Colquitt County Arts Center

By Eric Foster-Whiddon

Courtesy of The Moultrie Observer

What is it about a guitar that captures the heart of a person?  A ringing acoustic chord, a soaring electric lead, beautiful wood and machinery brought together into a musical piece of art – the guitar is made to move the soul.

For so many young people, guitar becomes a hobby, a creative outlet or even a source of income.  When I was a teenager searching for identity, my parents gave me a guitar for Christmas.  I took lessons and once I mastered a few simple chords, something in me connected with the instrument and said, “Yep – this is part of who I am.”  Musicianship became the initiating factor in countless friendships, many of which remain to this day.  In the midst of a burgeoning community of young musicians, the Arts Center opened its doors and welcomed us into its space, giving our fellowship an environment within which we could belong.

As the guitar instructor for the Arts Center fifteen years later, I can attest that there remains a growing community of young musicians in Colquitt County.  They too are looking for an environment in which to belong.  A former youth pastor, I am very aware of the importance of dedicated space for young people; teens need places that are created for them.  Young guitarists need a space that moves them to say, “Wow!  This is MY KINDA PLACE!  Can I come hang out here after school?” 

I am very excited to announce that the Colquitt County Arts Center has developed such a space, a guitar studio called the Fret House.  Our local Home Depot store has provided supplies and manpower to renovate the room.  Several local businesses and families are funding the necessary equipment and furnishings. 

The Fret House and will be designed to feel like an intimate music venue, similar to the House of Blues concert halls.  Instead of sitting in metal chairs in rows, budding guitarists will perch on wooden stools on the stage that spans one end of the room, complete with a PA & lighting system.  Guitars and posters of famous guitarists will hang on the walls, alongside photos and signatures of my students on the “Wall of Fame”.   There will be a guitar workbench where inventive students can learn to repair and modify their instruments, make their own cables and even build guitars!

The guitar program at the Arts Center is definitely rockin’!  Come by and visit the Fret House sometime.  It’s easy to find – just follow the rock & roll to the end of the hall most any afternoon during the week!  For more information about the summer guitar program or our regular private and group lessons, call the Arts Center office at (229) 985-1922.