The year was 1996. Bill Clinton defeated Senator Bob Dole to win re-election as President; Tom Ridge was governor of Pennsylvania. In January of that year, this area suffered a disastrous flood that claimed several lives, which was caused by melting snow, and the St. John’s School of the Arts came into existence.

This year, the St. John’s School of the Arts (SOTA) celebrates its 30th anniversary as a laboratory for developing budding singers, dancers, and instrumentalists.

“Saint John’s School of the Arts is a place where real, deep relationships flourish. In a world that can be so callous and unforgiving, SOTA takes the long view of what being transformed by love really means. It’s not accidental – it’s intentional – and it’s for everyone, every day,” Todd Kendall, director of SOTA, told Webb Weekly.

He continued, “One of the things that makes SOTA a special place is that everything we do in lessons and classes is authentic from the heart and involves community and collaboration. No AI is involved in making the art we perform. Just good old-fashioned creativity, practice, persistence, and refinement. It’s invigorating!”

It all began for SOTA in September 1996, when a small group of dedicated musicians and artists gathered at Saint John’s United Methodist in the Newberry neighborhood of Williamsport. They were there at the request of the Reverend Dr. Jeffery Seeley, whose vision of a fine and performing arts school would grow into the school of the arts we know today. In January of 2024, SOTA moved to the North Campus of First Church Williamsport and began a mission partnership in the Vallamont Neighborhood on the corner of Belmont and Market Streets.

For three decades, SOTA has impacted thousands of lives through its mission of providing excellent instruction in the fine and performing arts, guided by the love of Christ. They are so very appreciative of their connections with mission partners, donors, families, faculty, and friends that continue to sustain their daily operations. But most importantly, they see the impact in their students as they grow through their art – knowing they are part of a community that loves them.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn to play or improve your skills in Violin, Viola, Bass, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Voice, Woodwind instruments, Ballroom Dance, Ballet and Modern Dance – their excellent faculty is available to talk with you about getting started. Simply contact them at sotalessons@gmail.com.

Kendall said, “Our values are on display as students leave their lessons and classes and interact with their home communities in and around Lycoming County:

Christ-Centered Purpose

“We believe the love of Christ is the foundation of all we do. Every lesson, performance, and interaction honors God by reflecting His grace and truth.

Artistic Excellence and Creative Expression

“We are committed to providing the highest quality training, empowering students to communicate beauty and meaning through their craft. Our programs emphasize mastery of technique, artistic growth, and authentic expression.

Integrity and Discipline

“Character matters as much as skill. We cultivate responsibility, respect, and resilience, helping students develop strong work ethics and disciplined habits that serve them in life and art.

Community and Service

‍ “We foster an environment of support and collaboration. Through servant-hearted leadership, meaningful relationships, and intentional practices, we provide a safe community that uplifts others and shares the joy of the arts.
Health and Wellness

“We recognize that thriving in the fine and performing arts requires physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our programs encourage healthy habits, balance, and self-care to support sustainable artistic development and lifelong creativity.
Beauty and Joy

“We cultivate beauty and experience joy as we learn, create, and share. Our processes and our art reflect the realities of life in a broken world, as well as the true, sustaining hope we have in God’s promises.

“Our students look forward to performances at our recital hall located at 1157 Market Street, as well as other locations throughout the year, including at the annual Nutcracker Ballet performance at the Journey Bank Community Arts Center on December 5 and 6. Tickets are on sale now at the box office: caclive.com or by calling 570-326-2424.”