The 2009 Fine Arts Summer Academy was a spectacular success. Over 200 students came from many states to participate in the Upper and Lower Divisions. Strings, guitar, and piano; dance, drama, and vocals; songwriting, sound, and lighting, were just the beginning of the plethora of activities on the campus of Lipscomb University.

Week One focused on technical development for Upper Division students; improvisation, theory, and master classes by renowned teachers including Stephen Clapp and Brian Lewis gave our young artists the opportunity to hone their craft like never before. Simultaneous, the Lower Division kicked into high gear with their production of the original musical, Pennywhistle Park: Dance Around the Magic Clock. Seven days of extensive memorization, drilling, singing, and rehearsal culminated in a 90 minute production written and arranged by FASA founders, Bill and Robin Wolaver.

For the Upper Division, a series of recitals put on by various performance tracks topped off the first week. Pick Up Your Bow featured classical and pop guitar, bluegrass ensembles, and a rousing finale of Arkansas Traveler performed by the entire orchestra. Grandstand burst with piano improvisation, dramatic monologues, and Peanuts comedy. Finally All That Jazz unleashed American standards, tap, jazz, and ballet styles of dance, and outstanding vocal solos, from Jumping at the Woodside to Sir Duke.

Week Two arrived and with it came the intense preparations for the final Gala performance. The theme was Diamonds and Dust, a journey through the great music that has emerged from the roots of poverty. Gypsies caravans, Irish Crossroads, Southern cotton fields, and the trains of the West introduced us to the brilliance that can come from humble beginnings. We investigated the legacy of Niccolo Paganinis 24th Caprice and its history from the variations of Brahms, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff to the jazz bands of Benny Goodman and Ella Fitzgerald. Finally, with the help of the dynamic Michael O’Brien, we raised a prayer for the world in the song Jesus Savior Save. A highlight was the incredible lyrical dance of Juilliard’s Hanan Misko and his sister, Lillian. “That song could save someone,” remarked one parent. As a matter of fact, it did! Many testimonies of souls saved, faith rekindled, and talents recommitted were heard, causing much joy and thanksgiving in the Wolaver household.

We want to thank everyone who had a part in making this year better than ever. God bless!