|
The Las Vegas Philharmonic is committed
to providing the finest possible programs to enrich and
inspire school-age children. We strongly feel that music
is essential to the proper growth and well-being of all
children, a belief that is increasingly supported by
modern research. Our commitment to this belief has resulted
in a two-pronged approach to educational outreach: Music
In the Schools, which places LV Philharmonic musicians
in schools for after-school programs; and the Sprint
Youth Concert Series, which brings young people to the
concert hall.
Music In the Schools
In cooperation with the Clark County School
District and the 21 st Century Grant Programs, the Las
Vegas Philharmonic has initiated several programs to take
music directly to at-risk schools. A gala concert of the
entire orchestra was given at the new Desert Pines High
School, followed by several weeks of after-school programs
utilizing woodwind, string, and brass members of the Philharmonic.
These programs were presented at several schools, including
Roy Martin Middle School, and Sunrise Acres Elementary
School. Organized and directed by LV Phil violinist Blair
Jackson, these programs were designed to introduce students
to the various instruments of the orchestra and the sounds
they produce when played together. In addition, an ongoing
Suzuki string program was initiated by the LV Philharmonic
in Sunrise Acres Elementary School, with the hope that
other schools will bee added to the program in the near
future.
Sprint Youth Concert Series
Currently in its fifth year, the Las Vegas
Philharmonic Sprint Youth Concert Series is an effort to
bring as many fourth and fifth grade students as possible
to the concert hall to experience a full symphony orchestra
in a concert setting. Programs specifically designed for
children of this age group have been developed by Dr. Richard
McGee, Associate Conductor and Educational Coordinator.
The overall purposes of the Sprint Youth Concert Series
are:
Energize the students in attendance, to
encourage them to further pursue musical studies.
Educate the students about orchestral
music and musicians.
Highlight careers in the entertainment
field.
Engage at-risk youth in schools so designated,
in an uplifting program of music and dialogue targeted
at their tastes.
In addition, opportunities for older students
to perform solo literature with the orchestra are provided
through the LV Philharmonic Young Artists' Competition.
This annual competition allows for the selection of a number
of talented students to perform with the orchestra during
the Youth Concert Series. |
