Dance Program
The Dance Program at Trinity Arts Center includes Classical Ballet, Contemporary, and Jazz instruction for all ages and levels. The Ballet & Jazz programs are directed by Tanya Rathbun with her assistants, Beth Bader and Maggie McNalley teaching our morning Pre Ballet and Ballet Basics classes.
Tanya Rathbun, Owner and Artistic Director
tanya@trinityartscenter.com
Tanya Rathbun has over 20 years of professional experience, teaching and performing with respected companies in the U.S. and abroad. She has had the good fortune to train and work under some of the best dancers and choreographers in the business, including The Chicago City Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Rotara Ballet of Atlanta, Joel Hall Dancers, Danceworks Conservatory, and The Störling Dance Theatre.
Tanya's performance experience ranges from classic roles in traditional ballets such as the Nutcracker, to fast paced flapper and swing choreography set to the big band music of the 1920's. Her broad range includes everything from entertaining jazz-centric performances aboard an international cruise line, to a variety of contemporary roles with neo-classical ballet companies, and experessive lyrical performances, as part of her own original ballets -- God With Us, Remember Me, and Genesis.
Tanya currently serves as the artistic director and owner of Trinity Arts Center, a multi-disciplinary arts school founded in 2006, where she continues to teach and direct a variety of classes and productions each year. Tanya continues to explore diverse styles of dance with a committment to lifelong learning and growth as a performer and dance educator.
Tanya, along with her husband and five children, are actively involved in the arts & homeschool communities in their home town of Johnson City, TN.
Beth Bader, Early Childhood Ballet Instructor
beth@trinityartscenter.com
Beth Bader (teacher, dancer, singer, tennis player, and mother of 3) holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Elementary Education from Milligan College.
Prior to arriving at Trinity Arts Center, Beth taught at First Presbyterian Preschool. Beth has also held positions as the Home/School Coordinator with Fairmont Elementary in Johnson City, as a substitute teacher in the Unicoi school system, and as the Director of Children's Ministry at First Christian Church in Erwin.
Beth and her husband Ryan are also very active at Grandview Christian Church, where Ryan is on staff as their youth pastor.
Maggie McNally, Early Childhood Ballet Instructor
maggie@trinityartscenter.com
Maggie graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Business Management. She is a full time Abstinence Educator with Boys to Men, where she teaches middle and high school students in the Tri-Cities the importance of abstinence until marriage. Prior to teaching, Maggie worked almost ten years with therapeutic foster/adoptive children.
Maggie began dancing at age 5 at which time she fell in love with classical ballet. She currently enjoys ballet, lyrical jazz, interpretive, Jewish folk, and Davidic praise and worship. She is the dance leader for her congregational dance ministry, Machaneh Ari Yehudah (The Army of the Lion of Judah) in Bristol, TN. Maggie is also involved in the children's program at Lion of Judah Congregation.
Lindsay Fooshee, Adult Ballet Instructor
lindsay@trinityartscenter.com
Lindsay graduated from King College with BA in English and will soon finish her MA in Christian Thought from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She is married to John, who pastors Redeemer Community Church, and is privileged to be the mom of two great kids. She also teaches Liberal Studies for King College in their Graduate & Professional Studies program.
Lindsay began dancing at the age of 5 and began to focus solely on ballet at the age of 10. She studied with various local ballet schools as well as participated in summer intensives with the Joffrey Ballet, the University of Alabama Birmingham, and Tennessee Ballet Theatre. In college, Lindsay began to combine her love of ballet with her love of the Lord and helped to begin a collegiate lyrical dance group. As an adult, Lindsay has continued her dance training in Dallas, TX as well as the Tri-Cities. She loves working with the Trinity Arts folks and teaching Adult Ballet.
Angela Montgomery, Ballet & Jazz Instructor
angela@trinityartscenter.com
Angela Montgomery is a dancer, instructor, and choreographer with over fifteen years experience, having trained under respected instructors from the San Francisco Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Alvin Ailey, Ballet Magnificat, and the Miami City Ballet.
For the past three years, Angela has been the director of the dance department at Rabun Gap School, a boarding school for the arts, where she taught Classical Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, and Yoga. Before moving to Georgia, Angela founded and directed The Academy of Classical Ballet in Franklin, NC and the dance ministry for Franklin Covenant Church in Franklin, NC.
Angela, her husband Drew, and their three year old son, London, currently reside in Johnson City, TN.
Kathryn Palmer, Ballet Instructor
kathryn@trinityartscenter.com
Kathryn, a senior at Science Hill high school, has been dancing for over fourteen years, receiving her first formal training at Saint Louis Ballet School, where she participated in their annual productions of The Nutcracker.
Kathryn has studied under a variety of world-reknown instructors over the past three years including: Gen Horiuchi and Ellen Costanza; Susan Jaffe, Risa Kaplowitz, Desmond Richardson, Chris Martin, and Cynthia Gregory (Princeton Dance & Theatre Summer Intensive); Adam Sage, Jennifer Medina, and Martha Faesi (Virginia School of The Arts); and Kim Nofsinger, Ivan Pulinkula, Ruben Graciani, and Thomas Shoemaker (Tennessees Governors School for the Arts).
Kathryn joins us to teach a Classical Variations class, focusing on ballet variations from popular classical ballet works such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Paquita, and Coppelia -- a great addition to the repertoire at Trinity Arts Center.
Jen Kintner, Modern Instructor
jen@trinityartscenter.com
Jen Kintner studies Modern, Jazz, Aerial and African dance techniques as well as Vinyasa Yoga. She performed professionally with Movita Dance Company in Kingston, NY, and Motion Collective Improvisational dance group in Bar Harbor, ME. She worked with choreographers Ford Evans, Keith Johnson, Andrea Pastorella, Judith Woodruff, Erin Law, Danah Bella, Cinnamon Halbert- Smith, and others. Jen has been a guest teacher at the Tennessee Association of Dance, Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga, Central Ballet Studio in Greenville, TN, Grinnell College, and is the new director of Mountain Movers, the resident modern dance company at ETSU.
Jen holds a Masters degree in Pharmacology, and works as a Laboratory Coordinator in the Microbiology Department at Quillen College of Medicine. She teaches both academic and technique dance classes at ETSU, as well as weekly Vinyasa yoga classes at InnerSea Yoga studio in Johnson City. She is delighted to further her involvement with Trinity Arts Center by offering Modern Dance on Fridays this Fall. Come to class to laugh, learn, dig deep, and find new ways to defy gravity!
Marc Wayne, Guest Instructor
marc@trinityartscenter.com
For twenty-five years, Marc has made his living as a professional entertainer. As dancer, choreographer, actor, singer, director, educator, and speaker, this seasoned professional has traveled coast to coast performing for audiences of over 71,000 people.
