AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – An Augusta arts school is offering young musicians a chance to learn instruments through a summer workshop.

The Young Winds Workshop at MelodiousOne Educational Institute entered its second day this week. Students are learning to play instruments including the French horn.

“When you learn something new, you want to keep getting to it and keep doing it and it’s so much fun,” said Isla Asmann, a workshop participant.

Workshop structure

Day one focused on music theory, including lines and spaces and whole and half notes. Day two marked the first time students handled instruments.

“Today was their first time putting instrument in hand so they have the opportunity to assemble, dissemble, learn to play their first sound and first full note,” said Shea Burns, founder of MelodiousOne Educational Institute.

Asmann chose the French horn, citing its rarity and potential benefits.

“There’s only a few people that actually do it in the world so it makes good scholarships in college,” she said.

Quintan Willis, a student at MEI who returned as a helper this summer, plays clarinet and offered advice to participants.

“Starting out you will never be good at something, but if you try constantly you will actually succeed,” Willis said.

Burns said early music education affects brain development.

“The younger they are the more they can hold and as long as they can hold an instrument their brains will be way more available to them and accessible. A lot of open thought process comes through instrument playing,” Burns said.

Asmann said she sees a decline in musicians.

“There’s not as many musicians in the world as there use to be. Back then almost everyone played an instrument and since technology has been created it’s like they are listening on their phones and not playing as much,” she said.

The workshop was made possible through a grant. MelodiousOne Educational Institute completed its first year. A recital is scheduled for Friday at 1 p.m. at MEI’s location off Aumond Road. Fall semester registration is available.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – People who live in the Haynes Station neighborhood are sharing their frustrations about a data center being built in West Augusta.

Neighbors say their concerns include a lack of transparency and communication from city leaders and the developer behind the project.

The comments come ahead of a possible pause on data center developments in Augusta. Commission leaders are expected to discuss the issue Tuesday.

One neighbor said she wants commissioners to approve a moratorium that would apply not only to future data center proposals, but also to the Eisenhower Drive data center project.

“I want to walk away with them all voting yes to a moratorium, not just for new proposed data centers, but to include the Eisenhower Data Center,” she said. “We’re saying a time frame — I don’t know, 12 to 18 months — until the policies are established on all data centers, to include the Eisenhower one.”

Neighbors say they plan to attend the commission meeting.

We will keep you updated on what comes out of the discussion.

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta GreenJackets, in partnership with Destination Augusta, on Monday announced the launch of Augusta Soul, a new alternate identity celebrating the rhythm, history and cultural heartbeat of the Augusta area.

The Augusta Soul will take the field June 19 and 20 at SRP Park against the Hill City Howlers.

Augusta’s soul story can be seen and felt throughout the community, from downtown landmarks and murals to historic stages, museums, local venues and gathering places that continue to carry the city’s musical spirit forward.

The identity pays tribute to the legacy of James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, and Augusta-born powerhouse Sharon Jones, whose influence helped bring classic soul to a new generation.

“Minor League Baseball gives us a unique opportunity to tell local stories in a fun and meaningful way,” said Augusta GreenJackets General Manager Brandon Greene. “Augusta Soul honors the artists who moved the world, the places that shaped the sound and the people who continue to give this community its energy today.”

The June 19 game will include an Augusta Soul bowling shirt giveaway, presented by Destination Augusta, for the first 1,000 fans through the gates.

On June 20, fans can enjoy post-game fireworks and have the chance to bid on the game-worn and autographed Augusta Soul jerseys, with net proceeds benefiting the James Brown Academy of Musik Pupils.

Tickets for both Soul games are available now for purchase. Visit www.greenjacketsbaseball.com, call 803-349-9467 or visit the SRP Box Office at 187 Railroad Ave., North Augusta.