Lessons continue for area’s young musicians

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

While local musicians are unable to perform in front of an audience, young performers are still perfecting their crafts to prepare for their next opportunity.

The Mon Valley Academy for the Arts, which provides arts and cultural programs in the Mon Valley, shifted to online operations last week as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

MVAA founder and board president Mark Smith said the organization has found a way to keep music alive.

While the newly opened doors of the organization’s first brick-and-mortar office closed soon after a grand opening, lessons and education will continue.

“In keeping with the governor’s directive that only essential personnel should venture out right now, and out of an abundance of care and caution for the health and well-being of our patrons, donors and volunteers, we’ve closed our facility to the public for the foreseeable future,” Smith said. “We’ll reopen our doors when a determination has been made by the authorities that it’s safe to do so.”

While the MVAA is not considered an essential business, the group believes its mission is.

“Although we certainly don’t fall under the category of essential personnel, we do very much believe the arts are essential,” Smith said. “In line with this, we’ve made efforts to transfer as much of our operations and offerings as possible to an online format.”

For the past two weeks, Smith and other instructors have conducted music lessons via Zoom.

“We did not want the music to die off,” Smith said. “We need it now more than ever.

“While the online lessons can seem a little backward and can be a bit awkward because of the hands-on nature of what we do, it seems like this is going to be the future.”

There are 12 young musicians taking lessons virtually with MVAA teachers Bob Crafton on guitar, Ken Santoro on saxophone and Smith on drums.

While there were some kinks to work out, such as camera or webcam placement and sound, it has been successful.

“It’s interesting, that’s for sure,” Smith said. “There could be a little brother or sister running around or a dog pop up in the background, but we are making it work.”

Smith said the most difficult thing is making sure the camera is capturing the right point of view to ensure for proper hand placement and instrument position.

“It has taken us a few weeks to get ironed out, but the kids are doing and sounding great,” he said.

The popular summer concert series has been postponed, but Smith said the show will go on.

While the organization’s open house set for this month and an art show at Charleroi Area High School have either been postponed or canceled, Smith is hoping concerts will be able to resume this summer in Brownsville, Monongahela and Donora.

“We are looking to have a full schedule of both concerts and events as soon as we get the green light,” he said. “We are hoping to still put on a full summer of music across the Mon Valley.”

To help continue efforts during the virus, Smith is asking interested residents to volunteer or donate to the organization’s mission.

“We know there are many worthwhile organizations asking for contributions right now, and many people have limited resources, so your donation means more than ever before,” Smith said. “If you’ve ever doubted the arts are indeed essential, think of what you’re doing to occupy yourself during this time of quarantine.

“Chances are, you’re appreciating and consuming some form of art. Please help us to continue offering quality arts instruction as we seek to shape and mold the next generation of artists.”

For information on how to donate or get involved, call 724-565-1687, email info@monvalleyacademyforthearts.org or go to monvalleyacademyforthearts.org.