Las Vegas Youth Orchestras

The Las Vegas Youth Orchestras consists of five separate ensembles based upon age (from 8-18) and playing ability. It is a diverse group of over 375 students from the Las Vegas valley and is an after-school program that serves the youth in southern Nevada. Audition and participation in one's school music program is required.

The two upper-level groups Youth Philharmonic and Youth Symphony, perform symphonic repertoire as students prepare for entry into collegiate and professional level organizations. An annual concerto competition features a Youth Philharmonic soloist performing at the Spring Concert.

The two younger string ensembles, (Sinfonia and the Youth Ensemble) provide training for students to develop into effective orchestral players. The recent addition of the program's "Middle School Symphonic Band" provides students below grade 9, the opportunity to build instrument skills & enrich their band experiences. The artistry of these students is showcased by numerous public performances at key community venues throughout the year.

The success of the LVYO is shown by over 35 of history. In 2008, the flagship Youth Philharmonic orchestra, embarked upon their inaugural overseas tour to Salzburg, Vienna, & Prague. Overseas tours are planned every tri-ennium with the most recent occurring in June, 2011 to China. The Youth Philharmonic is currently planning for Tour 2014, "An Overture to Adventure", an 11-day tour taking them to venues in Poland and Germany. In 2009 the LVYO was chosen for the state's Governor's Arts Award for Leadership in Arts Education.

The LVYO program is made possible through a partnership between the Clark County School District, the Friends of the Las Vegas Youth Orchestras (FLVYO-the Non-Profit). Other partners include the City of Henderson, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, and the Sands Foundation.