Everything Nac

Stephen F. Austin State University is doing some needed maintenance to its downtown art gallery, The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House. SFA workers will clean the outside brick and remove deteriorating grout to apply new material and sealant to prevent seepage that has caused some damage to interior upstairs offices. The overhead entry awing will also be repaired and restored to prevent leakage. As a result of the work, Cole Art Center will be temporarily closed for about two weeks. When work is completed, patrons will still have opportunity to view the Texas National exhibition through June 30.

Zoe and Ezra Fuller, students in the Music Preparatory Division of the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music, prepare to practice outside while enjoying a donated picnic table. Program supporters Natalie Jamison and Haley McDorman recently donated picnic tables to the Prep House grounds, specifically for use during summer camps and other activities of the community outreach Music Prep program. For information about other ways to donate to the Music Preparatory Division, contact Director Alba Madrid at musicprep@sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-1291. Visit sfamusicprep.com/summer-23/ to learn about summer classes and camps.

There’s still time to register for summer lessons and camps offered by the Music Preparatory Division of the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music.

The always popular Kindermusik program for young children is offered this summer in two sessions to allow flexibility for families to plan their summer schedules, according to Alba Madrid, director of Music Prep programming. The mixed age class for children birth to 4 years is June 15 to July 6 for Session 1 and July 13 through Aug 3 for Session 2. Mixed age classes are designed for little ones at different developmental levels to make music together with other family members. “Families build connection, grownups learn ideas for music exploration and play at home, and there’s room for everyone to grow,” Madrid said. Classes meet on Thursdays at 5:15 p.m. at the Prep House, and cost is $70.

The Kindermusik foundation classes for birth to 1-year-old children, also running June 15 through July 6, are all about exploring and reacting to new sounds, objects and movements. Parents and caregivers heighten connections with their babies by learning bonding techniques. Foundation class meets on Thursdays at 4 p.m., and cost is $70.

For string musicians hoping to take their playing to the next level, Music Prep offers its Strings Project summer camp. Designed for elementary age musicians who play violin, viola, cello or double bass, this program offers a fun and intensive learning experience. Participants will improve their skills, musical knowledge and performance abilities with expert instruction and have the opportunity to participate in recreational activities. The camp is open to all students with at least one year of string instrument experience. The goal of the camp is to create a supportive and inspiring environment where musicians can develop their talents, make new friends, and have fun. The camp is from 8 a.m. to noon June 12 through 16 at the Music Prep building. Cost is $50.

Piano Improvisation Camp is designed for pianists who have at least three years of playing experience. Group classes will be held at the Prep House from June 19 to 23. The sessions will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting with a group class, followed by a one-hour lunch break, and ending with two hours of private lessons and individual practice. The camp aims to teach pianists the basics of church music, contemporary lead sheet reading, jazz, rag and blues. Participants will also learn how to perform with other musicians. Cost is $150.

Way Cool Keyboarding will be offered in two camps June 26 through 29. Morning sessions for kids ages 6 to 10 are 9:30 to 11 a.m., and afternoon sessions for students 11 through 17 are 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the digital piano lab, Room 223 of the Boynton Building on the SFA campus. The younger group sessions provide positive musical and non-musical benefits, including the development of concentration and listening skills. Pre-teen and teenager students, with little or no previous musical background, can learn both chord chart and traditional note reading to make cool piano music in a short amount of time. Cost is $100.

Intro to Musical Moments for Adults is for students age 18 and up. The class is offered at 6 p.m. Tuesdays in June, including June 6, 13, 20 and 27, in the Boynton Building piano lab. Students will experience a stress-free enjoyable environment where they will learn to read music, play chords, and create music right away at the piano in a group setting. Cost is $100.

Private lessons will also be offered in violin, viola, cello, bass, piano, flute and voice.

Depending on the camp or lessons chosen, summer sessions begin Monday, May 29, and continue through Friday, Aug. 4.

Registration forms and more information, including detailed schedules and private lesson tuition, can be accessed at sfamusicprep.com/summer-23/, or contact Music Prep Director Alba Madrid at musicprep@sfasu.edu, or call (936) 468-1291. The Music Prep House is located at 3028 Raguet St.

Kay Johnson’s colleagues at Stephen F. Austin State University would say she gives the university a run for its money. Juggling the position of executive director of finance and administrative services with construction management, The University of Texas System affiliation and her daily tasks with grace drew the attention of all those who work with her.

For those reasons and many more, Johnson was named a 2023 President’s Achievement Award recipient for her service to the university. Despite these commendations, however, she attributes her success to her team of 21 staff members.

“I have a great team here. I wouldn’t be able to get any of this done without them,” she said. “I wouldn’t be able to survive. I am only as good as my great staff.”

Johnson oversees many departments on campus, including finance, procurement, accounts payable, travel, payroll, and serving the entire campus and its vendors. She also oversees the construction of buildings on campus, which starts with solicitations for bids and ends with seeing the final product fully furnished and ready for student use.

“We have a lot going on right now with the UT transition, and then you’re doing your normal work on top of that, and it’s a lot,” she said. “But it takes the great team behind me to even accomplish what I do in serving our campus. I love what I do.”

Johnson embodies SFA’s core values and traditions every day, according to one of her nominations.

“She supports her team with the knowledge and tools to help achieve goals personally and within the department. Kay is a mentor. She urges her team to better themselves and provides opportunities to teach others with her vast experience and knowledge. I am so blessed to be a part of the business services team and serve with Kay as our leader.”

Johnson said she was “non-deserving” of the award because there are so many others who are. Another nomination statement said the contrary.

“Kay has taken on the role of two positions, and she does it to the best of her ability and without complaining. She is worked to the max but somehow gets it all done on time. If anyone deserves recognition, it’s Kay.”

Johnson was especially excited to be presented the award by President Dr. Steve Westbrook.

“I was very humbled and grateful to receive the President’s Achievement Award. Getting it from Dr. Westbrook, however, was amazing and an honor because I have worked with him since I came to SFA,” she said.

Born and raised in Nacogdoches, Johnson is a 1989 graduate from SFA and worked in other sectors before she started her career at SFA seven years ago, including banking, governmental entities and health care.

“I can’t speak enough about SFA being a great place to be,” Johnson said.

By Alyssa Faykus, senior marketing specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University