First Fine Arts

The First Fine Arts Series is a venture that is dedicated to the idea that art is a gift from God, and that it should be cultivated and celebrated among the people. Concerts throughout the Series will bring together the community and the church to enjoy the gift of music. The spirit of bringing people together is in keeping with our purpose.

Upcoming Events:
Advent Concert Series
Free Concert at noon in Unity Hall followed by a hot lunch in Fellowship Hall ($5).

 

December 10
Jesus Rocha, Suzie Rocha, Nancy Poffenbarger
"Come Full Circle"

Jesús Rocha, Suzie Rocha, and Nancy Poffenbarger share a long history. Jesús and Nancy have known each other since high school and throughout their college years at UTSA. Suzie attended a few years later, and she and Jesús were married in 1998. The Rochas were reunited with Nancy at First Baptist Church in 2012. The three of them play an active part in the music ministry, singing in the Sanctuary Choir and Chamber Singers, and they enjoy opportunities to collaborate on duets and trios. After discovering the uncanny blend of their voices, they started searching for music suited to their tone and tastes, and for opportunities to share it.

As the Music Assistant at FBC, Jesús coordinates the Orchestra at First, the guest symphony musicians, special event music, and the First Fine Arts series. He also leads rehearsals and steps in to conduct the Orchestra and Sanctuary Choir during Sunday services several times a year. With dual music degrees in both music education and performance, he teaches in-home private voice lessons and sings with IlluMen, a professional men’s choir.

Holding a master’s degree in Vocal Pedagogy and Performance, Suzie teaches a large voice studio of private students at Alamo Heights Junior School and High School. She has sung professionally with the San Antonio Chamber Choir for fifteen years, and directs the SACC All-State for ALL Choir Camp in the summers. She accompanies local choirs and student performances when her schedule allows, and finds it rewarding to share her conducting and piano skills with the FBC Sanctuary Choir through leading warm-ups and sectional rehearsals.

After retiring from a career in the Air Force Academy Band, Nancy now sings as a freelance artist in the San Antonio community. She sings professionally with the San Antonio Chamber Choir and has been a part of Opera San Antonio’s productions for the past four seasons, as well as their Education Outreach program. She has also just become a new volunteer for the Hearts Need Art team at Methodist Hospital, providing creative support to adults with cancer.

Come Full Circle is named for so many things. It depicts the growth in their personal musical journeys, the hard-earned joy in their respective marriages, and even the progression of their career paths. And as smooth a path as a circle should be, it often is interrupted along the way—as a crown woven of branches is marred by thorns. Yet those thorns represent forgiveness and renewal, allowing even the most broken to accept Grace and come full circle.

December 17
Richard Novak
Richard Novak has established a national reputation as a professional tenor and voice teacher. On November, Novak made his Carnegie Hall debut performing on the Interharmony Concert Series. Dr. Novak holds a BM and MM in Vocal Performance from Stephen F. Austin State University, and the DMA in Vocal Performance from the University of North Texas. Richard is Assistant Professor of Voice at Texas State University, where he teaches voice and vocal pedagogy. Novak lives in New Braunfels, TX with his wife and children, and is Director of Music Ministries at New Braunfels Presbyterian Church.

 

Archive

2019 Advent Concert Series

2019 Lenten Concert Series


Trio

DEUX

Meredith Vis

Chamber Singers

 

2018 Advent Concert Series

Jourdan Howell

Mark Cruz

Chamber Singers