Corporate Office: 309 5th St., Charleroi, PA
Peter J. Daley Cultural Center, 119 Brownsville Ave., Brownsville, PA
monvalleyacademyforthearts.org
MARCH 2024 NEWSLETTER
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A Word from our Chief Executive Officer, Mark A. Smith
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Help Wanted! And why is that? The MVAA is busting at the seams. The vision that Pete Daley and Joe Campus envisioned years ago is now growing like the proverbial bad weed. With that said the MVAA Board of Directors is seeking an individual for 20 to 25 hours a week to work as the Cultural Center’s administrative assistant. With music lessons, band rehearsals, yoga classes, a children’s choir, beekeeping sessions, and general mayhem, the Cultural Center is now a literal beehive of activity. Anyone within the area who is interested in the arts and has time to dedicate to the cultural center, please contact the Board of Directors for all details. Thank you, and stay tuned; the 2024 season is upon us.
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Student of the Month: CJ Rhen
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We are introducing and highlighting one of the outstanding musicians with the Twin Coaches Jr. Stage Band a few years later. Let us go back to 2018 when a younger ‘CJ’ was a fledging sax player in the Joe Campus edition of the TC Band—now moving to the 2024 Season when a more mature “CJ” Rhen will become one of the esteemed directors of the 2024 TC Jr. Band. The late Maestro Joe would be “busting” and so proud that one of the student players is now the Director of the 17-piece jazz band. Besides this new position, CJ is a composer, trumpet, and sax player. He has numerous works written for ensembles ranging from big bands and orchestras to string quartets and combos. In addition to ensemble writing, CJ has experience composing for film and other forms of media and working in sound design. CJ also arranges and performs music on saxophone and trumpet with Aristotle Jones, the Appalachian Soul Man, across West Virginia and along the East Coast. Welcome aboard, CJ, as the eighth generation of the Twin Coaches Jr. Stage Band Director.
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"Aventuras en Español" - New Spanish Classes
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Mon Valley Academy for the Arts announces the addition of a new Spanish language class, "Aventuras en Español," to its curriculum. The classes, facilitated by experienced educator and writer Christina Gabonay, will be hosted at the Peter J. Daley Cultural Center (MVAA South) located at 119 Brownsville Ave., Brownsville, PA 15417.
The Elementary Exploratory Spanish class, titled "Aventuras en Español," is designed to introduce young learners to the exciting world of the Spanish language. The classes aim to make language acquisition enjoyable through interactive and engaging activities.
MVAA President Annette Buffer expressed excitement about the new class: "We are delighted to introduce 'Aventuras en Español' to our curriculum, offering an enriching language experience for young learners. We encourage families to join us on February 3 to learn more about this exciting program addition. Additionally, we are exploring the possibility of expanding this program to our Charleroi location if interest is sufficient."
For enrollment inquiries or additional information, please contact the MVAA at 724-561-5616 or email info@monvalleyacademyforthearts.org. Further details about Mon Valley Academy for the Arts can be found on their website at www.monvalleyacademyforthearts.org.
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MVAA Expands Programming to Uniontown
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Mon Valley Academy for the Arts (MVAA) is thrilled to announce the expansion of its educational programs to Uniontown by offering a special children's choir class at the East End United Community Center. This new initiative aims to provide young talents in the Uniontown area with access to high-quality music education and performance opportunities.
The special children's choir class will be held every other Thursday at the East End United Community Center, offering a unique opportunity for children to explore their musical abilities in a supportive and creative environment. Led by MVAA instructor Marissa McFarren, who also directs the MVAA children's choir at the Peter J. Daley Cultural Center (MVAA South) in Brownsville and serves as the band director for the Brownsville Area School District, the choir will prepare for a special performance to be held in conjunction with the planned Juneteenth celebration in Uniontown.
"We are excited to bring our educational programs to Uniontown and provide children in the community with the chance to discover the joy of music," said Annette Buffer, President of MVAA. "We extend our heartfelt thanks to the East End United Community Center for recognizing the importance of arts and music education and for their partnership in making this initiative possible."
The special children's choir class at the East End United Community Center is open to all children interested in music, and there is no charge to participate. Parents and guardians are encouraged to enroll their children and take advantage of this enriching opportunity.
For more information about the special children's choir class and other programs offered by Mon Valley Academy for the Arts, please contact MVAA at 724-561-5616 or email info@monvalleyacademyforthearts.org.
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Botany Workshop & Gardening Workshop
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Damon Buxton: Acoustic Guitarist & Songwriter
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Damon Buxton, Acoustic Guitarist & Composer
March 2 at 7 pm
Tickets $10 * BYOB * Light Refreshments
Peter J. Daley Cultural Center
119 Brownsville Ave., Brownsville, PA
Scan the QR Code, visit https://forms.gle/GmnkM5eAHLrUwhVcA, or call/text 724-970-5841 to guarantee a seat.
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Local Music Showcase & Open Mic
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Date: Saturday, March 23
Time: 7-9 PM
Cost: $5 donation
Sign up at the door for an Open Mic Performance Slot
Coffee, tea, pop, water, and snacks are available!
