Zion's Youth Symphony and Chorus

Zion's Youth Symphony and Chorus is a faith-based youth orchestra and choir in Las Vegas for high school students ages 14 to 18, including homeschoolers of high school age. Singers in every voice part and players of strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion (piano and harp included) audition for a seat, and the group performs at The Smith Center twice a year.

The group is not run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but it follows that church's standards, and auditions are held at the church building at 3400 West Charleston Blvd. Tuition is $150, charged once audition results are out. Sectional rehearsals run on weeknights from 6 to 9 PM, some full rehearsals are on Saturday mornings from 9 AM to 12 PM, and the dress rehearsal before each concert is required. Look over the season calendar with your teen before signing up.

Younger musicians can start with the Prep Program, a summer workshop for kids who have finished 6th grade and are 17 or younger. No audition is needed. Students work on sight-reading, ear training, rhythm, practice habits and audition skills from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and it also suits teens who auditioned once and were not seated. Registration opens April 1 and closes June 1 each year.