Marc began his training with Jeri Pinnell in a small one-room studio in Gahanna, Ohio. His first ballet teacher was Gail Levan. He received his collegiate education at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio where he majored in dance. He then continued his career and studies in Chicago where he studied at various studios including Gus Giordano Dance Center, Conservatory Of American Dance, and Joel Hall Dance Center.
His experience includes screen, television, and stage in music videos, video series, commercials, industrials, movies, musicals, amusement parks, and five US tours. Titles include Carman's Raising The Standard and R.I.O.T. tours, Fiddler On The Roof (director,choreographer), Barnum, Guys & Dolls, The King & I (playing the King), Bibleman, Dramatic Truth's Mystery of Christmas (playing the principal role of "God" for 8 of 11 seasons), Störling Dance Theater's Prodigal Daughter, Butterfly, Suspended Grace, and Underground, and Maxxas Dance Theatre's Genesis, "R", and 3DAYS (choreographer/director/producer/writer).
He has worked with and shared the stage with such artists as Carman, Willie Aames, Amy Grant, Ron Kenoly, Ben Vereen, and organizations and companies that include Dr. Pepper, KFC, Kings Island, Pamplin Entertainment, Nexxus, MGM, and Eastman Films.
Marc's company work includes Chicago based modern companies, Chicago Moving Company and Chicago Dance Medium jazz and tap company, Chi-Town Jazz Dance (w/ Meribeth Kisner). Also included is Kansas City based companies; Dramatic Truth Ballet Theatre (founding member) and Störling Dance Theatre and guest appearances with Jackson, Mississippi based ballet company, Ballet Magnificat. He is at present displaying his eclectic style of movement through his own highly acclaimed contemporary jazz/modern company, Maxxas Dance Theatre.
Marc's joy is working with young people of all ages. Affirming their purpose and transforming that confidence, into their performance of art and life. His infectious zest for life and performing, has taken him as choreographer, director, speaker, educator, and judge to countless studios, churches, camps, workshops, master classes, and competitions across the United States, Bahamas, and Jamaica, sponsored by such organizations as Ad Deum, Ballet Magnificat, the Continental Singers, Dramatic Truth School of the Arts, the Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders, The Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, and (at present) The Culture House Academy of the Performing Arts
Marc and his incredible wife Anne (of Störling Dance Theater), have six children, Caleb, Mikayla, Noah, Madeline, Zion, and Elisabeth.
Ballet Program
tanya@trinityartscenter.com
Tanya Rathbun has over 20 years of professional experience, teaching and performing with respected companies in the U.S. and abroad. She has had the good fortune to train and work under some of the best dancers and choreographers in the business, including The Chicago City Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Rotara Ballet of Atlanta, Joel Hall Dancers, Danceworks Conservatory, and The Störling Dance Theatre.
Tanya's performance experience ranges from classic roles in traditional ballets such as the Nutcracker, to fast paced flapper and swing choreography set to the big band music of the 1920's. Her broad range includes everything from entertaining jazz-centric performances aboard an international cruise line, to a variety of contemporary roles with neo-classical ballet companies, and experessive lyrical performances, as part of her own original ballets -- God With Us, Remember Me, and Genesis.
Tanya currently serves as the artistic director and owner of Trinity Arts Center, a multi-disciplinary arts school founded in 2006, where she continues to teach and direct a variety of classes and productions each year. Tanya continues to explore diverse styles of dance with a committment to lifelong learning and growth as a performer and dance educator.
Tanya, along with her husband and five children, are actively involved in the arts & homeschool communities in their home town of Johnson City, TN.
Beth Bader, Early Childhood Ballet Instructor
beth@trinityartscenter.com
Beth Bader (teacher, dancer, singer, tennis player, and mother of 3) holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Elementary Education from Milligan College.
Prior to arriving at Trinity Arts Center, Beth taught at First Presbyterian Preschool. Beth has also held positions as the Home/School Coordinator with Fairmont Elementary in Johnson City, as a substitute teacher in the Unicoi school system, and as the Director of Children's Ministry at First Christian Church in Erwin.
Beth and her husband Ryan are also very active at Grandview Christian Church, where Ryan is on staff as their youth pastor.
Maggie McNally, Early Childhood Ballet Instructor
maggie@trinityartscenter.com
Maggie graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Business Management. She is a full time Abstinence Educator with Boys to Men, where she teaches middle and high school students in the Tri-Cities the importance of abstinence until marriage. Prior to teaching, Maggie worked almost ten years with therapeutic foster/adoptive children.
Maggie began dancing at age 5 at which time she fell in love with classical ballet. She currently enjoys ballet, lyrical jazz, interpretive, Jewish folk, and Davidic praise and worship. She is the dance leader for her congregational dance ministry, Machaneh Ari Yehudah (The Army of the Lion of Judah) in Bristol, TN. Maggie is also involved in the children's program at Lion of Judah Congregation.
Lindsay Fooshee, Adult Ballet Instructor
lindsay@trinityartscenter.com
Lindsay graduated from King College with BA in English and will soon finish her MA in Christian Thought from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She is married to John, who pastors Redeemer Community Church, and is privileged to be the mom of two great kids. She also teaches Liberal Studies for King College in their Graduate & Professional Studies program.
Lindsay began dancing at the age of 5 and began to focus solely on ballet at the age of 10. She studied with various local ballet schools as well as participated in summer intensives with the Joffrey Ballet, the University of Alabama Birmingham, and Tennessee Ballet Theatre. In college, Lindsay began to combine her love of ballet with her love of the Lord and helped to begin a collegiate lyrical dance group. As an adult, Lindsay has continued her dance training in Dallas, TX as well as the Tri-Cities. She loves working with the Trinity Arts folks and teaching Adult Ballet.
Angela Montgomery, Ballet & Jazz Instructor
angela@trinityartscenter.com
Angela Montgomery is a dancer, instructor, and choreographer with over fifteen years experience, having trained under respected instructors from the San Francisco Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Alvin Ailey, Ballet Magnificat, and the Miami City Ballet.
For the past three years, Angela has been the director of the dance department at Rabun Gap School, a boarding school for the arts, where she taught Classical Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, and Yoga. Before moving to Georgia, Angela founded and directed The Academy of Classical Ballet in Franklin, NC and the dance ministry for Franklin Covenant Church in Franklin, NC.
Angela, her husband Drew, and their three year old son, London, currently reside in Johnson City, TN.
Kathryn Palmer, Ballet Instructor
kathryn@trinityartscenter.com
Kathryn, a senior at Science Hill high school, has been dancing for over fourteen years, receiving her first formal training at Saint Louis Ballet School, where she participated in their annual productions of The Nutcracker.
Kathryn has studied under a variety of world-reknown instructors over the past three years including: Gen Horiuchi and Ellen Costanza; Susan Jaffe, Risa Kaplowitz, Desmond Richardson, Chris Martin, and Cynthia Gregory (Princeton Dance & Theatre Summer Intensive); Adam Sage, Jennifer Medina, and Martha Faesi (Virginia School of The Arts); and Kim Nofsinger, Ivan Pulinkula, Ruben Graciani, and Thomas Shoemaker (Tennessees Governors School for the Arts).
