Studio of Lynn McNew 6:00 p.m. Worship Center
Studio of Charlotte Greeson 7:30 p.m. Worship Center
Studio of Kathy Berry 9:00 a.m. Worship Center
Studio of Tim Cherry 10:00 a.m. The Loft
Studio of Raimonda Lekaviciene 10:45 a.m. Worship Center
Studio of Emmer Antoine 12:30 p.m. Worship Center
Studio of Rene Pyron 2:00 p.m. Worship Center
Studio of Joel Pyron 3:30 p.m. Worship Center
The FBC Keller Center for the Arts is hosting two summer camps this summer.
Our Summer Art Camp (June 19-22) is open to children who have just completed 1st through 6th grade in the 2022-2023 school year. The cost to attend is $80.
Summer Music Camp (July 24 – 28) is open to children who are entering 1st through 6th grade for the 2023-2024 school year. The cost to attend is $125 and is tons of fun!
Please click here for more information and to register!
The Keller Center for the Arts is excited to announce our dates for our 2023 Summer Arts Programs.
We will provide more information for each of these camps in the coming months including costs and registration options. To stay up to date with all of our information, join our mailing list!
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.
This 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.
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!
First 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.
A 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.
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!
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.
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!
