Spring 2003: Beginnings
The Las Vegas Mormon Youth Symphony & Chorus was established in the fall of 2003. It consisted of young, accomplished LDS musicians ages 14 and older. Regardless of religious affiliation, all youth who met the audition requirements and were willing to keep the standards set by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were welcome to participate.
Participation in the symphony & chorus, included rehearsals on Saturday mornings at a local church. The performances included at least two major concerts. In addition, the symphony and chorus participated in firesides, youth conferences and community events. The repertoire of the symphony and chorus was built upon a broad range of religious, classical and contemporary works.
The Las Vegas Mormon Youth Symphony & Chorus functioned entirely by volunteer service.
MISSION STATEMENT: The Las Vegas Mormon Youth Symphony & Chorus allows young, LDS musicians the opportunity to feel the spirit and build testimonies by serving others through music.
CHORUS DIRECTOR:
DeNae Handy (Bio 2004)
DeNae Handy, from Salt Lake City, Utah, received her degree in Music Education from the University of Utah. She has been a choir director for 20 years, both in church and in the community. DeNae has organized choirs and taught workshops in Seattle, Washington; SanJuan, Puerto Rico; and Las Vegas, Nevada. She has been a private music teacher for over 23 years. DeNae is married to Brett Handy. They have four children.
SYMPHONY DIRECTOR:
Jeremy Woolstenhulme (Bio 2004)
Jeremy Woolstenhulme grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada. After high school, he spent two years in South America serving a mission for the Church. Jeremy received his undergraduate degree in Music Education from Brigham Young University and currently pursuing a Masters degree in Cello Performance from University Nevada Las Vegas. He currently teaches orchestra at Hyde Park Middle School. He performs with the Las Vegas Philharmonic, the Seasons Quartet, and other events throughout the valley. He is married to Taryn Woolstenhulme and has one child.