Kathryn joins us to teach a Classical Variations class, focusing on ballet variations from popular classical ballet works such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Paquita, and Coppelia -- a great addition to the repertoire at Trinity Arts Center.
Jen Kintner, Modern Instructor
jen@trinityartscenter.com
Jen Kintner studies Modern, Jazz, Aerial and African dance techniques as well as Vinyasa Yoga. She performed professionally with Movita Dance Company in Kingston, NY, and Motion Collective Improvisational dance group in Bar Harbor, ME. She worked with choreographers Ford Evans, Keith Johnson, Andrea Pastorella, Judith Woodruff, Erin Law, Danah Bella, Cinnamon Halbert- Smith, and others. Jen has been a guest teacher at the Tennessee Association of Dance, Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga, Central Ballet Studio in Greenville, TN, Grinnell College, and is the new director of Mountain Movers, the resident modern dance company at ETSU.
Jen holds a Masters degree in Pharmacology, and works as a Laboratory Coordinator in the Microbiology Department at Quillen College of Medicine. She teaches both academic and technique dance classes at ETSU, as well as weekly Vinyasa yoga classes at InnerSea Yoga studio in Johnson City. She is delighted to further her involvement with Trinity Arts Center by offering Modern Dance on Fridays this Fall. Come to class to laugh, learn, dig deep, and find new ways to defy gravity!
Marc Wayne, Guest Instructor
marc@trinityartscenter.com
For twenty-five years, Marc has made his living as a professional entertainer. As dancer, choreographer, actor, singer, director, educator, and speaker, this seasoned professional has traveled coast to coast performing for audiences of over 71,000 people.
Marc began his training with Jeri Pinnell in a small one-room studio in Gahanna, Ohio. His first ballet teacher was Gail Levan. He received his collegiate education at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio where he majored in dance. He then continued his career and studies in Chicago where he studied at various studios including Gus Giordano Dance Center, Conservatory Of American Dance, and Joel Hall Dance Center.
His experience includes screen, television, and stage in music videos, video series, commercials, industrials, movies, musicals, amusement parks, and five US tours. Titles include Carman's Raising The Standard and R.I.O.T. tours, Fiddler On The Roof (director,choreographer), Barnum, Guys & Dolls, The King & I (playing the King), Bibleman, Dramatic Truth's Mystery of Christmas (playing the principal role of "God" for 8 of 11 seasons), Störling Dance Theater's Prodigal Daughter, Butterfly, Suspended Grace, and Underground, and Maxxas Dance Theatre's Genesis, "R", and 3DAYS (choreographer/director/producer/writer).
He has worked with and shared the stage with such artists as Carman, Willie Aames, Amy Grant, Ron Kenoly, Ben Vereen, and organizations and companies that include Dr. Pepper, KFC, Kings Island, Pamplin Entertainment, Nexxus, MGM, and Eastman Films.
Marc's company work includes Chicago based modern companies, Chicago Moving Company and Chicago Dance Medium jazz and tap company, Chi-Town Jazz Dance (w/ Meribeth Kisner). Also included is Kansas City based companies; Dramatic Truth Ballet Theatre (founding member) and Störling Dance Theatre and guest appearances with Jackson, Mississippi based ballet company, Ballet Magnificat. He is at present displaying his eclectic style of movement through his own highly acclaimed contemporary jazz/modern company, Maxxas Dance Theatre.
Marc's joy is working with young people of all ages. Affirming their purpose and transforming that confidence, into their performance of art and life. His infectious zest for life and performing, has taken him as choreographer, director, speaker, educator, and judge to countless studios, churches, camps, workshops, master classes, and competitions across the United States, Bahamas, and Jamaica, sponsored by such organizations as Ad Deum, Ballet Magnificat, the Continental Singers, Dramatic Truth School of the Arts, the Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders, The Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, and (at present) The Culture House Academy of the Performing Arts
Marc and his incredible wife Anne (of Störling Dance Theater), have six children, Caleb, Mikayla, Noah, Madeline, Zion, and Elisabeth.
Our Ballet Program, although having its roots in several popular schools of instruction (Bourneville, Checcetti, Vaganova, Royal Academy of Ballet), is based on an American style of ballet that combines the best of these classical forms with the beauty, passion, and fluid freedom of motion in modern American ballet. The result is a versatile style of ballet that offers a high level of training to students with a variety of body types, professional aspirations, and natural skill levels.
Traditional ballet schools offer the highest level of training to only the elite few whose body type or natural ability fit within their predetermined "style" of dance. In contrast, our program focuses on the potential of the individual dancer, allowing any participant, at any level, to rise to excellence in the art of ballet.
As with any art form, the true beauty is in the expression of the unique perspective of the individual.
This focus allows each dancer to achieve the highest level of success, both personally and professionally. In some cases, that is simply a lifelong enjoyment of dance. In others, as with several of Tanya's students, that means going on to respected ballet programs around the country, achieving the highest levels of commercial success.
Early Childhood
Pre Ballet & Ballet Basics
Our early childhood ballet program is specifically designed for children ages 3-6 years old. Although the basic class structure for both levels is essentially the same, the content for each class includes appropriate developmental skills for that specific age group.
Students will learn the basics of ballet class behavior. Boys and girls will be expected to take turns, follow and lead others, wait patiently, work well with fellow students, and have a joyful attitude. They will be trained in basic French terminology, balance and weight transfer, sequential movement, spatial relationships, and a variety of creative, expression, and energy exercises.
The early childhood ballet program will form a strong foundation that will help children excel in the higher levels of ballet instruction, as well as, in their other life and educational development and activities.
Materials: Pink tights with a black leotard (black skirt optional) and basic ballet shoes or socks.
Classical
Ballet 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & Pointe + Adult Ballet
Our full ballet program is designed for students age 7 to adult and includes a minimum of two class hours per week. Students progress through a program designed to develop strong ballet technique, discipline, and personal character.
Each class consists of 60-90 minutes of barre, conditioning, center work, combinations, and across the floor movement, including pointe work for advanced students. French ballet terminology is emphasized throughout
New students will be placed pending an evaluation of their current ability. For a complete class syllabus, please contact Miss Tanya in person.
Materials: Pink tights with a black leotard. All classes require technique shoes. Pointe shoes will be required for classes that include pointe.
Jazz & Lyrical Program
Pre Ballet & Ballet Basics
Our early childhood ballet program is specifically designed for children ages 3-6 years old. Although the basic class structure for both levels is essentially the same, the content for each class includes appropriate developmental skills for that specific age group.
Students will learn the basics of ballet class behavior. Boys and girls will be expected to take turns, follow and lead others, wait patiently, work well with fellow students, and have a joyful attitude. They will be trained in basic French terminology, balance and weight transfer, sequential movement, spatial relationships, and a variety of creative, expression, and energy exercises.
