October 20, 2026 | Atlanta, Georgia
ATLANTA, GA. — The Lawrenceville-Suwanee School of Music (LSSM) brought the transformative power of music and art to the historic Fox Theatre in Atlanta on Sunday, October 18, 2026, with two performances of The Power of Music and Art! The event welcomed hundreds of guests from the Atlanta area and across the country, celebrating artistic expression, creativity, and the lasting impact of the arts across generations.
Featuring performers ranging in age from 5 to 87, the showcase brought together student
musicians, talented instructors, guest artists, and guest poet Cynthia Giles for an inspiring
celebration of music, visual art, and the power of creative expression. Led by Valencia Giles, Music Director and Owner of the Lawrenceville-Suwanee School of Music, the event highlighted the school's commitment to nurturing talent, building confidence, and helping students discover their potential through the arts.
Valencia Giles reflected on how music and the arts help students grow beyond the classroom
and the stage.
“I've seen music and the arts help students who are nervous become courageous. Learn discipline through practice. I've seen performance teach students how to overcome fear. I've seen the arts bring children together and teach them how to listen to one another, work together,and contribute something beautiful. And that's why I believe the arts are about so much more than performing. The destination isn't what matters most. It's who you become along the way.” — Valencia Giles, Music Director and Owner of Lawrenceville-Suwanee School of Music
Giles emphasized that music education extends beyond learning an instrument or preparing for a performance. Through practice, perseverance, and creative expression, students develop discipline, overcome fear, find their voices, and build confidence that can benefit them throughout their lives.
“We aren't simply teaching children music,” Giles said. “We're giving them an opportunity to
discover what they're capable of.”
The Power of Art: Celebrating Creativity Across Generations
For the first time, LSSM showcased its ongoing visual arts program at the Fox Theatre through a special gallery exhibition titled The Power of Art. The exhibition celebrated creativity, expression, and imagination, featuring artwork by faculty members, students, and invited artists.
Rebecca D. Fraiz, Creative Arts Director, reflected on the significance of the exhibition and its
impact on the artists involved.
“The art show at the historic Fox Theatre was a once-in-a-lifetime experience celebrating the quality, creativity, and transformative power of art for student artists, recognizing invited artists, and honoring the art instructors who nurture creativity and artistic growth. The show was a powerful reminder that art does more than inspire—it tells stories, connects communities, and has the ability to impact lives.”
The showcase also featured special musical performances by LSSM's highly qualified
instructors, whose experience spans decades, including educators with more than 50 years of experience and teachers who have toured nationally. Their performances reflected the school's commitment to musical excellence and its dedication to nurturing the next generation of artists.
Award-winning entertainer and comedian Jessica It's All Good served as Master of Ceremonies,bringing her nationally recognized performance experience to the event.
Guest Poet Cynthia Giles Celebrates the Power of Words and Connection
Guest poet Cynthia Giles, a published writer and spoken-word artist, performed her original
poem, Handwritten Letters, inspired by her independent documentary project, Letters. The
project explores how handwritten letters and meaningful conversations can bring people closer, encourage thoughtful listening, and strengthen communities in an increasingly fast-paced, technology-driven world.
Drawing on letters and conversations shared throughout the project, Cynthia Giles created the poem to celebrate the beauty of intentional words and the lasting connections they can inspire.
Expanding Access to Creative Arts and Wellness
Following the recent opening of its third location in Snellville, the school is also growing its
creative arts offerings, with opportunities for students to explore acting, band, chorus, and other artistic disciplines. The school offers adaptive lessons, supporting opportunities for musical development for students with learning differences. LSSM is also preparing to introduce a music therapy program that will explore how music supports emotional well-being and positively impacts lives.
The event's emphasis on the power of music and art aligned with World Mental Health Day,
observed annually on October 10, and highlighted the important role creative experiences can play in supporting connection, expression, and well-being.
LSSM celebrated the Fox Theatre showcase with an appearance on Atlanta Live (WATC TV 57) on Wednesday, October 14. The broadcast featured an interview with Valencia Giles, along with musical performances by an LSSM student and an instructor.
Through its music instruction, visual arts programming, performances, and developing creative arts initiatives, the Lawrenceville-Suwanee School of Music continues to champion the idea that the arts offer more than technical skill: they create opportunities for growth, confidence, connection, and lifelong discovery.