by Peter Haslett
Shield Fine Arts Academy classes take place during the school year Monday through Thursday in the evenings at the Lincoln, Neb. Corps. It’s a fine arts program dedicated to reaching at-risk youth through music education. Right now the children have the opportunity to choose from classes in beginning brass, guitar, piano, vocal and youth chorus as well as worship dance and timbrels. We’re even offering a Tuneful Toddlers class, which teaches little ones to start learning about musical instruments.
Thanks to a generous, anonymous donation, these classes are offered to the community free of charge.
“Many of our kids are children of refugees, from single parent homes or who live in very poor circumstances,” said Major Jamie Pennington, Lincoln corps officer. “Some believe they’ll never have the opportunity to go to college, but we’re showing them there are other ways, like through the arts.”
We know that in working to improve hours spent in creative activities, as well as time spent with adult role models, there is a greater likelihood the children involved in our programs will succeed.
In addition to teaching music, one of our goals is to further the mission of The Salvation Army and share the gospel. Every class period begins and ends with prayer time, and we take every opportunity to share the love of Christ.
