Celebrate the outstanding music teachers, students, and music professionals in our community with this one-night only special event honoring their outstanding achievements and contributions to our community. The YAO Honors will feature select performances from local & visiting musicians, YAO students & young professionals, and honorees.

SUMMARY OF NOMINATIONS, CATEGORIES, AND PROCEDURES

The nomination process is open to all students, parents, and teachers in Southern Nevada. The community can nominate candidates in various categories by filling out the nomination form. Once a nomination has been submitted, the nominee will receive an email notification to complete the acceptance form. Nominees will be asked to write a short essay describing their acceptance & eligibility for the nomination. An Awards Committee made up of 10 current YAO senior students and young professionals will read through nominations and nominee statements, select finalists, and winners in each category. Finalists will be invited to attend the YAO Honors where winners will be announced. All winners will be presented with their awards.

NOMINATIONS

1. Nominate your private music teacher and/or school music teacher by March 31, 2024 at 11:59 PM PST.

2. Nominees will receive a notification inviting them to accept the nomination by April 7, 2024.

3. Finalists will be announced by May 1, 2024 and will be invited to attend The YAO Honors on May 11, 2024 at 7:30 PM in the Windmill Library Performing Arts Center.

SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION

AWARD CATEGORIES

COMMUNITY LEADER & HONOREE

Selected by the YAO Board of Directors, the Community Leader & Honoree award is presented to an individual who has a clear track record of involvement and service to our community. Additionally, this individual shows outstanding demeanor in public and is heavily involved in community programs.

LEGACY AWARD

Nominated by the public and selected by the YAO Board of Directors & Faculty, the Legacy Award is presented to an individual who has had a long-lasting impact in our community and/or in young peoples lives. Their contributions may include pupils who contribute or have contributed to our community, assisting and/or promoting the success of young people through music, and a history of service to music in our community.

MUSIC TEACHER OF THE YEAR (MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL)

Nominated by the general public and selected by the awards committee, the Music Teacher of the Year Award (Schools) is presented to middle school and high school teachers who go above and beyond to offer their students unique musical experiences, inspire students to succeed, and expose their students to diverse repertoire, styles, and genres.

PRIVATE MUSIC TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Nominated by the general public and selected by the awards committee, the Private Music Teacher of the Year Award will be presented to a teacher who invests in their students, presents recitals and/or opportunities for their students to perform, and maintains strong education presence in our community.

OUTSTANDING MUSICIAN AWARD (YAO Symphony & Academy – 2 Awards Each)

Selected by the YAO Music Director and Academy Conductor, the Outstanding Musician award will be presented to one student from the YAO Symphony and one from the YAO Academy. These students have a track record of being readily prepared for rehearsals, an ability to act as a team leader or team player, and an overall dedication to the success of the Orchestra.

MOST IMPROVED MUSICIAN AWARD (YAO Symphony & Academy – 2 Awards Each)

Selected by the YAO Music Director and Academy Conductor, the Most Improved Musician Award will be presented to two students in each orchestra who have made the most improvement during the concert season.

AMBASSADOR AWARD (1 Award)

Selected by the YAO Music Director, the Ambassador Award will be presented to one student who has acted as a representative and/or promoter of the Young Artists Orchestra.

SERVICE AWARD (2 Awards)

Selected by the YAO Music Director and Academy Conductor, the Service Award will be presented to two students who have volunteered and assisted in YAO music programs, events, and/or operations.