School of Fine Arts
SoFA
An Update from the School of Fine Arts
Good afternoon SoFA Families,
Effective immediately, due to the directive of our church leadership and the Stay-At-Home order from the City of Houston / Harris County, SoFA is postponing all in-person lessons until further notice. The Stay-At Home is in effect until April 30th, which at that time we will assess the situation and make a decision of when we are able to continue lessons in person at the church. We will ONLY have online lessons.
With everything that is going on and the uncertainty moving forward, I have made the decision that we WILL NOT have a recital this Spring Semester. This decision was not an easy one as I personally enjoy ending our semesters as a huge family and supporting all our students while they perform and celebrate all their hard work; it is a decision that I feel it is the best route to go for the time being.
See below important dates for the rest of 2020.
- May 18 – 23: Make-Up Week
- June 1 – Aug 8: Summer 2020 Semester (10 Lessons)
- Aug17 – Dec 12: Beginning of Fall Semester (16 Lessons)
If you know you will continue with lessons in the summer, let me know so we can try to schedule those lessons and get them on the calendar. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any comments or concerns.
Best regards,
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Mervin Machuca
Director of School of Fine Arts
Houston’s First Baptist Church
Mervin.Machuca@HoustonsFirst.org
O: 713.957.5889
Our mission at the School of Fine Arts is to develop and educate our Houston’s First family and community to help realize their fullest potential for service in ministry at their local church.
We accomplish excellence in musical education through private lessons, group classes, and performance events throughout the year. Our teachers are some of the most qualified in the surrounding Houston area. All are welcome to take lessons, inside and outside the church.
We also seek to assist students financially who would not otherwise be able to pursue artistic education. We do this through a scholarship fund that is graciously supported by church members.
We are continually expanding and pursuing excellence as we seek to inspire the same in others.
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Important Dates
- January 6–May 23 — Spring 2020 Semester (18 Lessons plus Make-Up Week)
- March 16–21 — Spring Break (No Lessons)
- May 16 — Spring Recital
- May 18–23 — Make-Up Week
- June 1–August 8 — Summer 2020 Semester (10 Lessons)
- August 17–December 12 — Beginning of Fall Semester (16 Lessons) - Tentative
Why Study at SoFA?
- State of the art teaching studio/practice rooms designed by an acoustic engineer
- Outstanding faculty who are all active in performance
- Inside a safe, beautiful building with year round climate control and security
- Closed circuit cameras in each room monitored by the administrator and security officers
- 2 faculty concerts and 2 student recitals each year
- Convenient hours from 9am to 8pm
- Reception area for waiting parents and students with snacks, water, coffee and tea available
- Homework station for waiting students
- Centrally located with easy access at I-10 and 610 loop
Supporting the School
The School of Fine Arts Scholarship Fund directly benefits students in need of financial assistance. Over the course of SoFA’s existence we have given out over $20,000 in scholarship to students who otherwise could not have taken lessons. Each semester our Scholarship Committee meets and prayerfully considers the needs of our students and awards resources accordingly. Please consider how you might contribute to this program.
Contact us if you are interested in investing in the lives of young musicians by supporting the School of Fine Arts Scholarship Fund, or visit the Musician’s Fund page to learn more about the legacy of Gerald and Trevelyn Ray and how it is impacting our future musicians.
Location
The School of Fine Arts is located in the Rehearsal Hall (Level 2) at 7401 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024.
