Mission Statement
The mission of the Mon Valley Academy for the Arts (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. In line with our mission, MVAA hopes to build stronger communities, neighborhoods, and economies, while providing artists the opportunity to share their talents by providing professional showcases including classes, workshops, performances, exhibits and more within the region. We hope to cultivate vibrant communities by connecting artists with the community, building skills, sharing information, and services that will allow artists to make a living doing their work while providing much needed arts and cultural opportunities to the greater community.
About the MVAA
The MVAA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the cultural fabric of the Mon Valley and beyond through a diverse array of programs and events. Our offerings include musical instruction, arts and culture workshops, the Empower a Rising Star (EARS) scholarship program, and free concerts including the EQT/MVAA Summer Concert Series and the Power of Music Concert Series.
The MVAA is also home to several outstanding musical ensembles: the Twin Coaches Junior Stage Band, VoiceZ on Fire show choir, Sam Bill Legacy Band, Regimental Fife & Drum Unit, Take 5 Brass quintet, and the MVAA Legends Drum & Bugle Corps. These groups showcase the extraordinary talent and rich musical heritage of our region.
Currently, we’re preparing to launch a new podcast and concert series celebrating the Mon Valley’s legendary musicians. Stay tuned for updates as we bring these inspiring stories and performances to life!
Our mission is to inspire, educate, and connect individuals of all ages through lifelong learning and cultural experiences. Operated by a dynamic, all-volunteer board of directors with varied talents and expertise, the MVAA is committed to fostering community engagement and growth.
The MVAA is funded through individual donations, grants, corporate sponsorships, and revenue from our virtual storefront, where we sell MVAA themed apparel, merchandise and donated musical equipment. Explore our website to learn more about upcoming events, programs, and ways to get involved!
EQT/MVAA Free Summer Concert Series
The EQT/MVAA Free Summer Concert Series brings vibrant musical performances to our community. This series, a collaboration between EQT and Mon Valley Academy for the Arts (MVAA), presents an array of artists and genres, creating a dynamic and inclusive musical experience. The concerts occur in local parks, providing an outdoor setting for all to enjoy. Attendees can immerse themselves in live music, fostering a sense of togetherness and cultural enrichment. The series showcases emerging talents alongside established musicians, offering diverse sounds that resonate with a broad audience. By eliminating barriers, such as admission fees, the EQT/MVAA Free Summer Concert Series aims to make high-quality music accessible to everyone. This initiative strengthens community bonds and fosters a shared appreciation for the arts. Through this collaboration, EQT and MVAA contribute to our region’s vitality and cultural vibrancy.
Power of Music: Free Summer Concert Series
Join us for Mon Valley Academy for the Arts’ exciting annual event: the “Power of Music” Free Summer Concert Series! We are proud to sponsor this incredible music, community, and summer fun celebration.
Join us as we showcase the remarkable talent of local musicians in a series of captivating performances. This family-friendly event brings together music enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy various genres, from rock and pop to jazz, classical, and everything in between. The Power of Music Free Summer Concert Series is a testament to the transformative power of music and its ability to bring joy, inspiration, and unity to our community.
As you soak up the soul-stirring melodies and vibrant rhythms, satisfy your taste buds with delicious treats from local food trucks and nearby vendors. Indulge in a delectable variety of cuisine, ensuring that your concert experience is musically delightful and a culinary adventure.
To make the most of your concert experience, we encourage you to bring a lawn chair or blanket to relax and enjoy the performances comfortably.
The Power of Music Free Summer Concert Series is made possible through the generous support of Mon Valley Academy for the Arts and our dedicated sponsors. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have contributed to making this event a resounding success year after year.
Mark your calendars, gather your family and friends, and join us for an unforgettable summer filled with great music and community spirit. Follow our website and social media channels for updates on the concert schedule and featured artists.
Come and experience the Power of Music firsthand—a celebration you won’t want to miss!
MVAA History
“Save the music and pass it on to the next generation” was the initial mission statement of the Mon Valley Academy for the Arts and for the past four years has remained an ongoing goal. During that time, the MVAA has offered musical instruction as well as planned and hosted many successful events, including a free summer concert series.
