BY BRIAN WHITT/STAFF WRITER

bmwhitt@mail.roanoke.edu

 

FRANKLIN—The Fellowship Around the Word Church’s first Summer Music & Arts Academy is teaching children to play guitar, keyboard, drums, brass and woodwind instruments, and to sing.

Twenty-one children between the ages of 5 and 16 from Franklin, Suffolk, Southampton and Isle of Wight counties, and Howard County, Md., are enrolled in the month-long program, which runs Monday through Thursday.

Church pastor, the Rev. Peggy Scott, is very satisfied with the turnout and progress.

“The children are always excited when they arrive,” Scott said. “The program helps to build self-esteem, creativity and teamwork.”

Due to the success, the church plans to offer the program next summer.

Instructors include Alvin Wilson, band director for Lakeland High School in Suffolk and former band director for Franklin High School; percussionist Javon Copeland, who is an Atlanta Music Institute graduate; Church and Choral Director Harold Cason; Recording Artist David George, specializing in voice and keyboard; and Virginia State University graduate Trashon Futrell, a strings specialist.

There will be a closing recital at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 27, at the church at 101 N. High St.

For more information, call 516-2720.