  The week will conclude with a musical on Friday night – GPS: God’s Plan of Salvation!  You’ll get a camp t-shirt, a camp picture and an awesome week of memories!

Fort Worth Children’s Choir

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The Fort Worth Children’s Choir (FWCC) is an auditioned community choir for singers ages 8-14. The choir is sponsored by the School of Music at Southwestern Seminary and the Fine Arts Academy of First Baptist Church of Keller. FWCC is modeled after some of America’s best children’s choirs such as the Indianapolis Children’s Choir, Houston Children’s Choir, and the Charlotte Children’s Choir. In other words, the singers will perform great choral music, learn how to sing and read music, develop lifelong friendships, deepen their faith, and actively engage our community, region, state and country through song.

One Choir – Two Campuses

The Fort Worth Children’s Choir performs as a single choir but rehearses weekly at two campuses.

Singers from north Fort Worth and the surrounding suburbs will rehearse each week at the Keller Campus at First Baptist Church Keller.

Singers near downtown Fort Worth and the southern surrounding towns will rehearse at the Seminary Campus at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Exciting Performance Opportunities

The FWCC will perform throughout the DFW metroplex in a variety of venues including joint performances with some of the best professional music ensembles in the area, including the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and the Southwestern Master Chorale.

Fine Arts Academy

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For the past twenty years, the Fine Arts Academy of First Baptist Keller has been providing excellent private musical instruction. With a population of almost 200 students and faculty, we serve our church and community with a safe environment where talented Christian instructors can help students develop their musical gifts. It is our desire that God will use the gift of music to reach many young hearts and families with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The FBC Keller Fine Arts Academy offers private instruction in art, flute, piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar, voice, organ and drum set.  We also over group lessons in various visual art disciplines.

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First Baptist Church Keller Center for the Arts

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