Vision and Mission

Vision
Within the next 3-5 years, grow the Las Vegas Marching Arts, Inc. (LVMA) into Nevada's leader in providing unique and excellent youth performing arts education, opportunities and resources.

Mission
"Building Great People Through Great Performances in The Marching Arts"


History
LVMA is a non-profit Youth Music Education organization founded in 2007. LVMA's focus is music education and performance opportunities for young people throughout Nevada with emphasis on brass, percussion, vocal and dance programs. We also offer music programs that enhance life long learning.

Core Beliefs
Programs and services of LVMA are designed for motivated individuals who desire the most from their efforts in the performing arts. The choice to make a career of their art or merely to participate for a short time is of little importance. A strong character and work ethic are the only requirements of a member. LVMA is committed to creating a positive learning and performing experience for all participants, and to provide members with the knowledge and inspiration to take their art to the next level.

Participation in our various programs is a test of character and a challenge of an individual’s potential. Members experience a life-changing realization that sacrifice, tenacity and teamwork lead to success, fulfillment and ultimately a unique mountaintop experience, shared by those united by a common vision.


Audition Process for LVMA
Membership
Acceptance as a member into our youth based music programs is based on work ethic, character, ability level and audition results. Highly motivated individuals, age 14-21, are eligible to audition. Audition packets are sent out and include: instructions, music and details about the audition process. Each program is geared towards their own creative and unique performance 'season'.

Rehearsals
School activities take priority over LVMA rehearsals. However, the staff asks that each prospective member look over the on-line calendar and anticipate any scheduling conflicts with rehearsals & performances before making a commitment. Attendance at rehearsals is paramount in attempting to achieve the highest level of excellence.

Every member of the programs must sign a rehearsal commitment form at the beginning of the season. This form will be sent out with the audition materials.

Target Market
 LVMA is set to enhance and enrich the current music program for all schools in Southern Nevada.  We have already begun to fill that need, serving elementary school children, junior high school students, teenagers attending high school and young adults attending college. We serve all of Greater Las Vegas and outlying parts of Southern Nevada, providing an opportunity that these young people would not experience otherwise. LVMA will serve over 500 music, color guard and dance students in the Brass & Percussion Ensemble, VocalMotion choral troupe and various smaller competitive percussion and Color Guard programs. Las Vegas Blvd Brass and Percussion Corps program will serve up to 150 students each year. VocalMotion 50-70 kids and other programs will vary in size but primarily range from 20-40 each

During their participation young musicians are provided high-quality instruction to enhance their educational experience. Access to quality instruments and instruction helps students enhance their self-image. The highly structured rehearsals instill good habits of discipline. Without invading school hours, students commit to rehearse throughout the year in addition to summer touring and competition and/or performances. The combination of increased discipline and the value of school attendance lead directly to higher grades and a higher sense of purpose.

Studies have indelibly proven the link between a young person’s music education and both their verbal and mathematical skills. This education ultimately provides our students with marketable skill-sets in the fields of communications, finance, music, teaching, public service, skilled trades, programming, analyzing and all aspects of management/leadership. Living on the road with peers, our students learn invaluable skills related to conflict resolution and teamwork.

A portion of the donations solicited by LVMA support partial scholarships for our students based upon merit and need. Our fiscal year budget is just over $300,000 while only $100,000 of that is covered by member fees. This means that annually we subsidize over $200,000 to make this experience possible. Fundraising helps to underwrite the costs of scholarships to students. Some of our low income students are provided with a full scholarship. (Ultimately, in order to field a full corps of 150 and to complete the entire competitive tour, our budget will grow exponentially. It will near $1million annually.)

*Our student body reflects the ethnicity of our local community.

Staff, Faculty and Community Involvement
Our part-time volunteer members bring amazing credentials as professionals from around Nevada and across the country.

In addition to the annual service to 500 music and dance students, LVMA programs reach over 50,000 audience members. Our supporters include hundreds of volunteers throughout the community. These volunteers serve in various capacities, including: tour chaperones, bus drivers, tour cooks and for special events.

All rehearsals take place on public facilities made possible through partnerships with several organizations within the city of Las Vegas and surrounding communities. Beginning in summer of 2010, Las Vegas Marching Arts, Inc.'s 'Las Vegas Blvd' will become the local presenter of the Drum Corps International Summer Music Games. These competitions bring world class drum corps to Nevada each summer.

Evaluation
Our staff members are hand selected and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. They offer our students the highest quality education available in the state and are one of the best in the country. Staff members are evaluated annually by students as well as the administration. Students have consistently rated the staff with superior marks which are reflected in their anonymous evaluations. Parents, volunteers and members of the audience are also offered opportunities to provide comment, and feedback at the conclusion of each season.

Administratively, the individual Directors reports to the Board of Directors, allowing the 5 member Executive Board to ensure that LVMA is fulfilling both our mission and the established objectives of the organization.

Since our inception, LVMA has proven to be committed to excellence within the organization. It will bring national attention to our program as one of the best in the country.


Conclusion
LVMA's founder, president and staff's enthusiasm for our mission is growing strong and will continue to provide the highest quality youth music education available to the students and members in and around the Las Vegas Metropolitan area.