The Mon Valley Academy for the Arts (MVAA) was founded by professional drummer Mark Smith to provide affordable, high-quality arts education and performance opportunities in the Mon Valley region. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, MVAA is dedicated to enriching lives through the transformative power of the arts. With headquarters in Charleroi, PA, and a second location at the Peter J. Daley Cultural Center in Brownsville, PA, the academy serves a diverse community of students and audiences.
MVAA was inspired by the contributions of community leaders like the late Joe Campus, a passionate advocate for music and education, and the late Pete Daley, a devoted public servant and champion of the arts. Their dedication to cultural enrichment laid the foundation for MVAA’s mission to create accessible opportunities for artistic expression in the Mon Valley. The organization also draws inspiration from the legacy of the Twin Coaches Supper Club, a renowned entertainment venue in the region. The club hosted legendary musicians and bandleaders who brought world-class music to the Mon Valley, creating a rich cultural heritage that MVAA continues to honor through its programs and performances.
MVAA offers instruction in a wide range of musical instruments and visual arts, catering to learners of all ages. Its performance ensembles include the Sam Bill Legacy Band, the Regimental Fife and Drum Corps, the TC Jr. Stage Band, the VoiceZ on Fire show choir, and the recently launched Take 5 Brass quintet. These groups showcase the talent of local musicians, ranging from students to seasoned professionals, and perform at community events throughout the year. MVAA’s ensembles carry forward the spirit of excellence embodied by the musicians of the Twin Coaches Supper Club, inspiring new generations of artists.
MVAA’s commitment to accessibility is reflected in its Empower a Rising Star (EARS) scholarship program, which provides tuition-free arts education to economically disadvantaged youth. The program has been supported by numerous local donors and community foundations, ensuring that talented students from all backgrounds can access high-quality instruction. Additionally, MVAA hosts free summer concert series, including the EQT/MVAA series and the “Power of Music” concerts. These events bring vibrant, live performances to the region, celebrating the community’s artistic heritage while engaging diverse audiences.
In addition to performance and education, MVAA fosters creative storytelling through its upcoming podcast and concert series celebrating music legends from the Mon Valley. Launching in 2025, the podcast will spotlight the region’s rich cultural history, featuring interviews and performances that connect the past to the present. The concert series will further honor the area’s artistic legacy by showcasing the music of these legends at venues across Washington County and beyond.
Guided by a dedicated leadership team, MVAA emphasizes inclusion, community collaboration, and artistic excellence. By honoring the legacies of Joe Campus, Pete Daley, and the musicians and bandleaders from the Twin Coaches Supper Club, MVAA continues to inspire and empower the Mon Valley community, preserving its vibrant cultural traditions for future generations.
MVAA 2024-2025 Sponsors
Corporate Sponsors: Anden Chiropractic Clinic, Armando’s Pizza, Brownsville NAPA Auto Parts, Brownsville Rotary, Charleroi Borough, Community Bank, Elmo’s Computers & Firearms, Eric’s Photography & Film, EQT Foundation, Fayette County Community Foundation, Frick Financial Federal Credit Union, Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, Law Office of Lisa J. Buday, Lee Supply Co., Inc., Lil’ Joey’s Pizza, Mark’s Drum Shop, Martin’s Catering, Mitchell Law Office, Monessen Communities that Care, PNC Charitable Trust, Pittsburgh Musicians Union, R. R. Administrative Consulting, Rivers of Steel, Somerset Trust Bank, SPHS of Washington, The Pittsburgh Foundation, UPMC Health Plan, Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Washington County Community Foundation, Westmoreland County Community Foundation, and WVU Medicine.
Private Donors: Karen & Fred Alvarado, Kim Brashear, Lisa & Jeff Buday, Carl DellaPenna, Michelle Dehosse, Chip & Ava Giannetti, Heidi & Kevin Kavanaugh, Dwaine & Carrie Kromer, Ashley Kyber, Jack Lawver, Muriel Nuttall, Mary Pipik, Johnna Pro (DCED), Rayna Winston, Teresa Seh, Joe Terry, William Ursic Jr., and Mike Walters.