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Music has a tremendous impact on the lives of children and enhances the quality of community life.
The children who participate in The Salvation Army's Music Conservatory are learning skills, discipline, team building, and citizenship lessons that will accompany them into adulthood and influence their life choices.
A Salvation Army background in music is widely recognized as excellent preparation for further music education and may encourage the pursuit of a career in the field.
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Background
The Salvation Army Winston-Salem Summer Music Conservatory began in 2003 with fifteen students enrolled for nine weeks of study. The initial curriculum included drama, chorus, violin, and music theory and appreciation in addition to the traditional brass band and timbrels. The program has proved successful and is currently in its sixth year of operation.
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Since 2004 the students have produced a thirty-minute mini-musical, and in 2006 courses were added in guitar, piano and percussion. In the school year 2006/2007, the Music Conservatory became a year-round program, offering after-school instruction. The year-round students of the conservatory are enrolled in a regional program which includes Saturday Music School along with opportunities to perform all over the Triad area throughout the year. As the program is operated in cooperation with the Boys & Girls Club, the Conservatory is able to offer a percussion elective utilizing the Drum Corps equipment purchased with a grant from the Winston Salem Foundation in 2000.
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The daily schedule of educational classes and interaction with other students and caring adults provides continuity in a structured setting and safe environment during the months away from school. Continuing in The Salvation Army's tradition, this program is available to families of all income levels; however, seventy percent of the students are living in poverty conditions and their parents would be unable to afford day camp or music education elsewhere. The Salvation Army asks each family to contribute five dollars per week if they are able. The students come from culturally diverse backgrounds, with African-American, Hispanic, Caucasian and Asian ethnicities represented.
In 2008 the Summer Music Conservatory was named after Lieutenant Colonel Jack T. Waters, the recently retired Area Commander. Colonel Waters has exhibited a great interest and profound support for music conservatory programs throughout his Salvation Army career which began in 1950 and includes assignments throughout the Southeastern United States. It is Colonel Waters' influence that has greatly contributed to the excellence of the local program.
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2009 Conservation Conservatory photos: Melissa Haneline
| JTW Music Conservatory performing at Peace Haven Baptist Church |
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July 8, 2009
While enjoying a watermelon feast, members of Peacehaven Baptist Church were treated to a special performance by the students of the Jack T. Waters Music Conservatory.
David Ramirez, left, performed a solo. This is only his second year attending the Music Conservatory.
Steve Sutton directs the band, Jeff Clarke teaches the guitar selective.
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For more information on The Salvation Army Academy of Music & Arts, e-mail Jeff Clarke, or call (336)725-9923, extension 103.
To contribute to The Salvation Army Academy of Music & Arts directly, e-mail Sarah Clarke, or call her at (336) 245-2080.
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