About MVAA

The Mon Valley Academy for the Arts (MVAA) began in November 2015 with a suitcase full of original music charts and the original drum set from the Twin Coaches Supper Club in Belle Vernon, PA. From the very beginning, the motto of “Save the music and pass it on to the next generation” was the driving force behind the efforts of the late Maestro Joe Campus and local musician Mark Smith. Beginning with a tribute concert in November 2015 and moving forward to offer arts and cultural programming, the MVAA has plans to expand to a performance center/venue within the next two years. With the early emphasis on the heritage of the Twin Coaches Supper Club, the MVAA has successfully met the goals of the organization’s mission statement. By acquiring a permanent office location, teaching facility, and an accessible display area, the MVAA has become the most visible and active 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in the Mon Valley, serving not only the Mon Valley community but also the entire Washington County region.

Our Mission 

The Mon Valley Academy for the Arts 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 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. 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.

Diversity Statement

Mon Valley Academy for the Arts celebrates the diversity of its students and families, faculty, staff, and board members and, therefore, does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, disability or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.  All persons associated with MVAA are expected to abide by this policy in their interactions with students, families, faculty, staff, board members, and guests.

MVAA Contact Policy Policies

Please understand that the attention of MVAA staff must be focused on the students exiting and entering the building. In order to ensure that you get the answers you need while also ensuring the safety of the students, we ask that you direct any questions or concerns through phone or email contact with your instructor or via the following contacts: 

Email: info@MonValleyAcademyForTheArts.org

Phone: 724.565.1687

Pick Up and Drop Off

A parent/guardian is expected to escort their student in and out of the building,  and are expected to monitor the safety of their student until lesson begins.

Students should arrive 5 minutes before the start of their lesson. An authorized parent or guardian should be present with a verified form of identification to pick up their student at the end of their scheduled lesson.                                                

Parents/Guardians are welcome to wait quietly for their student in the building. For some programs, a parent/guardian must remain present. If a child who is not participating in a lesson wishes to wait in the building, parents/guardians are expected to be in full control of that child to ensure that they do not disrupt the lesson.

Equipment

If equipment, instruments, uniforms, facilities, or any other property is damaged, destroyed, or otherwise rendered in need of repair or replacement, the family associated with the damage is responsible for covering the costs of the repair or replacement. Until the charges are paid in full, the students will not be permitted to continue participating in MVAA programs, lessons, classes, workshops, etc.

Dress Code

MVAA has an exclusionary dress code. No student, teacher, parent, guardian, or any other attendee shall wear any apparel, jewelry, or any other visible accessory that by words, signs, pictures, or any combination thereof advocates or promotes sexual activity, violence, or the use of alcohol or drugs, or which demeans or degrades on the basis of race, sex, gender, political affiliation, religion or absence of religion, national origin, disability, or on any other basis.

Social Media

Disrespectful comments of any kind made by a student, their connected friends, family members, and guardians against Mon Valley Academy for the Arts, our faculty, or our students may result in immediate dismissal of the negatively connected students from the MVAA program.

Absence and Cancellation Policy

Planned absences from a group class should be conveyed in advance via email. Please be certain to include the name of the student, the name of the instructor, and the date of the planned absence. Unplanned absence from a group class due to illness or another of the moment circumstance that prevents the student from attending should be communicated to the instructor directly as soon it is determined that the student will not be in attendance or as soon as possible in the case of a crisis situation. If you do not have your instructor’s contact information, please contact via email or call MVAA.

Private lesson absence due to illness or otherwise should be communicated to to the instructor by text as soon as it is determined that the student will not be in attendance. Be aware that the fee for the private lesson might not be waived if advanced notice is not given, particularly in instances in which the instructor is not informed of the absence. One week advanced notice is considered a reschedule and no fee will be charged.

Cancellations By MVAA

MVAA retains the right to cancel scheduled lessons and classes at any time due to weather, building maintenance, illness, competition travel, or unforeseen circumstances.

For group classes and events, these cancellations will be communicated via the MVAA Facebook page.  For private lessons, the primary contact for the student will be contacted by the instructor, or by MVAA staff as soon as we know of the cancellation. MVAA also retains the right to cancel any planned program due to lack of enrollment. If a registration payment has been made, a refund will be issued.

Performing Members: Please refer to your manual for your absence policy.

Payments for On-Going Group Classes

All payments should be made via cash or by check. Checks should be made out to Mon Valley Academy for the Arts and be labeled with the student’s name and designate for what class on the memo/for line. Please bring all payments in a labeled envelope and submit them directly into the locked payment box. Payment for missed group classes will not be refunded or waived.

Payments for Camps and Workshops

Camp and workshop fees are due upon registration. Your spot will not be held until payment is received. Payments can be made by cash or check. Checks should be labeled with the student’s name and designate for what class on the memo/for line. Registration is not complete until full payment has been received. Spots will not be held.

Private Lessons

Private lesson fees are due before the start of your lesson. Payments can be made by cash or check. Checks should be labeled with the student’s name and designate for what class on the memo/for line.

Absence due to illness or otherwise should be communicated to to the instructor by text as soon as it is determined that the student will not be in attendance. Be aware that the fee for the private lesson might not be waived if advanced notice is not given, particularly in instances in which the instructor is not informed of the absence or after repeated absences. One week or more advanced notice is considered a reschedule and no fee will be charged.

Please understand that choosing to not show up for a private lesson means that your instructor will still be present waiting for you, and that the lesson slot was held for you. Open lesson slots quickly fill with other students. So, to avoid being charged for a missed lesson, please let your instructor know of the cancellation as soon as you know. All fees must be paid prior to the next scheduled lesson.

Code of Conduct

We have a ZERO tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior.

All students are expected to conduct themselves with great respect when representing MVAA in any capacity, as a student or performer. Any inappropriate behavior can be grounds for immediate dismissal from class and from the program. This code of conduct refers to behavior including, but not limited to, poor attitude, distracting behavior, theft, vandalism, destruction of property, inappropriate use or care of the building or equipment, aggressive language, all forms of physical aggression and violence, sexually inappropriate behavior, suspicion of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, possession of any illegal substance, possession of any weapon. Weapons include but are not limited to firearms, knives, and any other tool, instrument, or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury are prohibited on MVAA property.  If a problem arises, a parent meeting may be, but please note that a second chance is not guaranteed.    This Code of Conduct extends to parents, guardians, friends, and family members present on MVAA property and during MVAA associated events, classes, performances, etc.