The School of Fine Arts at South Orlando Baptist Church has been a viable school for the arts for over 20 years. Over that time, we have consistently had excellent instructors on staff teaching art, drama, drums, flute, guitar, piano and voice.
At SOFA, our goal is to encourage each student to live a life of creative expression for God’s Glory and His alone! It is our commitment to teach individuals to express their faith through Music and the Fine Arts and to bring up future worship leaders.
Remember: art and music are not just for young people. Church members, home school students, students from public and other private schools, as well as rca are welcome.
Our current teachers include Derris Nelson, Lynn Rippberger, Rick Steele and Ellen Wittmann.
Derris Nelson: Derris is a multi-talented musician who brings those skills to the School of Fine Arts. As the worship leader at his home church, Victorious Fellowship, and as a composer and producer, he understands the importance of reading the music as well as feeling and listening, what we call “playing by ear.” Expert in drums, keyboard and voice and able to play guitar, bass and saxophone gives him the ability to go into any adventure your musical mind can handle.
Lynn Rippberger: As a member of South Orlando Baptist Church, Lynn and the Creative Fellowship team are responsible for the visual worship experience. Employed by Disney Feature Animation for many years, Lynn helped animate such movies as The Little Mermaid, Lilo and Stitch, Mulan and many others.
Rick Steele: Associate Pastor and Musc Director for over 20 years at SOBC, Rick and a dedicated team of music professionals started the SOFA program in 2005.
Ellen Wittmann: I was classically trained on piano and voice and that is how I teach. We primarily use the Faber Piano Adventures series, however, I also use Bastien, John Thompson, and Hanon velocity studies among many resources. I love all music but particularly anything I can sing to, so while we maintain progress in the standard method, I also consider my students' personal interests. Students' progress according to their willingness to work, study and practice. I’m very proud of my students as they are all talented young people and my hope and prayer for them is to develop their skills so that if they are ever called to serve in music ministry, they’ll be ready.
During this last year, SOFA added the Lyric Dance Team to its offerings. Led by McKenzie and Kaydence Nelson, this small group of girls performed at rcA chapel and the annual Recital. This growing program is open to boys and girls from grades1 thru 8.
SOFA is structured on a three-semester system. Beginning at the start of each school year, lessons are taught weekly for 12 weeks, with a period set aside for make-up lessons or additional lessons as the student needs. There are sometimes performance opportunities at local nursing homes and care centers. In January, we teach 12 additional weekly lessons, culminating in the annual recital. Students are encouraged, but not forced
Following the recital, a half semester of six lessons are taught from May thru june
At SOFA, our goal is to encourage each student to live a life of creative expression for God’s Glory and His alone! It is our commitment to teach individuals to express their faith through Music and the Fine Arts and to bring up future worship leaders.
Remember: art and music are not just for young people. Church members, home school students, students from public and other private schools, as well as rca are welcome.
Our current teachers include Derris Nelson, Lynn Rippberger, Rick Steele and Ellen Wittmann.
Derris Nelson: Derris is a multi-talented musician who brings those skills to the School of Fine Arts. As the worship leader at his home church, Victorious Fellowship, and as a composer and producer, he understands the importance of reading the music as well as feeling and listening, what we call “playing by ear.” Expert in drums, keyboard and voice and able to play guitar, bass and saxophone gives him the ability to go into any adventure your musical mind can handle.
Lynn Rippberger: As a member of South Orlando Baptist Church, Lynn and the Creative Fellowship team are responsible for the visual worship experience. Employed by Disney Feature Animation for many years, Lynn helped animate such movies as The Little Mermaid, Lilo and Stitch, Mulan and many others.
Rick Steele: Associate Pastor and Musc Director for over 20 years at SOBC, Rick and a dedicated team of music professionals started the SOFA program in 2005.
Ellen Wittmann: I was classically trained on piano and voice and that is how I teach. We primarily use the Faber Piano Adventures series, however, I also use Bastien, John Thompson, and Hanon velocity studies among many resources. I love all music but particularly anything I can sing to, so while we maintain progress in the standard method, I also consider my students' personal interests. Students' progress according to their willingness to work, study and practice. I’m very proud of my students as they are all talented young people and my hope and prayer for them is to develop their skills so that if they are ever called to serve in music ministry, they’ll be ready.
During this last year, SOFA added the Lyric Dance Team to its offerings. Led by McKenzie and Kaydence Nelson, this small group of girls performed at rcA chapel and the annual Recital. This growing program is open to boys and girls from grades1 thru 8.
SOFA is structured on a three-semester system. Beginning at the start of each school year, lessons are taught weekly for 12 weeks, with a period set aside for make-up lessons or additional lessons as the student needs. There are sometimes performance opportunities at local nursing homes and care centers. In January, we teach 12 additional weekly lessons, culminating in the annual recital. Students are encouraged, but not forced
Following the recital, a half semester of six lessons are taught from May thru june