Macon Magazine

84 maconmagazine.com | October/November 2025 talents I didn't even know I had." That discovery is evident in the success of Vineville alumni. Graham fondly recalls Daniel Stanley, a student whose talents in singing, dancing, and acting made him unforgettable and who is currently pursuing a musical theatre degree at Howard University. She also recalls brothers Oliver and Henry Jennings as frequent award winners and accomplished violinists, and Mary Catherine Lewis, Bibb County's first recipient of the Georgia Seal of Biliteracy. "I love when they come back and visit," Graham says. "They tell us the school feels small now, but the memories are still huge." Graham emphasizes that Vineville's structure as a public magnet is part of its charm. "Some people think a magnet school is like a private school. But the beauty of Vineville is that every child comes from every zone in our public school district. We're a fantastic arts-integrated melting pot. We bring children from all walks of life here, and we become one big family." BUILDING BLOCKS OF CREATIVITY The teachers carry that mission into classrooms every day. Dance teacher Lindsay Crisp has spent 21 years at Vineville. "The opportunities offered to all our children, and the longevity of the arts program, make this school special," she says. Offering dance as part of the school curriculum at the elementary level is exceedingly rare throughout the United States. Crisp points to the breadth of the school's dance program, which introduces students to forms like ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and African dance. "It offers different ways to relate to each other, to collaborate, to be friends. They're figuring out ways to move together, and that builds empathy. It helps them relate to each other in creative, artistic ways." For Crisp, success is simple: strong, lasting memories. "After 20-plus years, there are so many students who define success," she says. "What gets me the most is when I see former students and they say, 'Remember that dance we did in second grade?' The fact that they carry a positive experience of dance with them is a huge success to me." Art teacher Toni Siebenmorgan has a similar zeal for the school's focus. "I get to teach art all day long, every single day," she says, which can be rare. "From the littlest bitty kids to the oldest, I get to develop their skills over time. We want just as much art history as technique because students connect with artists from throughout the ages. They see their struggles and triumphs." Her students' work, like the other arts-focused teachers, often extends into the community. "My ceramics class visits the Fired Works displays from Macon Arts Alliance. My graphic design students decorate a tree at the Museum of Arts and Sciences. During the holidays, we participate in local contests. When students see their work in the community, they feel like they belong in Macon, too." Strings teacher Patricia Baser echoes the same excitement about giving students early access to instrumental music. The class taking place during MM's visit was for second graders, and Baser will encourage even smaller students to pick up a bow and violin. "It's very unusual to start string programs this young," she says. "The fact that every child can participate, regardless of experience, is what makes Vineville special. I want them to have the same opportunities I had growing up." Music teacher Arah Gay emphasizes performance and partnerships. "We do drum club, ukulele club, ballet, and musical theatre. And through Mercer University, our choral students sing the national anthem at almost every sporting event. It's exciting for them to be out in the community, showing what they've learned and representing their school." Performances and exhibitions tie the school to the broader Macon community. Vineville students perform in the Cherry Blossom parade, enter in regional competitions, and attend professional ABOVE Student Frankie Young practices her photography, surrounded by art on exhibit. RIGHT Students spent art class molding clay as photos of famous artists throughout history line the walls.

• Cover