“Although there really is nothing like being on the square in Murfreesboro, we simply could no longer justify the expense of our downtown lease when there were so many other projects and programs where those funds could be used more effectively to support our growing membership,” YEAH Director Ryan York explains the decision to relocate to 910 Ridgley Road (behind Chuy’s). “Our all-ages weekend shows are beginning to draw bigger and bigger crowds and this new space provides ample parking and more performance space.”
Youth Empowerment through Art and Humanities (YEAH) opened its doors a little more than a year ago as a year-round, after-school arts and humanities program designed to build a creative connected community by offering artistic opportunities to kids between the ages of 10 and 17. It also provides a safe, drug-free venue that allows music fans of all ages the chance to enjoy live music.
YEAH grew from the wildly successful Southern Girls Rock and Roll Camp, and this year it is answering the “What about those Southern boys?” question.
“This summer we are offering a CO-ED Tennessee Teens Rock Camp at the University School in Nashville,” noted York.
This new offering is in addition to multiple week-long camps offered during the Rutherford County Rock Blok summer sessions and the 2010 Southern Girls Rock-N-Roll session July 26-31 at MTSU (registration is now open).
Rutherford Summer ROCK BLOKs
9-5 each day, $150 tuition
Murfreesboro: June 7-11,
July 19-23
Smyrna: July 12-16
“We will also be maintaining our regular offerings during the summer months,” added Pat Blankenship, YEAH’s board chairman. And for those who aren’t yet familiar with those regular offerings, Lee Anne Carmack, parent of a YEAH member, says, “I can’t believe the amazing range of classes offered.” From homework help to knitting to acting to screen printing and philosophy, plus many others, YEAH’s calendar is chock full of diverse activities that leave very little room for summer boredom.
Even though YEAH’s membership fees are incredibly reasonable, “We still need lots of help,” Blankenship says. There are so many children seeking this kind of creative outlet and so many who could blossom if given these opportunities. We are seeking donations of all kinds—money, time and talent. YEAH offers an Adopt-A-Camper program that allows individuals or corporations to sponsor one child or an entire group of children for summer camps or monthly memberships and all donations are tax deductible.
Monthly membership fee . . . $20
One Day Pass . . . $3
Anonymously sponsoring a budding artist . . . priceless!
Home school parent and YEAH volunteer, Liz Sodergren, reflects on what YEAH is doing for Murfreesboro: “When I think back to when I was a teenager, I remember how confused and angry I felt. I realized that the arts really were a saving grace for me. Through theater, dance and creative writing, I had a healthy, positive way to channel the hurricane of emotions that was swelling inside me. I know that being involved in the arts kept me from being involved in many less positive expressions of my emotions, so I’m extremely grateful for those opportunities. Seeing that YEAH presents these opportunities to teenagers at such a modest price really excites me, because I know it is changing lives.”
Art Growden, Grand PooBah, Art Growden Creative, adds, “It’s great that there’s a place for teens to go besides roaming the mall aimlessly. And YEAH has attracted some good talent for their affordable shows.” (See The Features, Those Darlins and The Jake Leg Stompers.)
Agreeing with Sodergren, Carmack adds,” This remarkable program is exactly what Murfreesboro needs. We have incredible growth and potential, but the one thing missing is a thriving arts community. The talent that YEAH congregates is inspiring to both those learning and those listening.”
YEAH is beginning, one kid, one volunteer, one sponsor at a time, to help our community reach its full potential. YEAH is inspiring young minds to think and to believe, and more importantly to DO.
For more information about YEAH, call (615) 849-8140, e-mail info@yeahintheboro.org or visit yeahintheboro.org. YEAH is a non-profit 501c3 organization. Hours of operation are: M-F 3-9 and Sat 12-10.
YEAH – Making a Difference
SPRING VALLEY ARTS OUTREACH
Each Saturday, a YEAH team goes to the Spring Valley Apartments (government subsidized community) complex to deliver arts experiences to children of all ages free of charge.
“Our volunteers donate their time and expertise to young artists who otherwise may never have had the opportunity to learn from professionals or to submit their works for local or national competitions. Our dedicated volunteers are compassionate about our mission of a Creative Connected Community,” adds York.
Mia Harris, YEAH Volunteer, shared that several students from the Spring Valley program submitted their art work to the Tennessee Voices for Children, Children’s Mental Health Week Art Contest, and three students placed.
Michael Scales, 1st place, 9th-12th grade
Davis Lewis, 3rd place, K-1st grade
Daesan Wembley, 3rd place, 2nd-3rd grade
In addition to cash prizes, the winning works will also be displayed at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center for the entire month of May.
CADCOR Project
Community Anti-Drug Coalition of Rutherford County’s (CADCOR) Project Coordinator, Karen Claud, explains the project: CADCOR was in the process of developing a new youth-oriented website when Ryan York suggested that this was a great opportunity to get some of the kids at YEAH involved. The YEAH team designed an educational program that allows the YEAH students to get hands-on, practical, real experience in web development, and CADCOR gets a new youth-created, youth-oriented website. “They were able to take our corporate need and turn it into a creative learning experience. It’s a win-win for all involved.”
