While the Saint John’s School of the Arts may have a new home at the First United Methodist Church in Williamsport, this move is a testament to their commitment to the arts. Their new location offers enhanced facilities and resources, allowing them to provide an even better arts education experience for their students.
Since its founding 28 years ago, in 1996, Saint John’s School of the Arts (SOTA) at the St. John’s/Newberry United Methodist Church in the Newberry section of Williamsport has been an influential part of the lives of its students and their families for more than a quarter of a century. As they begin their 28th year, they embark on a new path as an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in mission partnership with First Church, Williamsport.
One student who has been dancing at SOTA for ten years recently wrote, “I love the community I’ve been able to build through dance. I’ve made and strengthened friendships that will last a lifetime.”
In 2023, they installed a Board of Directors and received their 501(c)(3) non-profit status. In January 2024, they relocated to First Church Williamsport’s North Campus at 1157 Market Street.
The students at SOTA study with expert teachers dedicated to their students, not only as musicians, dancers, and artists but also as mentors. They empower students with confidence and courage to make a difference in the world by celebrating creativity, diversity, and lasting relationships built in their lessons. Local performances include the Nutcracker each year at the Community Arts Center in collaboration with the Pennsylvania College of Technology and
Lycoming College and multiple recitals and performances in the area, such as The Meadows, local churches and schools, and the Williamsport Home. A parent recently said, “We love the supportive atmosphere and the commitment to personal growth and musical excellence that the entire SOTA family provides.”
SOTA has offered lessons and classes to around 250 students each year in Pre Ballet, Creative Movement, Ballet I, II, III & IV, Homeschool Ballet I & II, Pointe I & II, Modern Dance I, II, III & IV, Voice Violin & Viola, Cello & Bass, Brass, Woodwinds, Piano, Organ, Yoga, Art, Bonsai, Ballroom Dance, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Drama, Praise Movement and multiple weeklong summer intensives including Chamber Music and Youth Praise and Worship Music.
Their current faculty members include Tim Breon, Anthony Fortuna, Diane Havrilla, Theresa Kendall, Megan Louder, Ashley Tobin, and JP Tobin, with additional summer camp instructors: Sarah Decker, Mike Wrench, Maria Blas, Alana Opdahl, and Mitch Marcello.
Board members include Barry Rake, President; Denise Southard, Vice President; Bonnie Mahoney, Treasurer; Lenora Georges, Secretary; Zoraida Cary; Rachael Clark; Rebecca Hutchinson; Mike Lundy; Jillian MacInnis; Kelsey Swift; and Todd Kendall, Director.
They look forward to offering more classes, lessons, fellowship, service, connections, improved facilities, and equipment as they continue their ministry. They want to express their heartfelt gratitude to their families, alumni, friends, and all the generous fine and performing arts supporters in NorthCentral Pennsylvania who have been instrumental in their journey. Your support and inspiration have propelled our students to greater effort, enthusiasm, and creativity in the fine and performing arts.
The SOTA Board of Directors has established goals to increase their impact in NorthCentral Pennsylvania. They strive to provide our faculty, students, and families with the facilities, equipment, and resources they need to meet our mission of providing excellent training in the fine and performing arts, guided by the love of Christ. Your support will directly impact the following current initiatives:
– Transforming the new home into a state-of-the-art facility
– Their new hard maple dance floor and music recital hall
– Acoustic treatments on walls and between floors
– New digital pianos
– Classroom and lesson materials
– Tuition support through increased scholarships
– Enrichment programs that support arts education collaboration in our area
– Public performances
By investing in the Saint John’s School of the Arts, you are not just supporting arts education. You are investing in a cause that brings people together, improves health, fosters dignity, builds self-confidence, provokes intrigue, reveals truth, reflects values, encourages expression, teaches commitment, strengthens resilience, and inspires creativity. Your support will help us continue to make a positive impact on the quality of life in our region.
“Everyone is excited about and well pleased with the new location, which will enable us to expand our programs to meet the needs of more students in North Central PA,” Barry Rake, Board President of Saint John’s School of the Arts, told Webb Weekly. “Please consider attending our Open House Celebration on Saturday, June 22 at 10:00 a.m. at our new recital hall at the North Campus of First Church, 1157 Market Street.”
For further information or questions, Phone: (570) 327-5575 or Email: sotalessons@gmail.com.
