School of the Arts First Baptist Church Newnan

09/15/2026

09/08/2026

Meet the Teacher Tuesday: Shane Cammell!

This week we're introducing Shane Cammell, our SOTA guitar instructor! Shane has been teaching guitar for an incredible 36 years.

His advice for students thinking about taking music lessons:
"You need a 'why'—a reason you're taking the lessons. When learning the instrument gets challenging, that 'why' is what draws you onward."

A few things you might not know about Shane:

He used to work onboard cruise ships as a solo guitarist and entertainer!

He's also a Kiwi—which means he's from New Zealand, not a fruit! 😄

If he could learn another instrument, he'd choose the double bass because he loves those walking bass lines.

What does Shane love most about teaching? Seeing the light come on when a student finally gets it—and helping them look back and realize just how far they've come. 🎶

We're thankful to have Shane as part of the SOTA family!

09/01/2026

Meet the Teacher Tuesday: Adam & Erin Fenton!

This week we're featuring a SOTA husband-and-wife team! Adam and Erin Fenton have been teaching trumpet at the School of the Arts for about 15 years (and teaching even longer than that!). They met in college as music majors, and nowadays are busy raising 5 children, serving in the music ministry at their church, and investing in young musicians together.

Their advice for students thinking about taking music lessons:
Erin says, "Don't do it unless you're willing to put in the time to practice at home!"
Adam says, "Lessons are a great way to fast-track your learning, but require consistent outside practice in order to make progress."

A few things you might not know about them:

Adam played trumpet at Disneyland for a summer during college!
Erin is fluent in Pig Latin—and is not too shabby with actual Latin, either!

If they could learn another instrument, Adam would choose electric guitar, while Erin would love to play the banjo.

What do they love most about teaching? Watching students grow as musicians, especially when they have the opportunity to teach them for several years.

"We're thankful to be part of the SOTA family—and even more thankful to get to make music together!"

08/17/2026

Meet the Teacher Tuesday: Viola Pike!

We're excited to introduce Viola Pike, who has been teaching music lessons for about 28 years! Viola teaches violin, viola, cello, piano, and guitar at the School of the Arts.

Her advice for anyone thinking about taking music lessons:
"Give yourself at least 6 months to a year of lessons to see how you progress on your instrument." She also encourages students to practice consistently and remember that music can be a lifelong source of joy, therapy, and growth.

When she's not teaching, Viola enjoys reading every day, chocolate, coffee, and cats!

If she could learn another instrument, she'd choose the harp. She once bought an autoharp at a garage sale, had it restrung, and taught herself a few songs to play and sing at camp!

What does Viola love most about teaching? Getting to know her students and watching that moment when something finally clicks—when their face lights up and they discover something they really enjoy playing.

We're so thankful to have Viola as part of the SOTA family!

08/11/2026

Meet the Teacher Tuesday: Dr. Brian Coski!

We're excited to introduce Dr. Brian Coski, who has been teaching at the School of the Arts for more than 20 years! Brian teaches piano and ukulele and loves investing in students for the long term.

His advice for anyone thinking about taking music lessons:
"Being a musician requires nothing other than curiosity, motivation and diligence!"

When he's not teaching, Brian enjoys farm life with his family in Fayette County, where they garden and raise about 40 chickens.

And if he could learn another instrument? The hurdy-gurdy!

One of Brian's favorite things about teaching at SOTA is getting to celebrate students' accomplishments at our recitals.

We're so thankful to have Brian as part of the SOTA family!

08/06/2026

May the Lord bless the student, staff, and families as they navigate this new school year!

07/31/2026

Registration is open for lessons in piano, ukulele, strings, guitar, brass, flute, and beginning percussion. Come join us at SOTA!

07/24/2026

Registration is NOW OPEN!

The Sandra M. Carter School of the Arts is excited to welcome students of all ages for another year of music and arts instruction!

As a ministry of First Baptist Church of Newnan, our mission is to support Life in Christ for Every Generation by providing quality, Christ-centered arts education where students can develop their God-given talents and grow in character.

We offer private instruction in a variety of instruments and musical disciplines, with experienced instructors who are passionate about teaching and encouraging their students.

Whether you're just beginning or continuing your musical journey, we'd love to help you grow!

For more information or to register, visit: www.fbcnewnan.org/sota

05/06/2026

We are so proud of these SOTA students who competed at GMEA District 6 Solo and Ensemble held on April 18th at Whitewater Middle School.
Nathan Kelley performed Tambourin by Rameau and received a Superior rating. Harrison Henry and Isabelle Chammami performed a trumpet duet by Paudert and received a Superior rating. Isabelle Chammami performed Trumpeter's Lullaby by Leroy Anderson and received a Superior rating. She was accompanied by George Fenton on piano (also a SOTA trumpet and piano student).