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The Las Vegas Youth Orchestras consists of four separate ensembles based upon age (from eight to eighteen) and playing ability. It is a diverse group comprised of over 300 students from the Las Vegas valley, and is an after-school program which serves the youth in Southern Nevada. Students are admitted by annual audition. Audition and participation in one’s school music program is required. The concert season features three concerts; Fall, Winter and Spring. The two upper-level groups (Las Vegas Youth Philharmonic and Las Vegas Youth Symphony) perform symphonic repertoire as students prepare for entry into collegiate and professional level organizations. Most students have five to eight years of musical experience and receive private instruction. The Youth Philharmonic holds an annual Concerto Competition (applications accepted in August for December auditions) where the winner is featured at the Spring Concert.
The two younger groups (the Las Vegas Youth Sinfonia and the Las Vegas Youth Ensemble) provide training for students to develop into effective orchestral players, emphasizing the responsibility, commitment, and teamwork necessary for success.
The Las Vegas Youth Orchestras has served the greater Las Vegas valley for over twenty years. It has grown from two to four performing groups within the past twelve years. The emerging artistry of the students is recognized locally as well as regionally by numerous public performances throughout the year. For the first time in Southern Nevada history, the top group, (the Youth Philharmonic) embarked on a successful European Tour in June 2008. The orchestra was invited to perform at world-famous venues in Salzburg, Vienna and Prague.The program is sponsored jointly by the City of Las Vegas—Arts & Community Events Division, the Clark County School District-Secondary Fine Arts Division, and the Friends of the Las Vegas Youth Orchestras, the Non-Profit entity. The LVYO has received Proclamations from the Nevada Clark County Commissioners and Mayor Oscar Goodman of Las Vegas. Letters of commendation include those from Nevada U.S. Senator Harry Reid and Governor Jim Gibbons and former Governor Kenny Guinn. Prominent Guest Speakers endorsing the Youth Orchestra Program, have been Nevada Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, Mayor Oscar Goodman, former Clark County Commissioner Lynette Boggs McDonald, Clark County Commissioner Lawrence Weekly, and School Board Trustees Larry Mason and Sheila Moulton.
On March 5th, 2009, the Las Vegas Youth Orchestras received state-wide recognition by being awarded the Nevada Arts Council’s Governor’s Arts Award in “Leadership in Arts Education”. The award is testimony to the excellence of the Program.
Friends of the Las Vegas Youth Orchestras
The “Friends of the Las Vegas Youth Orchestras” (Non-Profit, incorporated in 1988 & 501(c)3 in 1989) is governed by the Board of Directors and it's by-laws. It is the supporting network of the youth orchestras, providing financial, structural, and operational support. It is also responsible for ensuring the perpetuity of the Youth Orchestras. The corporation is officially chartered by the Secretary of the State of Nevada. Fundraising is entirely dependent upon donations from public, private and corporate sectors. All donations to the Youth Orchestras are tax-deductible, and contributions are welcome in the form of cash, in-kind services/donations, corporate sponsorships, advertisements in concert/event programs, and volunteer support. The Program has been funded, in part, by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council, a State Agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a Federal Agency.
The Las Vegas Youth Orchestras is an educational affiliate member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts. It is licensed by ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Publishers and Authors), SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers) and BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.).
2009-2010 REHEARSAL INFORMATION
(Program follows CCSD 9-month calendar)The Las Vegas Youth Orchestras rehearse at Reed Whipple Cultural Center (821 Las Vegas Blvd. No.) on the following days and times:
* Variations from the above schedule may occur, due to holidays, facility restrictions, etc. The Music Directors & The Friends of the Las Vegas Youth Orchestras reserve the right to make changes. Youth Philharmonic rehearsals may include additional days, & days other than Thursdays. Rehearsal calendars are distributed to students at the start of the season. Concert dates are listed on the website.
