CONSERVATORY
tive and year-round hub designed for youth to
MY BEST FRIEND’S SEWING ROOM. It all
PROGRAM. Welcome to the Music Conserva-
discover their musical ability to “Staying on the
started with a prayer…for new friends to
tory at Augusta University, a music school for
Good Foot.” Founder Deanna Brown-Thomas,
share the love of sewing. The owner began to
the community. The Music Conservatory offers
daughter of the Late “Godfather of Soul,” col-
host sewing events at home, but space was
private lessons for most instruments and voice
laborated with various educational consultants
limited and then noticed a “For Rent” sign in
types, various large and small ensembles for
and music educators across the country to
a shop window and voila, My Best Friend’s
children and adults and summer music camps.
form this awesome melodic, educational acad-
Sewing Room was born. They recognize the
Teachers include faculty members of the Au-
emy. Headquartered in Augusta, Georgia— the
need to teach little fingers to sew, not only
gusta University Music Department as well oth-
stomping grounds to the Late James Brown, the
as a craft but as a life skill. They want to in-
er highly qualified local professional musicians.
hardest-working man in the business— J.A.M.P!
spire children to sew in a caring atmosphere,
Feel free to contact consprog@augusta.edu or
is a non-profit musical village that operates
building confidence and nurturing the spir-
call 706-731-7971. Visit, www.augusta.edu.com.
solely on small grants, donations and tuition.
it. They strive to make sewing parties and
J.A.M.P!’s intentions are to motivate, educate
classes safe, yet fun and hope to plant seeds
Premiere dance
and inspire children through the universal lan-
for future sewists. Sewing parties include a
studio with over 30 years in the area. Truly
guage of music and enrich their hidden musical
“safety session” as the kids are introduced
a household name that keeps getting better.
abilities. For more info call 803-640-2090 or
to the machines before beginning a project.
Visit, www.augustawestdance.com.
email at info@jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org. Visit,
These parties are a great venue for birth-
www.jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.
days, homeschool classes, Girl Scout sewing
AUGUSTA
UNIVERSITY
AUGUSTA WEST DANCE.
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB. CSRA’s Summer Camp
badges or any of life’s celebrations. Sewing
program offers kids an exciting and fun-filled
JESSYE NORMAN SCHOOL OF ARTS. The
classes and camps are also offered, as well
place to learn and grow. Eight-week camp fea-
Mission of the Jessye Norman School of the
as private lessons. And ladies, if you are in
tures weekly learning themes, various areas of
Arts is to develop students to become creative,
need of a Girls Night Out, treat yourselves
activity including computer learning, academic
caring, visionary, responsible citizens through
and book your “Sip and Sew” party with us
enrichment, games, fitness, arts and crafts, out-
the transformative power of the arts.
Visit, www.mybestfriendssewingroom.com
door activities, and field trips. Visit www. augus-
broad-ranged fine arts program challenges
tawestdance.com for latest information.
students academically, integrates technology
THE SALVATION ARMY KROC CENTER. Camp
and lays the foundation for extraordinary life
Kroc is an ACA accredited day camp program in
COLUMBIA COUNTY BALLET. Formed in 1985
experiences. Offers free fine arts instruction,
which children can play and grow in a safe and
to bring something new in dance as a per-
academic tutoring, an opportunity for ad-
positive environment. Campers enjoy swim-
forming art to the children in the area. Today,
vanced level study in dance, drama, music, art
ming, arts & crafts, group games, sports, Bible
CCB dance studios are located on a beautiful,
and creative writing, exposure to profession-
lessons and other fun activities. Camp Kroc of-
sprawling acre and a half in the Martinez, Ev-
als working within the arts fields, information
fers a well-rounded experience for kids to en-
ans area where students celebrate the art of
on possible careers in the arts, knowledge of
joy everything the Kroc has to offer. Hot and
dance through the beauty of the ballet. Visit,
technical aspects of presentation and perfor-
healthy meals, swimming, crafts, games and
www.columbiacountyballet.com..
mance. This program is supported in part by
much more. Visit www.augustakroc.org.
The
the Greater Augusta Arts Council through apGERTRUDE HERBERT INSTITUTE OF ART.
propriations from the City of Augusta, by the
VERY VERA. Vera Stewart, a Southern cook-
Gertrude Hebert Institute of Art is housed in
Georgia Council for the Arts, by a number of
ing show host, entrepreneur, caterer, mail
historic Ware’s Folly (c. 1818) and the Walker-
generous foundations, and by your contribu-
order aficionado and mentor. Throughout
Mackenzie Studio (c. 1909). Ware’s Folly, also
tions. Visit, www.jessyenormanschool.org
all eras of her career, Vera has found her
known as the Ware-Sibley-Clark House, is list-
true passion in mentoring young people.
ed on the National Register of Historic Places.
MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP. The Mu-
As an homage to those who helped shape
The grand structure features Adamesque-
sical Theatre Workshops acting studio, of-
the person she is, Vera takes pride in see-
style detailing on the interior and exterior, a
fers drama classes for actors from five to 19
ing her employees flourish under her guid-
floating spiral staircase and intricately detailed
years old, as well as tap and theatrical dance
ance. In recent years, this has manifested in
fanlights, mouldings, fireplaces and window
classes. All actors are cast and perform in a
an emerging internship program at VeryVera
and door surrounds. The home is considered
full scale musical production toward the end
that has a 100% hire rate for interns. Since
one of the finest examples of Federal Style ar-
of the school year. Professional instructors
1997, Vera has also given college scholarships
chitecture in the area. Visit, www.ghia.org.
work with the actors weekly in many theat-
to high school students on her staff that ex-
rical techniques, improv, monologues, cold
hibit a strong work ethic and determination.
JAMES BROWN ACADEMY OF MUSIC PU-
reading, choreography and ensemble singing.
The Cottage, 2708 Wheeler Rd. Call 706-
PILS. J.A.M.P. is a musical, instrumental, initia-
Visit, www.onwiththeshow.biz.
294-3492 or visit, www.veryvera.com.
Augusta Family | June/July 2018 • 25