Riverbend Academy - School of Performing and Visual Arts
Rating: 4.7 stars 10 10 reviews
Address:
PO Box 482 145 North Main Street - 2nd and Main Historic Soaper Hotel 1st & 2nd Floors Henderson KY 42419 USA
Mission:
RiverBend Academy advances life in our region by infusing superior arts enrichment and culture primarily through premium instruction in various areas of the arts as an inclusive mentoring school for the arts.
Results:
Presently RiverBend Academy (RBA) serves primarily the Henderson County, Kentucky market. However, approximately 10% of students travel as much as 45 minutes away to access our expert instruction downtown at the academy in Henderson from adjacent Kentucky Counties.. We are in 5 Henderson County Schools, after-school,but growing. Presently we serve both public middle schools, 3 public elementary schools, one private elementary school & middle school, and an alternative school.
Target demographics:
Students from any financial background -- from the wealthy to those in poverty, who don't fit into academics and sports rarely find their niche and can have more of a propensity for undesirable outcomes. RBA was founded to help catch those falling in the cracks and instruct all in the arts within the region with desire and interest at any age, ability or disability regardless of financial means. This will raise the overall cultural and education bar for our region as statistics prove that art and the brain are a powerful combination in building self esteem, reducing social ills and promoting higher grades and education.. RBA's arts education begins as young as lap babies and spans to ladies in their 70's tap dancing.
Direct beneficiaries per year:
Well over 300 plus
Geographic areas served:
Henderson County with outreach to surrounding counties in KY
Programs:
Tiny Notes for Pre-school to 5 years, Piano, Guitar (all types), Double Bass, Keyboard, Social Ballroom Dance, Voice, Theater/Acting, Culinary Cooking Classes, Tap Dance, Ballet, Jazz Dance and More!
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Reviews for Riverbend Academy - School of Performing and Visual Arts
Truely dedicated group focused on bringing the arts to all. This group is especially involved in providing alternatives to children who may not be involved in organized sports. A wide variety of classes are offered as alternatives to the traditional afterschool activities. Those alternative include: dance, voice, acting, film making, guitar, piano and cooking classes. Scholarship are provided to those who qualify. Additionally, River Bend provides afterschool programs onsite at several schools.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've seen the pride in students faces when they realize their potential.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Somehow increase public awareness of the opportunites that are provided. Work more closely with the local schools and churches.
As a founder for RBA, I am remarkably proud of where we have come in such a short time in one of the worst economies of our time. RBA is approaching its beginning its 5th year of operation and have overcome lots to still be here with a dedicated mission to educate and instruct everyone from lap babies to those in their 70's in the arts.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have personally seen the benefits to children and youth that experience our instruction. Their self-esteem is higher, their behavior improves, communication is better, there are many, many benefits when we make excellent art instruction available to all regardless of ability to pay.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
We need more paid staff and funding so we are able to reach more children. RBA has been fully managed by an all-volunteer working board until recently with part-time 15 hour a week staff -- who I pray we can pay more in time, give more hours and retain. Ann is excellent! Ann and RBA needs more staff support and we need more funding in order to achieve more operationally. RBA is very good stewards of its resources and therefore we have put the emphasis on funding after school programs and those in need.
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
How did you learn about this organization?
Founder
What is this organization's top short-term priority?
Educate children in the arts starting more with pre-school and elementary age before stigmas are established on participating in the arts.
What is its top priority in the long run?
To bring our arts education outreach to the full western Kentucky area and serve all regardless of ability to pay, disabilities, etc.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
