If you're good, you can be better.

That was the main lesson 26 participants were taught during the 2008 Summer Music Workshop sponsored by Barefoot Productions Inc. and Creative Impressions, a performing arts group.

"We use this workshop as a training tool for Creative Impressions to sharpen their music skills as well as provide experiences for others who may be new to music and the arts," co-director Judith Ruffin said. "Our goal is to offer instruction to nurture their artistic and personal development."

Evelyn Ellis, the founder and director of Creative Impressions, co-directed the workshop, which was held July 7 through Friday at St. Alban's Episcopal Church.

During the two weeks, participants ages 10-18 went through sessions on music, dance movement, musical theater, visual arts and spoken word.

The variety of topics the workshop offered attracted Robert Ricks, 15, to the camp for a second year.

"I came because I wanted to experience more of the arts," he said. "I wanted to learn more about music, art and dancing."

Creative Impressions members also found the workshop helpful.

"I came into Creative Impressions from a background not knowing much about music theory," said Aaron Johnson, 17, who has been with the group for a little more than a year. "What I learned this summer will help me a lot when we get new music for the group, and I will be able to understand the music on my own."

Chelsea Wright, 14, was excited about the workshop because it finally gave her a place to display her talent.

"I've always enjoyed singing but I've never had a chance to express myself through it," she said. "This gave me a chance to bless people with my voice."

Chelsea said she plans to audition with Creative Impressions so she can continue to display her talent.

The participants' determination was noticeable in all the sessions, said Sarah Colborn, the creative movement instructor.

"If they felt they didn't quite understand something or were shaky on what they were supposed to do, they didn't hesitate to say, 'Can we do that again?' or 'Show me how to do that again,' " she said.

"This was a very determined group of young people."

The workshop culminated with a program Friday night to showcase what they had learned. This was the sixth year the workshop has been held.

Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.