The early childhood ballet program will form a strong foundation that will help children excel in the higher levels of ballet instruction, as well as, in their other life and educational development and activities.
Materials: Pink tights with a black leotard (black skirt optional) and basic ballet shoes or socks.
Classical
Ballet 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & Pointe + Adult Ballet
Our full ballet program is designed for students age 7 to adult and includes a minimum of two class hours per week. Students progress through a program designed to develop strong ballet technique, discipline, and personal character.
Each class consists of 60-90 minutes of barre, conditioning, center work, combinations, and across the floor movement, including pointe work for advanced students. French ballet terminology is emphasized throughout
New students will be placed pending an evaluation of their current ability. For a complete class syllabus, please contact Miss Tanya in person.
Materials: Pink tights with a black leotard. All classes require technique shoes. Pointe shoes will be required for classes that include pointe.
The Jazz program at Trinity Arts Center is designed as a supplement to the classical ballet program. Class instruction consists of warm-ups, across the floor movement, combinations, and traditional patterns of sharp, smooth, free, and controlled movement.
All of our jazz classes are taught to Christian contemporary music and emphasize modesty in attire, behavior, and movement.
As with ballet, the jazz program emphasizes healthy and creative individual expression through dance in a safe environment that supports a healthy and Biblical standard of modesty.
Lyrical, Modern, Hip-Hop
Jazz 1, 2, and 3
The Jazz Program is designed for students age 7 to adult and includes one class hour per week. Each class consists of 60 minutes of group instruction designed to engage the students in the enjoyment of dance, while benefitting from the discipline, muscle control, and physical health of the activity.
Materials: Black jazz paints and leotard. Classes will also require black technique or split-sole jazz shoes, depending on level.
Jazz 1, 2, and 3
The Jazz Program is designed for students age 7 to adult and includes one class hour per week. Each class consists of 60 minutes of group instruction designed to engage the students in the enjoyment of dance, while benefitting from the discipline, muscle control, and physical health of the activity.
Materials: Black jazz paints and leotard. Classes will also require black technique or split-sole jazz shoes, depending on level.
Music Program
The Music Program at Trinity Arts Center is designed to provide the highest quality instruction to students of any level.
As with all of our programs, we desire to build up and encourage the natural gifts and talents of each student, in order to find their own unique "place" in their family, church, community, and life.
Every instructor at Trinity Arts Center is committed to teach and model a Godly example of the arts to each student, and to help them develop a love of music and understand its role in expressing ourselves to each other and to God.
Jamin Rathbun, Guitar, Piano, & Voice Instructor
jamin@trinityartscenter.com
Jamin (a proud father of five) directs the day to day business operations of Trinity Arts Center. He received a scholarship to study Secondary Vocal Music Education at Northwest Missouri State University before leaving school early to tour nationally with a Hot Pink Turtle, the well-known Christian super-group. = )
Jamin is a songwriter who plays piano, guitar, and "anything he can get his hands on." In addition, Jamin has toured, performed, and led music for churches, events, and youth camps across the country.
Jamin is also an experienced consultant and business strategist, having led departments and development teams for a variety of advertising, marketing, design, and development companies in the Kansas City, St. Louis, and Tri-Cities areas.
Paul Carr, Electric Guitar Instructor
paul@trinityartscenter.com
Paul and his wife have lived in Johnson City for the past 18 years. They have a 15 year-old son who attends Science Hill High School and have attended Grace Fellowship Church for the past three years.
Paul holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from East Tennessee State University, and currently works as a pipe organ builder for R.A. Colby, Inc.
He has played guitar for over twenty five years including the past 2 1/2 years with the middle school ministry at Grace Fellowship Church. Previously he played for the contemporary service at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church.
Kris Carlson, Guitar & Piano Instructor
kris@trinityartscenter.com
Kris is currently finishing up his bachelor's degree in music performance at ETSU. In addition to being a full-time student, Kris works for Walnut Christian Church in Johnson City, where has served as the Worship Pastor for three years.
Kris is an accomplished player, having studied guitar for over 11 years and, plays a variety of other stringed instruments (bass, banjo, mandolin) as well as, "dabbling" with the piano. Kris loves all kinds of Christian and acoustic music and plays locally with friends and with Campus House, a college ministry at ETSU.
Patty Booher, Piano Instructor
patty@trinityartscenter.com
Patty, her husband, and daughter have lived in the area their entire lives. They are members at Avoca Christian Church where she is an accompanist and co-ordinates drama sketches.
Starting piano lessons in the third grade, Patty has played the piano and organ for church, weddings, and special events since age 15. Playing the piano has opened doors to accompany students studying voice at ETSU to accompanying a full orchestra for theatre productions at Virginia Intermont College and The Eastman Employee Centre. She has appeared in Beauty and the Beast, Music Man, and Four Tickets to Christmas at The Paramount in Bristol.
Patty's goal for her students is to have a love of music for life, to build self-confidence and discipline as they learn!
Trisha Burke, Piano Instructor
trisha@trinityartscenter.com
Trisha and her husband Dave are recent transplants to the Tri-Cities, having moved here from Columbus, Ohio four years ago. They currently live in Colonial Heights, where they homeschool their two children, Cora and Thomas, and are very active in the children's program at their church.
Trisha has played piano for 21 years with 15 years of classical training that includes collegiate level sight reading, ear training, music theory, group piano, individual piano, and music history. She has teaching experience with all ages of children, including educational programs on a Navajo reservation and with special needs students in the 5th and 6th grade.
She loves teaching, loves the stories that music can tell, loves sharing that with others, and loves the fact that worshipful music will also be with us in heaven -- carrying an eternal value.
Gina Jury, Strings Instructor
gina@trinityartscenter.com
Gina comes to us from Milligan College, where she completed her Master's of Education degree last year, with a professional license in Instrumental Music. In addition to teaching her own private music students, Gina has taught strings at Mountain View Elementary, Indian Trail Middle, and Science Hill High schools, including a semester as the interim music teacher at Northside Elementary school for the 2008-2009 school year.
In addition to teaching, Gina also performs with several music ministries in the Tri-Cities area including: playing weekly with the worship band for The Well, a local college ministry; performing in the summer at Doe River Gorge, a youth adventure camp in the area; and helping lead worship with Grace Fellowship Church in Kingsport. While the violin has been her main instrument for the past fourteen years, she also enjoys playing and teaching other string instruments, including the cello and viola. Gina has a passion for teaching, for ministry, and for students, and looks forward to working with everyone at Trinity Arts Center!
Aaron Heschong, Drum Instructor
aaron@trinityartscenter.com
Aaron Heschong was born and raised in Johnson City, Tennessee. He got his first drum set when he was eight years old and has been playing ever since. At 15 years of age, Aaron got his start playing drums for the worship band at Grace Fellowship Church, where he continues to be involved with the worship ministry.
