Corporate Office: 309 5th St., Charleroi, PA
Peter J. Daley Cultural Center, 119 Brownsville Ave., Brownsville, PA
monvalleyacademyforthearts.org
JULY 2024 NEWSLETTER
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A Word from our Chief Executive Officer, Mark A. Smith
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Wow, it's hot out there! Not only is the temperature boiling, so is the excitement building around the MVAA programming. July will bring on increased teaching schedules, concerts, and an expanding interest in the cultural arts in the Mon Valley. Our late visionary Mr. Pete Daley began with the idea that our little valley was in dire straits for an organization to develop and expand the much-needed Arts programs for the kids and seniors within the tri-county area. Well, Pete, it’s here!
July will bring on both private and group music instruction, with new class instruction in Monessen, Uniontown, and California, Reg't Fife & Drum appearances at prestigious events, arts classes, and more. The Reg't Fife & Drum season will expand in membership and event schedule by appearing at the Warriors Rock concert on July 21 in Monongahela then heading to Gettysburg Battlefield to open the Wounded Warriors “Battlefield Bash” before performing for the third consecutive year at the Pennsylvania Monument along with two Civil War battle groups.
Yes, it is hot out there but, if interested in MVAA positions or membership, please contact MVAA @ 724-565-1687 or info@monvalleyacademyforthearts.org. Stay cool!
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MVAA + Monessen CTC = Summer Outreach Program
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Mon Valley Academy for the Arts (MVAA) is excited to announce a new partnership with Monessen Communities that Care (CTC), located at 861 Donner Ave, Monessen, PA, to launch a free summer music outreach program for local youth. This initiative is part of MVAA's ongoing commitment to providing high-quality musical education and expanding its reach to more communities. The program marks MVAA's first expansion into Westmoreland County, building on its strong presence in Washington and Fayette Counties.
The music outreach program offers individual and group music lessons every Tuesday, led by MVAA's dedicated instructors Marissa Fargnoli-McFarren, Program Director of the MVAA Outreach Program, and Mark Smith, CEO of MVAA. The program aims to harness the transformative power of music to enrich the lives of local youth, fostering creativity, discipline, and a sense of community.
Annette Buffer, President of MVAA, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, stating, "We are thrilled to partner with Monessen Communities that Care to bring the joy and benefits of music to the youth of Westmoreland County. Music has the incredible power to transform lives, and we believe this program will make a significant positive impact on the participants. We encourage everyone to take part in this wonderful opportunity."
Mark Smith, CEO of MVAA, added, "This outreach program represents a significant step in our mission to provide accessible music education to all. We are excited to see the positive effects it will have on the community and the development of the young musicians involved. Together with Monessen Communities that Care, we are creating a nurturing environment where youth can explore their musical talents and build confidence."
Teresa Seh, Project Director of Monessen Communities that Care, also highlighted the importance of the program, noting, "Partnering with MVAA allows us to offer a unique and valuable experience to our local youth. Music education is a powerful tool for personal and community development, and we are proud to support this initiative."
The MVAA and Monessen CTC are dedicated to providing a supportive and inspiring environment for young musicians. This outreach program not only offers the opportunity to learn and grow musically but also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and personal development through the arts.
For more information about the program or to enroll, please contact the Mon Valley Academy for the Arts at info@monvalleyacademyforthearts.org or call 724-565-1687.
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Help Wanted! Seeking Volunteers & Instructors
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The Mon Valley Academy for the Arts (MVAA) is actively seeking dedicated board members, volunteers, and instructors to join our vibrant community. We are looking for individuals passionate about the arts and committed to enriching our programs. All applicants must have up-to-date clearances, and MVAA is ready to assist you in completing this process. Whether you have experience in governance, a knack for teaching, or a desire to support various events and activities, your contribution will make a significant impact. Join us in fostering a thriving arts environment and providing high-quality instruction to all ages.
For more details or to get involved, please call 724-561-5616 or email info@monvalleyacademyforthearts.org. Your time and talent can help shape the future of arts in our community!
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WCCF Annual Day of Giving: September 19, 2024
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Throughout the year, Mon Valley Academy for the Arts (MVAA) brings affordable, high-quality instruction on most musical instruments to people of all ages, fostering a vibrant musical community. Our work is made possible by donors who believe in our mission and find value in our programs.
One of our most important fundraising activities each year is WCCF Gives, a community-wide giving event hosted by the Washington County Community Foundation. You can see from the Check Contribution Form, which you can download here, that a wide variety of local charities benefit from this giving event, which runs this year from June 1 through September 19. Gifts by check are accepted throughout this giving window. If you would prefer to give by credit card, you may do so on September 19 through www.wccfgives.org.
