Las Vegas has gotten a bad rap as a city that is culturally destitute.  Whoever says, or even thinks that, should have attended the Las Vegas Youth Orchestras concert called “An Inaugural Journey.”  A marvelously talented group of young musicians directed by Charles A. Jackson, thrilled the audience at a Champagne reception held at the 16^th floor viewing ballroom of the World Market Center. For the first time in history, the Youth Philharmonic was to go on an inaugural journal overseas.  This occasion was a “Bon Voyage” celebration for the Youth Philharmonic as they prepared to embark on their Central Euro Tour 2008 performing at world-class venues in Salzburg, Vienna and Prague.  These remarkable young musicians were ambassadors who proudly represented our City of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the USA.

A Champagne reception and Concert displaying their wonderful talents, was held at the `World View on Sixteen Ballroom’ at the World Market Center.  The string orchestra was conducted by Charles A. Jackson with selection from Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Dvorak, Haydn, Bach, Brahms and Traditional Music. A special Flute recital of Mozart’s Andante by 17 year old. Francesco Carmuglia brought the audience to their feet.  Roxanne Hidalgo’s violin solo and Bach’s Concert in D for Two Violins was also greatly received.  The entire program with narrations from the esteemed conductor filled a cultural void for many.  An Artistic Pathways Grant Award was given to the Las Vegas Youth Orchestras by Ms. Laura Simpson and Mayor Oscar Goodman awarded this reception and concert as a `Special Day’.

The mission of the Las Vegas Youth Orchestras is to provide youth in the community (regardless of race, creed, economic circumstances, gender or national origin) an opportunity to expand their musical skills and engage them both intellectually and physically by committing their time and energy in preparing and performing in an orchestral setting.  The Las Vegas Youth Orchestras consists of four separate ensembles based upon age (from eight to eighteen) and playing ability.  Students are admitted by annual auditions.  The Las Vegas Youth Orchestras consists of: Ensemble (Grades 3-8), Sinfonia (grades 6-10), Symphony (grades 8-12) and Philharmonic (grades 10 –12).  This is a diverse group of over 330 students and is an after-school program.