In addition to teaching at the Arts Center, Aaron plays drums for his band, Contact the Militia, and for the worship team at Doe River Gorge where he has been on staff for several years. Aaron has been following Christ since the age of nine. He says that his time at Trinity Arts Center has been a huge blessing, providing hiim the opportunity to use his gifts to help people, which gives him great joy and satisfaction.
Alice Lucas, Clarinet Instructor & Choir Director
alice@trinityartscenter.com
Alice and her husband Paul live in Gray where they homeschool their daughter, Rachel. They attend Boones Creek Christian Church where she currently has the pleasure of singing with the local bluegrass band "Grassy Valley" with fellow members.
After a stint in "Corporate America", Alice found her calling as a preschool teacher and a homeschool mom and has felt led (and blessed) to be involved with a variety of children's and youth ministries over the last 25 years. She has coordinated drama and puppet programs, led a number of children's and youth choirs, performed in local theatre, and sung with several adult choirs.
Alice is passionate about giving children a "voice" and feels honored to mentor them as they hone their God given gifts and pursue their dreams.
Nathan Merrick, Guitar & Piano Instructor
nathan@trinityartscenter.com
Nathan is a multi-talented musician, instructor, songwriter, and worship leader who teaches both piano and guitar at Trinity Arts Center. In addition to teaching, Nathan continues to write, record, and perform with Contact The Militia, his own original rock band, and The Garrett Harris Experience, a local classic rock/jam band.
Nathan is a graduate of ETSU, earning a B.S. in Digital Media in 2009. He has worked with Audio Video Integration as a live sound engineer, supporting several mainstream groups (Goo Goo Dolls, All American Rejects, Skillet) at live concerts in the area. Nathan has also worked with East Coast Mobile Recording, capturing studio recordings of his own original material, as well as, nationally known artists such as the Motown legend, Percy Sledge.
Nathan leads worship on Saturdays with Edge Fellowship Church in Johnson City, and on an occassional Sunday with Redeemer Community Church, our roommates at the Arts Center. He is married to Michelle Paige Merrick, his wife of just under one year. Nathan does a great job at the Arts Center, clearly enjoying the opportunity to develop the talents of young students.
Kellie McClendon, Voice Instructor
kellie@trinityartscenter.com
Kelly has been singing as long as she can remember. Her love of music began as early as age eight, when she began competing in (and winning) area singing competitions. From there, she participated in a variety of musical theatre productions (West Side Story, The Wiz, Cats, A Christmas Carol) ultimately deciding to study theatre, minor in vocal music education, and major in speech pathology at the University of Georgia.
Kelly is trained in both classical and contemporary styles of voice, and performs often at her home church -- Boone's Creek Christian. When she's not teaching students, or shuttling her three kids around town, Kelly works as a group fitness instructor with Lifestyles fitness center in Johnson City. You can't miss Kellie when she walks in a room. She's about as outgoing as they come. = )
Ethan Henley, Bass Instructor
ethan@trinityartscenter.com
Ethan is a talented multi-instrumentalist, having started piano at age eight, guitar at age eleven, drums at age sixteen, and finally, the bass guitar at age seventeen, which he has claimed as his primary instrument ever since (with drums as a close second).
In addition to teaching at Trinity Arts Center, Ethan plays for several local congregations (Grace Fellowship, Highlands Fellowship), bands (Commerce, The Garrett Harris Experience, Unlimited), and ministries (Doe River Gorge, The Well). He is well versed in almost any genre of music, performing and recording with several local and regional artists and studios engineers.
Ethan is proficient in traditional finger plucking, picking, two-hand tapping, non-traditional plucking/muting, and advanced slapping/popping techniques. In my experience (Jamin's)... If he can hear it, he can play it. = ) His influences include everything from Bob Marley and the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Victor Wooten and Stevie Ray Vaughn.
Rob Meier, Voice & Piano Instructor
rob@trinityartscenter.com
Rob recently returned to Johnson City after eight years of living in sunny Melbourne, Florida with his wife Lori (a professor at ETSU) and their furry, feline children -- Millie & Indiana.
Rob grew up in southern Indiana and studied music at Milligan College. He has spent most of his professional life as a worship minister at Eau Gallie Christian Church in Florida and has led many choirs and worship bands. In addition, Rob has also taught voice and worship leadership at Florida Christian College.
These days, you'll find Rob serving in ministry at a Morristown congregation and enjoying teaching voice to all ages here at Trinity Arts Center. Rob loves to bake cookies, travel, and play in the snow.
Josh McAlister, Drum Instructor
josh@trinityartscenter.com
Josh got his first drum set in the seventh grade, subsequently spending the next five years perfecting a single beat (to the chagrine of his neighbors). At age twenty-five, Josh began to study drums seriously, learning percussion rudiments and the jazz/swing style of drumming.
For the past three years, Josh has studied under Rande Saunderbeck, in the percussion department at ETSU, focusing primarily on Latin and Funk drum techniques. He takes great joy in teaching and studying music which he describes as "a great and intricate gift that the Lord has given us."
P.S. Josh would like to thank his neighbors for putting up with that beat for five years. = )
Rebecca Myers, Music Instructor
rebecca@trinityartscenter.com
Born and raised in Arizona, Rebecca Myers grew up singing, playing, and loving to talk just enough to get her in trouble with her teachers. = ) In her senior year of high school, she learned that she could actually make a career out of doing exactly that -- graduating several years later with a BA in Music Therapy from the Arizone State University.
Since then, Rebecca has been making and teaching music in northeast Tennesee and southeast Virginia for nearly twenty years. In addition to her private lessons and music workshops at Trinity Arts Center, Rebecca has taught with several local school systems, sharing her love of music with students on voice, piano, and guitar.
Rebecca and her husband Dale, who works as the pastor of Yellow Springs Church, live in Bristol and are just a few years away from sending their fourth child out of the nest. = )
jamin@trinityartscenter.com
Jamin (a proud father of five) directs the day to day business operations of Trinity Arts Center. He received a scholarship to study Secondary Vocal Music Education at Northwest Missouri State University before leaving school early to tour nationally with a Hot Pink Turtle, the well-known Christian super-group. = )
Jamin is a songwriter who plays piano, guitar, and "anything he can get his hands on." In addition, Jamin has toured, performed, and led music for churches, events, and youth camps across the country.
Jamin is also an experienced consultant and business strategist, having led departments and development teams for a variety of advertising, marketing, design, and development companies in the Kansas City, St. Louis, and Tri-Cities areas.
Paul Carr, Electric Guitar Instructor
paul@trinityartscenter.com
Paul and his wife have lived in Johnson City for the past 18 years. They have a 15 year-old son who attends Science Hill High School and have attended Grace Fellowship Church for the past three years.
Paul holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from East Tennessee State University, and currently works as a pipe organ builder for R.A. Colby, Inc.
