Strike a chord: The Conservatory of Fine Arts is ready with fresh energy, programs – The Vicksburg Post

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A drum set onstage is just some of the musical equipment used.

A more traditional piano is also used.

Music is a big part of the work done at the conservatory. (Submitted photos)

Dorothy Brasfield had a vision, one that would offer fine arts programing to the community and through the Church of the Holy Trinity Episcopal, the Conservatory of Fine Arts was opened in 2006.

Since Dorothy’s death, her legacy continues to live on in the community as Cody Nelson takes up the mantle.

Nelson, who in March took the position to lead the now-Dorothy Kenna Brasfield Conservatory of the Fine Arts – Vicksburg said he has been focusing much of his attention on”helping the Conservatory recover and grow.”

“Like much of our community, we’ve felt the lasting effects of the pandemic, but there’s so much hope ahead. When I arrived, we had just one teacher holding things together during low enrollment. This fall, we’re reopening with at least six faculty members, a visual arts program, a work-study program with the Church of the Holy Trinity’s Chancel Choir, a youth-chorus, and plans for a ceramics studio,” he said.

The Voices of Vicksburg (VOV), the youth-chorus Nelson referred to, is set to launch in September.

“VOV is a 7th–12th grade youth chorus meeting Mondays and Thursdays from 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the conservatory,” he said. “Registration is open, and we’d love to welcome as many students as possible. The choir will perform throughout the 2025–26 school year, take part in community service events, and work toward building connections that bridge divides in our area. I believe it all starts with the kids.”

Before taking the position at the conservatory, Nelson taught in the Vicksburg Warren School District for several years and said he knows what the youth of the community have to offer.

“I’ve seen firsthand the incredible potential in our students. Many are looking for opportunities to shine and for mentors who believe in them. My goal is to create those opportunities — working with public schools, private schools, and homeschool families to collaborate, connect, and strengthen our arts community,” he said.

But music is just one aspect of the conservatory, Nelson said. This year additional avenues of creating and expressing one’s self will be offered to students of all ages.

Alanna Lawrence, who brings years of experience working with both young people and the community at large, Nelson said, will be offering adult and older students the opportunity to take a four-week digital photography workshop beginning in September.

Exciting things are happening at the conservatory, Nelson said, even the facility has undergone a complete transformation.

“Ceilings, floors, walls, light fixtures, studio entrances, and bathrooms have all been renewed,” Nelson said. “We even added a small stage in our main lobby for performances, rehearsals, receptions, and jam sessions.”

Nelson said he is excited to get things up and running and is “proud” to be working alongside a team of talented educators who share his love of music and the arts.

In addition to Lawrence, Eleana Reel will be teaching piano and voice, Matt Killen will be teaching brass and woodwind, Anna George will teach viola and violin and Nelson will also be teaching piano and voice instruction.

“I’m deeply grateful to Holy Trinity for their trust and support in caring for this conservatory,” Nelson said. “I envision it as an active, welcoming presence in Vicksburg — not just within our walls, but out in the community, advocating for the arts and helping people grow into their best selves. With the community’s support, I believe we can build something truly special here in Vicksburg.”

The Dorothy Kenna Brasfield Conservatory of the Fine Arts – Vicksburg is located at 930 South St. For more information, visit www.theconservatoryofthefinearts-vicksburg.com/

About Terri Cowart Frazier

Terri Frazier was born in Cleveland. Shortly afterward, the family moved to Vicksburg. She is a part-time reporter at The Vicksburg Post and is the editor of the Vicksburg Living Magazine, which has been awarded First Place by the Mississippi Press Association. She has also been the recipient of a First Place award in the MPA’s Better Newspaper Contest’s editorial division for the “Best Feature Story.”

Terri graduated from Warren Central High School and Mississippi State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations.

Prior to coming to work at The Post a little more than 10 years ago, she did some freelancing at the Jackson Free Press. But for most of her life, she enjoyed being a full-time stay at home mom.

Terri is a member of the Crawford Street United Methodist Church. She is a lifetime member of the Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary and is a past member of the Sampler Antique Club and Town and Country Garden Club. She is married to Dr. Walter Frazier.

“From staying informed with local governmental issues to hearing the stories of its people, a hometown newspaper is vital to a community. I have felt privileged to be part of a dedicated team at The Post throughout my tenure and hope that with theirs and with local support, I will be able to continue to grow and hone in on my skills as I help share the stories in Vicksburg. When asked what I like most about my job, my answer is always ‘the people.’

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