Everything Nac

The Music Preparatory Division of the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at the Music Prep House, 3028 Raguet St.

Students interested in participating in fall classes or private lessons offered through Music Prep may register during the open house. Auditions for the Piney Woods Youth Orchestra will be held the same day beginning at 10 a.m.

The music program features the study of a variety of musical instruments and choral techniques. Upper-level musicians as well as SFA faculty and students teach private lessons and classes. Music Prep offers private music lessons in piano, harp, violin, viola, Suzuki violin, flute, cello, trumpet, trombone, voice, percussion and more.

Private lessons begin the week of Aug. 20 for 16-week, upper-level faculty instruction and the week of Sept. 10 for 12-week SFA music major instruction.

Information about the various programs offered and lesson application forms are available on the Music Prep website at music.sfasu.edu/prep.

Mail forms to SFA Music Prep, P.O. Box 13043, SFA Station, Nacogdoches, Texas 75962. Call the Music Prep office with credit/debit card information at (936) 468-1291. The Prep office is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Forms may also be dropped off at the office.

For additional information, contact program director Pat Barnett at (936) 468-1291 or musicprep@sfasu.edu, or visit the Facebook page SFA Music Prep.

Dr. Joyce Johnston, director of Stephen F. Austin State University’s Pre-Law Academy, is one of two recipients of the Texas American Board of Trial Advocates 2018 Champion of Civil Justice Award.

Johnston received the award for her work with SFA’s Pre-Law Academy, an innovative weeklong summer program that introduces high school students to the exciting opportunities associated with a career in law.

During the academy, students interact with federal and state judges, participate in a mock trial competition, examine a simulated crime scene, meet law school admissions officers and more.

Johnston said she is humbled and honored to receive the award, and she hopes it shines light on the summer program, particularly further attracting individuals within the legal profession to share their time and expertise with participants.

State District Judge Kerry Russell of Tyler and Randi Russell, civil chief in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas, nominated Johnston for the award. Both Kerry and Randi have worked alongside Johnston, who has overseen the Pre-Law Academy at SFA since 2014.

“Dr. Johnston’s leadership and effort in developing the academy have resulted in a unique opportunity for students to be exposed to our justice system and gain insight into the legal profession,” Kerry Russell said. “She devotes countless hours each spring to update and refine the program to enhance the experience for students.”

For Johnston, the best part of the academy is watching students’ excitement grow throughout the week.

“It is a joy to observe high school students come to SFA and see their excitement when they encounter everything the academy has to offer,” Johnston said. “We aim to bring highly motivated teens to participate in this experience; however, many applicants lack the financial means to attend. Donors are a key element to the program. It’s through their generous donations that we are able to offer scholarships, which determine whether or not many exceptional students are able to participate.”

Although some students already are dedicated to becoming an attorney, others are just beginning to look into the legal profession.

“Whether or not they eventually pursue careers in law, students come away with essential lifelong skills, which will help them succeed in college and life,” Johnston said. “They spend a week thinking critically, reasoning and constructing arguments, and doing so with professionalism. These are all skills that go hand-in-hand with a strong liberal arts-based education.”

To learn more about SFA’s Pre-Law Academy, contact Johnston at jjohnston@sfasu.edu or (936) 468-6722.

By Emily Brown, marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.