He has played guitar for over twenty five years including the past 2 1/2 years with the middle school ministry at Grace Fellowship Church. Previously he played for the contemporary service at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church.
Kris Carlson, Guitar & Piano Instructor
kris@trinityartscenter.com
Kris is currently finishing up his bachelor's degree in music performance at ETSU. In addition to being a full-time student, Kris works for Walnut Christian Church in Johnson City, where has served as the Worship Pastor for three years.
Kris is an accomplished player, having studied guitar for over 11 years and, plays a variety of other stringed instruments (bass, banjo, mandolin) as well as, "dabbling" with the piano. Kris loves all kinds of Christian and acoustic music and plays locally with friends and with Campus House, a college ministry at ETSU.
Patty Booher, Piano Instructor
patty@trinityartscenter.com
Patty, her husband, and daughter have lived in the area their entire lives. They are members at Avoca Christian Church where she is an accompanist and co-ordinates drama sketches.
Starting piano lessons in the third grade, Patty has played the piano and organ for church, weddings, and special events since age 15. Playing the piano has opened doors to accompany students studying voice at ETSU to accompanying a full orchestra for theatre productions at Virginia Intermont College and The Eastman Employee Centre. She has appeared in Beauty and the Beast, Music Man, and Four Tickets to Christmas at The Paramount in Bristol.
Patty's goal for her students is to have a love of music for life, to build self-confidence and discipline as they learn!
Trisha Burke, Piano Instructor
trisha@trinityartscenter.com
Trisha and her husband Dave are recent transplants to the Tri-Cities, having moved here from Columbus, Ohio four years ago. They currently live in Colonial Heights, where they homeschool their two children, Cora and Thomas, and are very active in the children's program at their church.
Trisha has played piano for 21 years with 15 years of classical training that includes collegiate level sight reading, ear training, music theory, group piano, individual piano, and music history. She has teaching experience with all ages of children, including educational programs on a Navajo reservation and with special needs students in the 5th and 6th grade.
She loves teaching, loves the stories that music can tell, loves sharing that with others, and loves the fact that worshipful music will also be with us in heaven -- carrying an eternal value.
Gina Jury, Strings Instructor
gina@trinityartscenter.com
Gina comes to us from Milligan College, where she completed her Master's of Education degree last year, with a professional license in Instrumental Music. In addition to teaching her own private music students, Gina has taught strings at Mountain View Elementary, Indian Trail Middle, and Science Hill High schools, including a semester as the interim music teacher at Northside Elementary school for the 2008-2009 school year.
In addition to teaching, Gina also performs with several music ministries in the Tri-Cities area including: playing weekly with the worship band for The Well, a local college ministry; performing in the summer at Doe River Gorge, a youth adventure camp in the area; and helping lead worship with Grace Fellowship Church in Kingsport. While the violin has been her main instrument for the past fourteen years, she also enjoys playing and teaching other string instruments, including the cello and viola. Gina has a passion for teaching, for ministry, and for students, and looks forward to working with everyone at Trinity Arts Center!
Aaron Heschong, Drum Instructor
aaron@trinityartscenter.com
Aaron Heschong was born and raised in Johnson City, Tennessee. He got his first drum set when he was eight years old and has been playing ever since. At 15 years of age, Aaron got his start playing drums for the worship band at Grace Fellowship Church, where he continues to be involved with the worship ministry.
In addition to teaching at the Arts Center, Aaron plays drums for his band, Contact the Militia, and for the worship team at Doe River Gorge where he has been on staff for several years. Aaron has been following Christ since the age of nine. He says that his time at Trinity Arts Center has been a huge blessing, providing hiim the opportunity to use his gifts to help people, which gives him great joy and satisfaction.
Alice Lucas, Clarinet Instructor & Choir Director
alice@trinityartscenter.com
Alice and her husband Paul live in Gray where they homeschool their daughter, Rachel. They attend Boones Creek Christian Church where she currently has the pleasure of singing with the local bluegrass band "Grassy Valley" with fellow members.
After a stint in "Corporate America", Alice found her calling as a preschool teacher and a homeschool mom and has felt led (and blessed) to be involved with a variety of children's and youth ministries over the last 25 years. She has coordinated drama and puppet programs, led a number of children's and youth choirs, performed in local theatre, and sung with several adult choirs.
Alice is passionate about giving children a "voice" and feels honored to mentor them as they hone their God given gifts and pursue their dreams.
Nathan Merrick, Guitar & Piano Instructor
nathan@trinityartscenter.com
Nathan is a multi-talented musician, instructor, songwriter, and worship leader who teaches both piano and guitar at Trinity Arts Center. In addition to teaching, Nathan continues to write, record, and perform with Contact The Militia, his own original rock band, and The Garrett Harris Experience, a local classic rock/jam band.
Nathan is a graduate of ETSU, earning a B.S. in Digital Media in 2009. He has worked with Audio Video Integration as a live sound engineer, supporting several mainstream groups (Goo Goo Dolls, All American Rejects, Skillet) at live concerts in the area. Nathan has also worked with East Coast Mobile Recording, capturing studio recordings of his own original material, as well as, nationally known artists such as the Motown legend, Percy Sledge.
Nathan leads worship on Saturdays with Edge Fellowship Church in Johnson City, and on an occassional Sunday with Redeemer Community Church, our roommates at the Arts Center. He is married to Michelle Paige Merrick, his wife of just under one year. Nathan does a great job at the Arts Center, clearly enjoying the opportunity to develop the talents of young students.
Kellie McClendon, Voice Instructor
kellie@trinityartscenter.com
Kelly has been singing as long as she can remember. Her love of music began as early as age eight, when she began competing in (and winning) area singing competitions. From there, she participated in a variety of musical theatre productions (West Side Story, The Wiz, Cats, A Christmas Carol) ultimately deciding to study theatre, minor in vocal music education, and major in speech pathology at the University of Georgia.
Kelly is trained in both classical and contemporary styles of voice, and performs often at her home church -- Boone's Creek Christian. When she's not teaching students, or shuttling her three kids around town, Kelly works as a group fitness instructor with Lifestyles fitness center in Johnson City. You can't miss Kellie when she walks in a room. She's about as outgoing as they come. = )
Ethan Henley, Bass Instructor
ethan@trinityartscenter.com
Ethan is a talented multi-instrumentalist, having started piano at age eight, guitar at age eleven, drums at age sixteen, and finally, the bass guitar at age seventeen, which he has claimed as his primary instrument ever since (with drums as a close second).
In addition to teaching at Trinity Arts Center, Ethan plays for several local congregations (Grace Fellowship, Highlands Fellowship), bands (Commerce, The Garrett Harris Experience, Unlimited), and ministries (Doe River Gorge, The Well). He is well versed in almost any genre of music, performing and recording with several local and regional artists and studios engineers.
