Submitted by Chris Hicks
A new Sapulpa music program is in its infancy stage and looking for kids who have a passion for learning and music. The Salvation Army Boys and Girls club is starting a Sapulpa Music Club with help from a grant and being taught by a local graduate who has dedicated her life to Music, Theatre and teaching children the beauty of the arts. The first session runs from October 6 to November 24.
“This has always been a dream of mine, to bring the arts back to Sapulpa and nurture the talent of so many gifted students in Sapulpa who are hesitant to get involved or feel like the opportunity is there to perform,” said Sherri Hicks, the woman who is building the program from scratched, remarked.
A grant from the Woman’s Auxiliary is coming to fruition this year. The grant was awarded last year, and as the local Salvation Army began to look for someone to build a program off the funding, the pandemic hit the USA. All plans were put on hold and the future uncertain.
The Boys and Girls Club have waited long enough and hired Hicks to help build the new program.
Hicks graduated Sapulpa in 2002 and attended East Central University in Ada, Okla. on scholarships for instrumental and vocal music. She played the Clarinet in the Sapulpa band and Sapulpa First Baptist Church. After some time in college, she focused on vocal music performance and children’s theatre. After performing in several operas and musicals, she graduated in 2009 as the first student to complete their new Music Theatre degree.
The graduate has also been involved with several theatre board of directors including Sapulpa Community Theatre and recently accepted the position of Secretary for Sapulpa’s “Dirty Back Wall” Theatre. She has directed several plays and was the last light technician for Discoveryland before they closed.
“I want to take all my experience and give the children of Sapulpa a chance to be involved in the community. I want them to be a part of parades, ceremonies and recognized all over town as a group of talented kids who will make Sapulpa proud. I want to give our kids a chance to compete and bring back [to Sapulpa] a little something,” explained Hicks.
The new program will include small group for Brass Band and group and private lessons for Beginners’ Piano and Music Theatre and Voice. The program will be divided into three sessions throughout the year with a chance of expansion through the summer and breaks. Students can be added at any time and the sessions run from October 6 – November 24, January 5 – March 9 and March 23 – May 12. A recital will be held at the end of each session. As the program grows, Hicks hopes more classes will be added and more opportunities will be presented to the youth of Sapulpa.
For questions and applications contact Hicks at sapulpamc@gmail.com, or they local Boys and Girls Club at (918) 224-4415.
