Youth Arts Initiative

YAI offers K-12 members high-quality visual, applied, and performing arts programs. Our members develop hands-on skills with real tools and technology, helping them grow both as artists and individuals. Through this initiative, youth build confidence and essential skills, fostering their social, emotional, and cognitive development.

BGCTNV Youth Arts Initiative, YAI

Arts education is important for its own sake. But it also has other benefits. It can help children build empathy, forge social bonds, and improve behavior and cognition.

– Wallace Foundation

Types of art programming we offer:

Performance

Music
Theater
Dance

Applied

Music Technology
Ceramics

Visual

Painting
Drawing

Program Outcomes

25+

classes offered weekly

3

full-time teaching artists

92%

of Club members reported increased peer learning and collaboration skills

21

Clubs served

15

contracted teaching artists

95%

of Club members reported having a strong positive relationship with a trusted adult as a result of participating in YAI classes

1,000+

Club members served in 2023-2024

4th

Annual Showcase at the Tennessee Theatre

96%

of Club members reported YAI is a safe and enjoyable environment

Meet the Team

Ronda Mostella – Music Teaching Artist/Community Liaison

Ronda attended the University of Tennessee Knoxville for Applied Music and Music Theory. From conducting, directing, and instructing, television appearances, soloist, accompanist, to forming a program that teaches academics through the mediums of music, Ronda is passionate about the ability to change the lives of youth and the ability of music to change the world.

Jane Francis – Music Technology Teaching Artist

A songwriter, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist, Jane holds a BS in Geology and Jazz Studies in Performance and Music Education. Jane spent the last five years teaching music technology, band, and choir in Guangzhou, China. “When the imagination is sparked, the flow of emotions intertwines with the joy of creativity.”

Willow McLeod – Visual Arts Teaching Artist/Program Manager

Willow received a BA in Global Studies. Ceramics, paper mâché, ink, and printmaking are some of Willow’s favorite practices. As a teaching artist for the Cattywampus Puppet Council, Willow taught and built larger-than-life puppet out of recycled materials. Willow’s passion as a teacher is to create a safe space for youth to grow their confidence as artists.

Melissa Courtney – Director of Youth Arts Initiative

With a BA in Studio Art for Photography from ETSU, Melissa is passionate about empowering youth through the arts. Melissa is a Suzuki trained pianist with a musical theatre background. Her hope is to enrich programming and increase community engagement by continuing to make fine arts equitable and accessible for youth. “Together we can inspire and nurture a new generation of artists.”