Peter J. Daley Cultural Center
119 Brownsville Ave. Brownsville, PA 15417
Reservations and Information: 724-561-5616
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Paint & Sip with MVAA & Rivers of Steel
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Join Us on Thursday Evenings!
Time: 6:30-8 PM
Cost: $20/Person (Free for Kids)
Programming By: Rivers of Steel Arts, Rivers of Steel Creative Leadership Program
BYOB for over 21 with valid ID.
Peter J. Daley Cultural Center
119 Brownsville Ave. Brownsville, PA 15417
Reservations and Information: 724-561-5616
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"Brainy Bunch" Donates Winnings to MVAA
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On Saturday, February 17, 2024, the RESA Regional Police Department and Stockdale Volunteer Fire Department held a Trivia Challenge fundraiser. Thirty teams participated in the event, and aside from a fun night out, all of the money raised that evening went to various charities and non-profit organizations.
The first-place team - The Brainy Bunch - won $500, and their designated charity / non-profit organization was Mon Valley Academy for the Arts. The team consisted of Jeannie Fox, Gene Fox, Barbie Somma, Peter Somma, Judy Paich, and Rick Paich. Thank you, Brainy Bunch, for the generous donation!
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Yoga & Mindfulness Afterschool Program for Kids
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Explore the art world with our Drawing Lessons for Kids, guided by Rev. Kristen Emrick. These creative sessions are held every Friday at 6 p.m. and cost just $15 per student. All materials are provided—all you need to bring is your boundless creativity!
These group lessons are designed for students in grades K-5 and take place at the Peter J. Daley Cultural Center, 119 Brownsville Ave., Brownsville. To schedule your child's artistic journey, you can easily scan the QR code, call 724-565-1687, or email info@monvalleyacademyforthearts.org.
Annette Buffer, President of Mon Valley Academy for the Arts (MVAA), wholeheartedly encourages kids to sign up, saying, "Art fosters self-expression and creativity in our youth. These drawing lessons are a fantastic opportunity for children to explore their artistic talents in a supportive and fun environment." Don't miss this chance to nurture your child's artistic potential!
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Music Lessons at the MVAA
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Drum Lessons with Mark A. Smith
MVAA Charleroi, 309 5th St.
Tuesdays & Thursdays: Noon-6 pm
Saturdays: 10 am-1 pm
Mark A. Smith’s Bio
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Guitar & Mandolin Lessons with Gary Antol
Sam Bill School of Music, 119 Brownsville Ave., Brownsville (MVAA South)
Lessons by appointment. Call/text 724-518-3957 to schedule.
Gary Antol’s Bio
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Drum Lessons with Pete Harris
Sam Bill School of Music, 119 Brownsville Ave., Brownsville (MVAA South)
Wednesdays: 3 pm-6 pm
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Guitar Lessons with Bobby Crafton
MVAA Charleroi, 309 5th St.
Mondays: 5 pm – 8 pm
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Flutophone Lessons with Jennie Jones
MVAA Charleroi, 309 5th St.
Saturdays: 10:30 am-11:30 am
Jennie Jones’ Bio
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Bagpipe Lessons with Brad Wilson
Sam Bill School of Music, 119 Brownsville Ave., Brownsville (MVAA South)
Wednesdays: 7 pm (group lesson)
Brad Wilson’s Bio
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Piano & Woodwinds Lessons with Carla DellaPenna
Sam Bill School of Music, 119 Brownsville Ave., Brownsville (MVAA South)
Mondays: 2:30 pm-6:30 pm
Carla DellaPenna’s Bio
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Flute Lessons with Evan Kovach
Sam Bill School of Music, 119 Brownsville Ave., Brownsville (MVAA South)
Lesson Days & Times by Arrangement
To schedule, call 565-1687 or email info@monvalleyacademyforthearts.org
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Lessons are designed for beginner to advanced students by active professional instructors.
If you would like to book a lesson, visit our website's Music Lessons page.
Details at 724.565.1687 or via email at info@monvalleyacademyforthearts.org.
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Book our space at 119 Brownsville Ave for:
- Band Rehearsals
- Birthday Parties
- Retirement Parties
- Club Meetings
- Wedding Showers
- Baby Showers
- Fundraising Dinners
- Private Parties
- Much More! Your Ideas are Welcome!
Space Available After May 1, 2023. Special rates for recurring rentals. Affordable space in the heart of Downtown Brownsville!
For details, call 724-565-1687 or email info@monvalleyacademyforthearts.org
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The MVAA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization that offers an eclectic array of programming and events, including musical instruction, art exhibits, a free summer concert series, and the opportunity for youth in grades 7-12 to perform with the Twin Coaches Junior Stage Band, the VoiceZ on Fire show choir, and the Regimental Fife & Drum Unit. The mission of the MVAA is to provide arts and cultural programs and activities to the Mon Valley and beyond that informs, entertains and engages this community and the region in lifelong learning and cultural experiences for all ages. The MVAA is operated by an all volunteer board of directors, with each member bringing their unique talents and experiences to help the organization to grow and thrive. The MVAA is funded by individual donations, grants, and corporate sponsors, and maintains a virtual storefront where they sell musical equipment that has been donated to the organization.
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