St. Augustine Community School of Performing Arts (SACSPA) is a 501 (C)(3) non-profit organization with a mission "To find and nurture the spirit of creativity and talent that rests within everyone." We provide inspiration, instruction, and performance opportunities to children in need and to the elderly within our local community. Through the years we have served hundreds of community members including St. Augustine Youth Services (SAYS), THE PLAYERS Championship Unit of St. Augustine, Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Florida, and Coquina Crossing Chorale.
"I have covered in video and photos SACSPA under the direction of Annette Danielson for a couple of years. I am amazed for all the work she does with her school, from concerts to events like Dancing Stars of St Johns County. The community must keep supporting her school, for not having SACSPA would make us less of a community. I define her school and work with a single word "Love"."
Jorge Rivera - Photo/Journalist at First Coast TV
Our Impact...
BG (Big Guy) came to SACSPA with a 15 second attention span and two body guards in 2009. Refusing to cooperate in any way, BG would not use his thumbs at the piano for one year. BG progressed to two-60 minute lessons weekly with successful performances playing Bach and Beethoven and began attending college. Music has changed his life! We at SACSPA are very proud of BG!
Nita was one of SACSPA's first music outreach volunteers at "THE Players Championship Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida". She came to SACSPA as a first time vocal student making the most amazing progress after just six months of intensive study. After multiple successful auditions including American Idol Nitra became a successful professional vocalist and recording artist.
Olivia, winner of Jacksonville Giants National Anthem auditions representing SACSPA outreach at "THE Players Championship Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida located at 555 West King St. St Augustine, Florida.
Our History...
After having experienced a remarkable recovery from traumatic brain injury, Annette Danielson wanted to give back to others. She noticed a lack of musical education available to many of the children of St. Augustine. In 2006, the founding ideas of St. Augustine Community School of Performing Arts (SACSPA) was birthed. A governing board was established with a mission "To find and nurture the spirit of creativity and talent that rests within everyone.” Through the years, children of all ages and backgrounds have been served free music programs and impacted through concerts, summer camps, and private instruction.
In 2014 St. Augustine Community School of Performing Arts partnered with Arthur Murray Dance Centers to present Dancing Stars of St. Johns County™. The show has become a highlight event in St. Augustine.
Today SACSPA outreaches have expanded offering programs to the young and the old changing many lives in the community. SACSPA is currently working with St. Augustine Youth Services (SAYS), Coquina Crossing Chorale, providing performance opportunities in local businesses, offering zoom piano master classes, musical internships, piano technician skills internships and much more.
Annette Danielson - Founder and Executive Director
Annette is Founder and Executive Director of St. Augustine Community School of Performing Arts, Inc (SACSPA). As a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a BA in Piano Performance and Graduate studies in Piano Pedagogy, Annette served as piano faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University and their Community School of Performing Arts from 1982 -1996.
In 1998, Annette suffered a traumatic brain injury, resulting in temporary paralysis and the loss of both her short and long term memory, which has been slowly redeveloped over time. In 2000 Annette's neurologist released her from treatment believing that she had reached her maximum level of recovery. Annette's strong will, determination, and the impact of music on a healing brain has since propelled her recovery far past any of her doctors medical expectations.
Annette has served her community as a church pianist and as a piano and voice teacher. Annette continues to serve her community as a classroom music instructor and as a choral director for SACSPA's outreach programs/events. In addition to these roles Annette has also served as a grant writer and fundraising administrator for SACSPA.
Annette has received awards and recognition with numerous committees and organizations including Who’s Who in Music and Enterprising Women’s Leadership Institute (EWLI).
Annette is a devoted mother of 8 children and 7 beautiful grandchildren, and her love for her family has deepened her passion for the creation of accessible music programs that enrich her community.
Our Board of Directors
Wayne Fusco - Interm President
Wayne is the current Assistant Supervisor of Elections for the St. Johns County Supervisor Elections Office, a role that he has held for the past 10 years. Prior to coming to St. Augustine, Wayne worked as the Director of Information Technologies for the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Office. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration from Flagler College, is a Master Florida Certified Elections Professional, and holds a national CERA certification in Elections. In his spare time he is a local photographer and is currently working towards getting his pilot license.
Kim Fader - Treasurer
Kim Fader is the owner of Ancient City Accounting. Kim has been married to her husband Myles for 27 years. They have three children; Jessica, Jack and Alex. The Fader’s moved to Saint Augustine from Massachusetts about 20 years ago. Kim enjoys the beach, boating and helping her clients succeed at their businesses. Kim and Ancient City Accounting support many local nonprofit organizations such as The Limelight Theatre, SAYS, Betty Griffin House and Rhythm & Ribs. Her son Jack took piano lessons at SACSPA.
Lori McCloud - Secretary
Lori attended Saginaw Valley State University majoring in Marketing Strategies and minoring in Commercial Art Design. She also, attended Valley Bible Institute seeking a degree in Christian Education. Lori worked her way through college window dressing, designing floor displays and signs as well as performing general sales duties at local retail stores. During this time, she opened her first business, L.W. Designs, a graphic design company creating print work, logo design and illustration. Upon leaving the area, she then began a career in Christian education. She held administrative positions at two Christian schools in marketing and development and as a personal assistant to the headmaster. Over the years, she has been heavily involved in her local churches serving as Children’s programs coordinators, teaching Sunday Children’s Church services for over 25 years, producing and directing children’s musicals and theatre, serving on the adult and children’s worship and outreach teams and using her art to enhance church curriculum and administrative needs. She has two children with her husband, David, a commercial manager in the railroad industry at the largest privately-owned short line operator in the United States. Megan is an award-nominated singer-songwriter and ordained minister through the Assemblies of God. Taylor is an accomplished VFX artist and director. Currently, Lori is the owner of a new graphic design business, Artistically Stated!, that specializes in logo design, custom invitations and cards, print work and motion graphic design.