Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Eros.
Hi Jamie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been in the arts my whole life. When I was growing up, there was never a place outside of high school to study performing arts and when I came back after my master’s degree I only saw places in St. Louis. I always wanted to give back to my community and finally took the chance. I found an incredible board of directors and enlisted the help of family and friends. Now we own our own building and are taking steps forward together starting after school classes in acting, dancing and all things theatre arts.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing is smooth when starting a non profit. There are so many steps, paperwork, legal issues, funding problems, building needs, and a laundry list of hoops to jump through. I have had help each step though. The hardest part thus far is simply getting the word out and encouraging people to take a chance on us since we are new.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I started my career as a professional opera singer. I then had my two oldest boys and transitioned into private voice and piano lessons in the metro east. I’ve been doing that for 27 years now. I have also taught in the private school sector. Currently I am the music teacher at Chesterton Academy of St. Louis and I couldn’t love that more. I still teach full time at home while serving as the creative/artistic director for the Sparger Center for Performing Arts. I have dedicated my life to sharing my love of music and theatre with everyone I teach and have developed some of the most important relationships of my life through music. I suppose I’m known for the energy I bring to everything I do and for holding myself to high standards of excellence. I’m also quite a crazy music lady!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My junior high and high school choir director Gail Fleming is why I became a music teacher. She was my guiding light in my most formative years and now is a member of our board of directors!
Michele Taylor has also been with me through all of this and continues to be an incredible support system for everyone obstacle. She is so smart and well versed in everything! I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without her.
Pricing:
- Our fall winter classes are 11 weeks and $300
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Spargerperformingarts.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spargercenterpa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580630057778
