Fine Arts Academy

We are excited to announce our new Drama Studio!

Develop or sharpen your skill in the craft of theatrical arts by enrolling in our new FAA Drama Studio with instructor Brandy Miller! These hour long classes are for students ranging from second grade to adults of all ages, and will include training in the art of theatrical performance, followed by preparation and rehearsal for specific presentations which will be performed at the end of each semester. Here are the breakdowns:

Grades 2nd to 5th: 4:30p.m.-5:30p.m. – Five student minimum

Grades 6th to adults (all ages): 5:45p.m.-7:00p.m. – Five student minimum

Monthly bank draft payments are available upon request. Classes will be held either Monday’s or Thursday’s, pending enrollment.

McGregor Baptist Church
Director of Creative Worship/Pianist,
Director of the Fine Arts Academy

Jeremy began his music ministry journey on December 13, 1998, when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Growing up in a Reform Jewish household, this decision did not come lightly. But, Jeremy knew that he was to become a “fulfilled Jew,” living the life that God intended for His chosen people. Even though God called Jeremy to continue to work and be a light unto the secular music world, He still had plans to use Jeremy’s talents and abilities for His glory.

Jeremy grew up surrounded by musicians and performers. He started playing piano and singing at age 5, entertaining friends and family, eventually performing with local acts and musical companies. In high school Jeremy wrote his first songs and classical compositions, winning the Florida Vocal Association’s 1993 Composition Competition with “O Magnum Mysterium.” Continuing his education, Jeremy received a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of South Florida, in the studio of Annetta Y. Monroe. He also received a Masters of Music in choral/orchestral conducting under the baton of Maestro Robert Summer. Jeremy’s initial interest in scoring music for film and television led him to the commercial music scene, and his proficiency on the piano made Jeremy a frequent session player at major studios across Florida. By the late 90s, he had written such hits as “Oh Lonely Star,” “True Love,” and “A Better Day.”

Jeremy’s first break came in 1999, arranging two Christmas carols for the world-renowned Empire Brass and Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. These arrangements received tremendous praise and quickly became published and performed by choirs around the world. Jeremy went on to arrange and conduct the string orchestra for hot new Country artist Joey Daniels, signed to major independent label Big 3 Records. Soon after, Jeremy once again collaborated with Big 3 Records, arranging and conducting hot new tracks for Latin Pop icon Jon Secada.

Jeremy has always remained highly involved in secular music, including songwriting, arranging, orchestrating, and conducting. He also continued to be heavily involved in musical theatre, both onstage and offstage. He became a writer member of ASCAP in 2002 and then in 2008 was accepted into the Recording Academy (GRAMMYS) as a songwriter and producer.

After Jeremy was saved, he began writing and arranging Christian music as the Lord led. Naturally, Jeremy became more deeply involved in Christian music. Because he loves playing any keyboard instrument, including the pipe organ, he accepted a position as organist/composer-in-residence at First Baptist Church, Brandon, FL, where he continued to write, arrange, and perform. Then, God called Jeremy into a full-time ministry position as Director of Creative Worship/Pianist at McGregor Baptist Church, Fort Myers, FL, where he is able to use his unique background and skill set for God’s glory.

Jeremy, his wife, Katie, an amazing performer in her own right, and son, Ian, live in Fort Myers. In addition to music and ministry, he enjoys aviation and eating, and can frequently be found at the local general aviation airport or good restaurants!

Voice

Rebekah received a Bachelors of Music in Music Education, K- 12 from Palm Beach Atlantic University, 2002. Since the fall of that year to the present, she has been privileged to teach Elementary Music at Southwest Florida Christian Academy, where she has also instructed in drama and the vocal and instrumental praise band over the last nine years. Rebekah loves inspiring and encouraging students’ love for the Lord through the conduit of music. For more than 10 years, Rebekah has been actively involved in the Music Ministry of McGregor Baptist Church through the worship choir, praise teams, duets, solos, and in a ladies quartet, “Redeemed.” She has also assisted the church youth choirs, focusing mainly on choreography. Most recently, she and her husband, Derek, have become the Sunday morning “Wisdom Woods” Preschool worship leaders at the church.

Flute, Woodwinds and Brass
Teaches: flute – all levels; beginning woodwind and brass

Gail received a Bachelors of Music in Music Education and Masters of Music in Education, both from University of Akron, Ohio. She has over 18 years of experience teaching music in public and private settings. Gail is currently the Director of Bands at the Southwest Florida Christian Academy, where she serves as an inspiration and positive role model to her students. Gail is an integral member of our Fine Arts faculty.

Piano
Teaches: piano – classical and jazz all levels

Byron received a Bachelors of Arts in Music Performance from the University of Florida. He specializes in the fields of Classical and Jazz Piano and teaches studies for all ages. Byron is active in the Fort Myers area’s entertainment and performance scene.

Strings and Piano
Teaches: strings – all levels; beginner and intermediate piano

Jackie not only studied at University of the Philippines, but also with world-renowned violinists. Jackie has over 20 years of experience teaching strings and piano and currently teaches these disciplines at St. Michael’s Episcopal School.

Piano and Voice

Susie received a Bachelors of Arts in Music Education from Palm Beach Atlantic College, now known as Palm Beach Atlantic University. In late high school and early college Susie toured with a group called “Heavenbound” which made a recording of the same name. Susie has 27 years experience teaching music, as well as performance in public and private settings. Susie is currently a 2nd grade teacher at SFCA, and lead teacher for grades Kindergarten – 2nd grade. Susie is the Children’s Choir Coordinator at McGregor Baptist Church where she is an active church, choir, and ensemble member. Susie sings on the Priority ensemble’s recording, “Priority Through The Years.” Susie performs in solos, duets, trios, ensembles and choirs. She sang with the gospel trio “Three 4 Thee” for the duration of the group. Susie is an active member of the Florida Baptist Worship Choir, where she has been invited to sing in various duets, praise teams, and other ensembles.

Voice

With almost 20 years of professional vocal training herself, Brandy offers a unique style of voice coaching. Brandy has 10+ years each of teaching and professional performing experience from the classroom to the studio, to live concerts and shows. Her broad range of vocal styles include classical, Broadway, hip hop, Christian contemporary, and more. Brandy is currently teaching music and drama at SWFL Christian Community School and is an active member of McGregor Baptist Church.