In the fall of 1996, an idea to generate interest in the arts in our area was born out of an outreach program at the St. John’s-Newberry United Methodist Church. This idea to have students of all ages become versed in an arts area of their choice, while at the same time seeking to provide a Christian environment for education to take place, took root through art programs such as creative writing, musical lessons, art, and dance.
Within the past 25 years, the St. John’s School of the Arts (SOTA) has grown to where an average of 150 students are reached annually, including over 100 different families. In addition, through the art of performing, the School of the Arts has been able to bless the lives of countless individuals who come to enjoy performances in venues such as the Williamsport Area HS auditorium, the Community Arts Center, and of course, their very own beautiful sanctuary at St. John’s-Newberry United Methodist Church.
According to SOTA’s director Rebecca Ciabattari, the School is proud to have been able to continue to provide services and performances even throughout the pandemic by means such as performing outdoors, teaching lessons outdoors, or utilizing creative distancing methods.
“Now, as we culminate our 25th year, we plan to host a day of celebration at the very location where the school was founded in Newberry, the St. John’s-Newberry United Methodist Church,” Ciabattari told Webb Weekly.
“Saturday, May 7th, will be filled with student performers from our instrumental programs and dance presentations from several of our dance classes. The day will finish with a lovely service led by the leadership and most caring congregation at St. John’s-Newberry United Methodist Church, joined by School of the Arts faculty assisting in leading worship selections.”
All are invited to participate in the day of celebration by attending either of their recitals held at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary, 3:30 p.m. in the church’s Fellowship Hall, or the 5:30 p.m. church service that evening. All are additionally welcome to join for light refreshments at 4:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