Ethan is proficient in traditional finger plucking, picking, two-hand tapping, non-traditional plucking/muting, and advanced slapping/popping techniques. In my experience (Jamin's)... If he can hear it, he can play it. = ) His influences include everything from Bob Marley and the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Victor Wooten and Stevie Ray Vaughn.
Rob Meier, Voice & Piano Instructor
rob@trinityartscenter.com
Rob recently returned to Johnson City after eight years of living in sunny Melbourne, Florida with his wife Lori (a professor at ETSU) and their furry, feline children -- Millie & Indiana.
Rob grew up in southern Indiana and studied music at Milligan College. He has spent most of his professional life as a worship minister at Eau Gallie Christian Church in Florida and has led many choirs and worship bands. In addition, Rob has also taught voice and worship leadership at Florida Christian College.
These days, you'll find Rob serving in ministry at a Morristown congregation and enjoying teaching voice to all ages here at Trinity Arts Center. Rob loves to bake cookies, travel, and play in the snow.
Josh McAlister, Drum Instructor
josh@trinityartscenter.com
Josh got his first drum set in the seventh grade, subsequently spending the next five years perfecting a single beat (to the chagrine of his neighbors). At age twenty-five, Josh began to study drums seriously, learning percussion rudiments and the jazz/swing style of drumming.
For the past three years, Josh has studied under Rande Saunderbeck, in the percussion department at ETSU, focusing primarily on Latin and Funk drum techniques. He takes great joy in teaching and studying music which he describes as "a great and intricate gift that the Lord has given us."
P.S. Josh would like to thank his neighbors for putting up with that beat for five years. = )
Rebecca Myers, Music Instructor
rebecca@trinityartscenter.com
Born and raised in Arizona, Rebecca Myers grew up singing, playing, and loving to talk just enough to get her in trouble with her teachers. = ) In her senior year of high school, she learned that she could actually make a career out of doing exactly that -- graduating several years later with a BA in Music Therapy from the Arizone State University.
Since then, Rebecca has been making and teaching music in northeast Tennesee and southeast Virginia for nearly twenty years. In addition to her private lessons and music workshops at Trinity Arts Center, Rebecca has taught with several local school systems, sharing her love of music with students on voice, piano, and guitar.
Rebecca and her husband Dale, who works as the pastor of Yellow Springs Church, live in Bristol and are just a few years away from sending their fourth child out of the nest. = )
Art Program
The art program at Trinity Arts Center is designed to instruct students in the correct technique and methods for each individual medium using a variety of subject matter and materials.
At the same time, one of the unique strengths of our art instructors is their passion to strengthen the individual talents of and build self-confidence in each student.
As with all of our programs, we strive to balance excellent instruction and individual attention with the goal of using our talents and gifts to the glory of God.
Jill Rose, Art Instructor
jill@trinityartscenter.com
Jill Rose comes to Trinity Arts Center via Elizabethtown, KY (her home town) and Transylvania University (her alma mater) with a degree in studio art. Her emphasis on drawing with a variety of mediums and techniques has been a great addition to the Arts Center, as well as her creative ideas on elementary art education -- a series of theme-based projects that provide a fun context to teach strong fundamental art techniques.
Jill lives in Johnson City, along with her husband, where she teaches art and works as a nanny. She's been a great fit at the Art Center -- embodying everything you could want in an art teacher. We hope she stays around for a long time. = )
Jeff Dugan, Art History & Appreciation Instructor
jeff@trinityartscenter.com
Jeff teaches about western art from the middle ages to the present -- the story of the artists and their cultures, and how history has intertwined with culture to produce the changing artistic styles through the ages. That's a pretty interesting story on its own. But beyond that, Jeff will help you understand why the world's great art is important to you: how God has worked through history and through the works of the artists to leave a personal message for you. To provide the full inspirational power of the art, the class incorporates museum tours as the critical component of the instruction.
Jeff is founder of Art to Heart Ministries and has also made a career as one of the world's leading researchers in the field of specialty fibers. He is in demand as a public speaker, having spoken on both fiber topics and art history (separately) across the U.S. and abroad in Austria, France, England, Scotland, and Australia.
jill@trinityartscenter.com
Jill Rose comes to Trinity Arts Center via Elizabethtown, KY (her home town) and Transylvania University (her alma mater) with a degree in studio art. Her emphasis on drawing with a variety of mediums and techniques has been a great addition to the Arts Center, as well as her creative ideas on elementary art education -- a series of theme-based projects that provide a fun context to teach strong fundamental art techniques.
Jill lives in Johnson City, along with her husband, where she teaches art and works as a nanny. She's been a great fit at the Art Center -- embodying everything you could want in an art teacher. We hope she stays around for a long time. = )
Jeff Dugan, Art History & Appreciation Instructor
jeff@trinityartscenter.com
Jeff teaches about western art from the middle ages to the present -- the story of the artists and their cultures, and how history has intertwined with culture to produce the changing artistic styles through the ages. That's a pretty interesting story on its own. But beyond that, Jeff will help you understand why the world's great art is important to you: how God has worked through history and through the works of the artists to leave a personal message for you. To provide the full inspirational power of the art, the class incorporates museum tours as the critical component of the instruction.
Jeff is founder of Art to Heart Ministries and has also made a career as one of the world's leading researchers in the field of specialty fibers. He is in demand as a public speaker, having spoken on both fiber topics and art history (separately) across the U.S. and abroad in Austria, France, England, Scotland, and Australia.
Theater Program
The Theater Program at Trinity Arts Center is designed to mature students, not only in their understanding of the art of theater, but also in their understanding of the role that expression, communication, and passion should play in their own life.
Initially, this is facilitated using games, exercises, improvisation, and interaction between students to develop both a comfort level with expressing themselves and an understanding of how that expression may be received by the listener.
Students, especially teens, can benefit a great deal from the non-verbal communication learned in Theater Class. It is a great way to build self-confidence and understand the important role that body position, voice inflection, and eye contact play in both private conversation and public speaking.
Eventually, students will participate in the Theater Company as they learn, rehearse, and perform for audiences in the Tri-Cities and Eastern Tennessee areas including topical skits for use in churches and youth camps in the area.
Scott Snell, Theater Director
scott@trinityartscenter.com
Scott Snell began as a local theatre performer, working for University High School where he competed in forensics competitions garnering numerous awards. His work included productions at the Johnson City Community Theatre and the original Jonesborough Repertory Theatre.
Professionally, Scott continues to Act, Direct and Consult in theatre but now works in Theatre Education. Scott works for the Johnson City School System teaching theatre for both middle schools and high schools. He has taught theatre for Appalachian State University, East Tennessee State University, Kingsport Adult Education Program, private instruction and summer camps at various professional theatres. Courses include Acting, Audition Techniques, Playwriting and Make-up for the Actor.
