Mon Valley Academy for the Arts (MVAA) is a dedicated nonprofit arts organization serving the Mon Valley region with a mission to foster creativity, musical education, and artistic expression. Situated across two central locations—our corporate office at 309 5th Street, Charleroi, PA, and the Peter J. Daley Cultural Center (MVAA South) at 119 Brownsville Avenue, Brownsville, PA—MVAA stands as a cultural beacon in the community, welcoming individuals of all ages and skill levels to explore ... Read More
Mon Valley Academy for the Arts (MVAA) is a dedicated nonprofit arts organization serving the Mon Valley region with a mission to foster creativity, musical education, and artistic expression. Situated across two central locations—our corporate office at 309 5th Street, Charleroi, PA, and the Peter J. Daley Cultural Center (MVAA South) at 119 Brownsville Avenue, Brownsville, PA—MVAA stands as a cultural beacon in the community, welcoming individuals of all ages and skill levels to explore the world of music and performance arts.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, MVAA emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity in the arts, offering affordable, high-quality instruction across various musical instruments and artistic disciplines. This commitment to affordability is integral to our mission to eliminate financial barriers that prevent access to creative education and performance. We strive to provide an environment where aspiring musicians and performers can grow, develop, and realize their potential, contributing to a vibrant local arts culture.
MVAA has four main performance groups, each designed to nurture talent across age ranges and skill levels. These ensembles allow students and community members to learn, collaborate, and perform in a supportive and dynamic setting.
1. TC Jr. Stage Band: Designed for students in grades 7-12, this ensemble allows young musicians to delve into the world of jazz and popular music, gaining experience in performance, improvisation, and ensemble collaboration. The TC Jr. Stage Band is an excellent entry point for youth interested in band performance and fosters technical skill and confidence through regular practice and performance opportunities.
2. VoiceZ on Fire: Also open to students in grades 7-12, VoiceZ on Fire is a vocal performance group focusing on choral arrangements, harmonization, and vocal expression. Members receive vocal training and performance experience that serves as an invaluable foundation for those interested in pursuing vocal arts at higher levels.
3. Regimental Fife & Drum Unit: This unique performance group features musicians of varying ages and celebrates the historical roots of music, mainly through the lens of early American military music. Members learn the art of playing the fife and drum, immersing themselves in traditional techniques and bringing history to life through performances at various events and festivals. This group bridges history and music, educating performers and audiences about the significance of traditional instruments in American history.
4. Sam Bill Legacy Band: Open to all ages and primarily consisting of adults, the Sam Bill Legacy Band is a community band that performs a wide array of musical genres, from big band jazz to contemporary pieces. This band honors the memory of Sam Bill, a beloved musician whose dedication to music and community continues to inspire the group. Through the Sam Bill Legacy Band, MVAA fosters a community of musicians committed to keeping the spirit of live music thriving in the Mon Valley.
Additionally, MVAA proudly introduced Take 5 Brass, a brass quintet featuring Sam Volldstadt, Ethan Rumbaugh, Korbin Andrews, Lucas Salaway, and Evan Lee under the direction of Ken Coffman. This quintet is designed to offer brass musicians a specialized ensemble experience, focusing on the unique tonal qualities and repertoire of brass instruments. Take 5 Brass regularly performs alongside the Sam Bill Legacy Band. It has been featured at prominent local events, such as their upcoming Veterans Day performance at the Brownsville Sons of Italy.
As part of our mission to serve the community, MVAA hosts several free summer concert series, including the EQT/MVAA Free Summer Concert Series and the Power of Music Free Summer Concert Series. These events showcase an array of musical genres, performed by local artists and guest musicians, and provide a family-friendly, inclusive environment for residents and visitors to enjoy live music. Held in scenic local parks and at the Cast Iron Amphitheatre in Brownsville, PA, these concert series celebrate community, summer fun, and the transformative power of music. Each concert in these series is made possible through our partnerships with local organizations and businesses, such as EQT, and is a testament to MVAA’s commitment to making music accessible to all.
MVAA also administers the Empower a Rising Star (EARS) Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to aspiring musicians in the community. This scholarship program helps eliminate financial barriers for talented young musicians who wish to develop their skills, attend workshops, and participate in our performance groups.
MVAA remains a dynamic part of the Mon Valley, with new events and initiatives added to our calendar each year. We are proud to host workshops, masterclasses, seasonal recitals, and outreach events that promote the arts and provide learning opportunities for people of all ages.
Whether you are an aspiring musician, an experienced performer, or simply a lover of the arts, Mon Valley Academy for the Arts offers a welcoming space to learn, grow, and connect. Join us in celebrating the joy of music and the arts and be part of a community that values creativity, collaboration, and cultural enrichment.
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