As the first quarter here at Las Vegas Academy of the Arts (LVA) wraps up, the 2nd quarter takes the stage.  The freshmen have now been settled for about 11 weeks, and are starting to indulge in the perks of LVA after all the hard work they’ve done in their majors whether it be concerts, galleries, showcases, or performances. They’re forming strong bonds with peers and teachers, all while hopefully staying on top of their schoolwork!

Meet Jazmin Ellis, a freshman orchestra major. Ellis describes how she chose to apply to LVA. “I didn’t want to go to a regular school,” said Ellis. I thought people here were gonna be cooler, and I felt like they were actually gonna try.” Due to LVA’s audition process, dedicated kids are often attracted to LVA and work harder than a kid from a regular school in this academy. 

Ellis plays in LVA’s Philharmonic Orchestra and said, “I play the viola. Right now we’re playing Green Sleeves. We’re also playing Polar Express. It’s pretty fun, but it’s kind of challenging.”

However, LVA doesn’t only teach the arts. It ensures students receive a well-rounded education by dedicating time to core subjects like math, english, science, and essential life skills. When Ellis was asked what their favorite class was, they said Career Ed. “In Career Ed, we kind of just learn about self-worth and how to figure yourself out pretty much,” said Ellis. 

LVA hopes to prepare its students for successful futures full of endless possibilities. The work starts right with freshman year. Ellis expresses how they, “Want to be able to graduate and get into a good college.” LVA hopes to be the best it can be for its students, especially its new freshmen, and be able to be a good starting point for many aspiring kids.