Scott's training includes an MFA in Acting/ Directing with study in Theatre Management from Texas Tech University, in addition to a BS in Speech and Theatre from East Tennessee State University. Scott is a member of the Actor's Equity Association, the union for stage actors working as both an Actor and a Production Stage Manager. Other affiliations have include: Tennessee Theatre Association, Southeastern Theatre Conference, North Carolina Theatre Conference, Institute of Outdoor Drama, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and The American Association of Community Theatres.
Annemarie Dugan, Theatre Director
annmarie@trinityartscenter.com
Annemarie has broad experience performing and directing dramatic arts, holding a BFA in Musical Theater from Shorter College, and having served as Performing Arts Director at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly.
Her acting repertoire includes principal roles in The Sound of Music (Maria), Once Upon a Mattress (Winifred), Fiddler on the Roof, Quilters, The Crucible, Man of LaMancha, Under Milkwood, The Good Doctor, Cotton Patch Gospel and Godspell, among others. She has also performed operatic roles in The Telephone, Mendelssohn s Elijah, and Beethoven s Choral Fantasia. In 1989, Annemarie was honored to sing the National Anthem at the American Consulate in Jerusalem, Israel, where she served as an ambassador to the Jerusalem International YMCA.
Annemarie is also well seasoned in media, having held the position of Media and Public Relations Coordinator for the Christian Medical and Dental Associations in Bristol, Tennessee, and as an anchor/reporter for WKPT-TV in Kingsport, Tennessee. Annemarie also hosted television programs for TCI-Cable, ACN and CAT-TV. Annemarie currently manages media and events for Art to Heart Ministries, an organization that helps people encounter God through the world's great art.
She adores her husband Jeff, and their two young children, Laura and Brit. They are active members of Central Baptist Church in Johnson City, Tennessee, where Annemarie serves as a preschool worship leader.
Steve Davis, Musical Director
steve@trinityartscenter.com
Bio coming soon.
scott@trinityartscenter.com
Scott Snell began as a local theatre performer, working for University High School where he competed in forensics competitions garnering numerous awards. His work included productions at the Johnson City Community Theatre and the original Jonesborough Repertory Theatre.
Professionally, Scott continues to Act, Direct and Consult in theatre but now works in Theatre Education. Scott works for the Johnson City School System teaching theatre for both middle schools and high schools. He has taught theatre for Appalachian State University, East Tennessee State University, Kingsport Adult Education Program, private instruction and summer camps at various professional theatres. Courses include Acting, Audition Techniques, Playwriting and Make-up for the Actor.
Scott's training includes an MFA in Acting/ Directing with study in Theatre Management from Texas Tech University, in addition to a BS in Speech and Theatre from East Tennessee State University. Scott is a member of the Actor's Equity Association, the union for stage actors working as both an Actor and a Production Stage Manager. Other affiliations have include: Tennessee Theatre Association, Southeastern Theatre Conference, North Carolina Theatre Conference, Institute of Outdoor Drama, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and The American Association of Community Theatres.
Annemarie Dugan, Theatre Director
annmarie@trinityartscenter.com
Annemarie has broad experience performing and directing dramatic arts, holding a BFA in Musical Theater from Shorter College, and having served as Performing Arts Director at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly.
Her acting repertoire includes principal roles in The Sound of Music (Maria), Once Upon a Mattress (Winifred), Fiddler on the Roof, Quilters, The Crucible, Man of LaMancha, Under Milkwood, The Good Doctor, Cotton Patch Gospel and Godspell, among others. She has also performed operatic roles in The Telephone, Mendelssohn s Elijah, and Beethoven s Choral Fantasia. In 1989, Annemarie was honored to sing the National Anthem at the American Consulate in Jerusalem, Israel, where she served as an ambassador to the Jerusalem International YMCA.
Annemarie is also well seasoned in media, having held the position of Media and Public Relations Coordinator for the Christian Medical and Dental Associations in Bristol, Tennessee, and as an anchor/reporter for WKPT-TV in Kingsport, Tennessee. Annemarie also hosted television programs for TCI-Cable, ACN and CAT-TV. Annemarie currently manages media and events for Art to Heart Ministries, an organization that helps people encounter God through the world's great art.
She adores her husband Jeff, and their two young children, Laura and Brit. They are active members of Central Baptist Church in Johnson City, Tennessee, where Annemarie serves as a preschool worship leader.
Steve Davis, Musical Director
steve@trinityartscenter.com
Bio coming soon.
Language Program
The Literature & Language Program at Trinity Arts Center encourages students to experience the passion and history contained in literature and to learn how to communicate their own perspective, or perhaps tell their own story, through the use of spoken and written language.
Literature and Language, like other art forms, provide the participants with an opportunity to experience life through the emotional, symbolic, moral, intellectual, or social "lens" of the culture, author, or artist being represented.
It is an opportunity to communicate, and keep a record of the collective work, learning, and experience of man through the use of language. Written and spoken letters, symbols, and words enable us to tell the story of individual men, communities, cultures, and of mankind.
MJ Light, American Sign Language Instuctor
mj@trinityartscenter.com
MJ Light is a nationally certified interpreter by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). She is a homeschool graduate and holds two state titles for sign language song interpretation. She has been an instructor of American Sign Language (ASL) in corporate, civic, classroom and private settings.
While working within the Deaf community as an interpreter, it has been her great privilege to interpret for such artists and personalities as Senator John McCain, Dottie Rambo, Mark Lowry, LeAnn Rimes, Third Day, Josh McDowell, Gary Smalley, Salvador, Avalon, and Sesame Street Live. However, her most joyous encounter was with Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior.
MJ has felt a call into Deaf ministry for many years and feels abundantly blessed to serve as an interpreter both in her profession and in several local congregations.
American Sign Language
mj@trinityartscenter.com
MJ Light is a nationally certified interpreter by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). She is a homeschool graduate and holds two state titles for sign language song interpretation. She has been an instructor of American Sign Language (ASL) in corporate, civic, classroom and private settings.
While working within the Deaf community as an interpreter, it has been her great privilege to interpret for such artists and personalities as Senator John McCain, Dottie Rambo, Mark Lowry, LeAnn Rimes, Third Day, Josh McDowell, Gary Smalley, Salvador, Avalon, and Sesame Street Live. However, her most joyous encounter was with Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior.
MJ has felt a call into Deaf ministry for many years and feels abundantly blessed to serve as an interpreter both in her profession and in several local congregations.
ASL 1
Classroom instruction will focus on learning the basics of the American Sign Language as students progressively build vocabulary.
Materials: None.
Classroom instruction will focus on learning the basics of the American Sign Language as students progressively build vocabulary.
Materials: None.
ASL 2
Classroom instruction will focus on learning intermediate concepts of the American Sign Language as students progressively build vocabulary with an emphasis on being able to "read" sign in the classroom, on video, and in other settings.
Materials: None.
Classroom instruction will focus on learning intermediate concepts of the American Sign Language as students progressively build vocabulary with an emphasis on being able to "read" sign in the classroom, on video, and in other settings.
Materials: None.