With your support, we can continue to nurture the musical talents of our community, provide exceptional performance opportunities, and ensure that the arts remain accessible to all. Your contribution helps us sustain programs like the EQT/MVAA Free Summer Concert Series and our various performance groups, bringing joy and cultural enrichment to the Mon Valley region.
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Keep the Beat! Marching Percussion Clinic on 7/19
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Get ready to elevate your percussion skills at the Peter J. Daley Cultural Center! On Friday, July 19, from 1-4 p.m., we are thrilled to host a dynamic Marching Percussion Clinic featuring top-tier instruction by renowned percussionists Pete Harris, Dawn Mason, and Rob Berletich.
This is a fantastic opportunity for percussion enthusiasts of all levels to learn from the best, improve their techniques, and have a blast with fellow musicians. The cost for this exceptional clinic is just $55.
Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot today! Call us at 724-561-5616 or email us at info@monvalleyacademyforthearts.org to secure your place in this must-attend event.
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Save the Date: Fayette Gives on 11/7/24
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Have you dreamed of making history? Of course, we all have. And now we have a chance to be a part of Fayette County's day of giving - an opportunity to unite our community around causes in which we truly believe and help nonprofit organizations connect to the larger community.
We need your help! Please join our campaign and help us reach our goal of $25,000 and 250 donors! We need you to tell your friends and family members about the important work we do and ask them to join us in helping to make a difference.
Get ready to give! On November 7, visit fayettegives.org and make a donation to us and/or to any of the great participating nonprofit organizations in Fayette County. All giving will end at 8:00 p.m. on November 7, so make sure to get your gift in on time!
Questions? If you have any questions or would like more information, let us know. Thank you in advance for your generosity to our organization!
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MVAA in Focus: Photos from our June 2024 Events
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Hiatus for Elementary Music Program: 6/28 - 8/2/24
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The MVAA Saturday Elementary Music Program will be on a summer hiatus from Friday, June 28 to Saturday, August 2, 2o24. No classes will be held during that time. Classes will resume on August 2.
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Save the Date: Brownsville Community Day
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Brownsville Community Day will be held on August 3 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Cast Iron Amphitheater in Brownsville. The event features an exciting lineup of performances:
- 11:00 A.M. - Reg’t Fife & Drum Unit
- 11:20 A.M. - TC Jr. Stage Band
- 12:30 P.M. - Sam Bill Legacy Band
- 3:00 P.M. - Aristotle Jones Band
- 5:00 P.M. - Good Karma Band
In addition to the fantastic music, attendees can enjoy a variety of food, vendors, and more. Sponsored by the Mon Valley Academy for the Arts (MVAA) & the Power of Music concert series, Somerset Trust Company, and the Borough of Brownsville, this community celebration promises a day full of entertainment and fun for all ages. Save the date and join us for an unforgettable day of music and community spirit!
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Learn to Play Violin with Marissa McFarren
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Violin instruction is now available! Details at 724-565-1687 or via email at info@monvalleyacademyforthearts.org.
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2024 Monongahela Farmers' Markets
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2024 ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE
June 7 - Strumburgh
June 14 - The Allies Band w/ Reg’t Fife and Drum Unit
June 21 - Johnny Vann
June 28 - Gary Antol w/ Shepherds Voice
July 5 - Day One
July 12 - Electric Folk/Blues Band
July 19 - C&T Acoustic
July 26 - Johnny Vann
August 2 - Tom & Jerry
August 9 - Shane Turner w/ Jim Black
August 23 - Country Western Day – Bobby Crafton
August 30 - Johnny Vann
Weekly entertainment co-sponsored by EQT Foundation & MVAA.
Featuring vendors, fresh fruits & vegetables, and much more.
Free admission!
This event runs Friday nights from 4-7 p.m. from June 7-August 30 at Chess Park in Monongahela.
FMI: Call 724-565-1687.
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Upcoming MVAA Group Performances in 2024
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REG'T FIFE & DRUM UNIT
June 1 - Payne Chapel in Canonsburg
June 14 - Chess Park in Monongahela
July 12 & 13 - Washington Whiskey Rebellion
July 26 & 27 - Gettysburg Battlefield Anniversary Bash
August 3 - Brownsville Community Day
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SAM BILL LEGACY BAND
June 9 - Riverside Inn in Fredericktown
July 13 - Nemacolin Castle in Brownsville
August 3 - Brownsville Community Day
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VOICEZ ON FIRE SHOW CHOIR
June 9 - Riverside Inn in Fredericktown
July 13 - Nemacolin Castle in Brownsville
August 3 - Brownsville Community Day
August 10 - Hiller Fire Hall
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Advanced & Jazz Saxophone Lessons Available
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Advanced & jazz saxophone instruction is now available! Details at 724-565-1687 or via email at info@monvalleyacademyforthearts.org.
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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: Lesson Times by Arrangement
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)
Lesson Days & Times by Arrangement
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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