The FBC Keller Center for the Arts is hosting two summer camps this summer.
Our Summer Art Camp (June 13-16) is open to children who have just completed 1st through 6th grade in the 2021-2022 school year. The cost to attend is $80.
Summer Music Camp (July 25 – 29) is open to children who are entering 1st through 6th grade in the 2022-2023 school year. It only costs $120 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 2022 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!
Studio of Lynn McNew 6:00 p.m. Sanctuary
Studios of Kathy Berry & 7:30 p.m. Sanctuary
Charlotte Greeson
Studio of Tim Cherry 10:00 a.m. The Loft
Studios of Raimonda Lekaviciene & 10:45 a.m. Sanctuary
Caleb Uhl
Studio of Emmer Antoine 12:30 p.m. Sanctuary
Studio of Rene Pyron 2:00 p.m. Sanctuary
Studio of Joel Pyron 3:30 p.m. Sanctuary
The Fine Arts Academy will give its 2021 Theory Tests on Saturday, March 6, 2021 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.
