Nevada School of the Arts
315 S. 7th StreetLas VegasNV89101
702-386-2787702-598-4672

Program: Las Vegas Children's Choir Year Started: 1994 Focus: Music Youth Served: 35 Ages: 10-14 Budget: $7,500 Once a week for 2 hours after school, low-income youth recruited from nearby local schools come to the Nevada School of the Arts to practice a diverse repertoire of choral pieces. Youth are recommended to the program by their music teachers, who view this program as a high-quality choral experience. The School charges a nominal fee of $8 per semester for instruction by two choral teachers. Youth in the program present performances throughout the year, with a special performance on the Super Dave television show. "The kids are enthusiastic about the program, and they have learned how to cooperate as a group," explains Dr. Paul Hesselink, director. "The parents are supportive.They come to performances. They bring and pick up their children. And, sometimes, they even stay in the room during practice to observe." The Nevada School of the Arts also runs Chamber Music Ensembles for youth living in isolated, rural areas of the state and provides Suzuki violin instruction in English and Spanish for youth.