LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A Las Vegas nonprofit is using the power of music to change lives in the valley, ensuring every child can experience the transformative impact of an orchestra regardless of their background.
The Tejero-Holmes Foundation’s flagship program, the Rising Youth Orchestra, teaches more than musical notes — it builds futures for students who might otherwise lack access to quality music education.
Jovonie Tejero, who started playing violin in sixth grade before switching to cello, founded the organization with deep roots in Las Vegas. He attended UNLV for his undergraduate degree and is now working toward a doctorate in music.
“When you look like me, and you have those initials before your name, there’s a lot of responsibility that you have to do for your community,” Tejero said.
Breaking down financial barriers
Tejero understands the obstacles firsthand. Even at the prestigious Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, money was tight for his family.
“We didn’t have a lot of money growing up, so I struggled to be able to afford private lessons, like, I didn’t even have my own instrument, everybody else did,” Tejero said. “And so that’s kind of like how I created this for a lot of students of color.”
Representation remains central to the mission. Every string educator in the program grew up in Vegas.
“We all know what it’s like to struggle and work really, really hard. And the only boundary is just money,” Tejero said.
Cultural diversity in curriculum
The program focuses on teaching music from various cultures, which Tejero said keeps students of color more engaged as they learn about their heritage.
“Not every student is going to want to learn, like, just Mozart. What about a Filipino composer? Or what about a Korean composer or a Mexican composer?” Tejero said.
Cuts to school programs make the work urgent — often, there aren’t enough orchestra teachers. Rebuilding takes time.
“And as of right now, I try to help out by teaching for free to the students at my school,” said cellist participant Kevin Alexander Perez. “Music is a different language and a universal language for everyone.”
Perez, currently a senior at the El Sol Academy of the Performing Arts, is very accomplished. He learned cello in eighth grade, initially self-taught, before being mentored by Tejero. He quickly excelled, achieving first place in the Henderson Symphony Competition and earning first chair principal cellist for both the All-State and CCSD Honor Orchestra competitions this year. Most recently, he secured first place in the Silver State competition.
“What I hope to do with the cello in my future is to teach and to perform and help around the community,” Perez shares, adding, “As of right now, I try to help out by teaching for free to the students at my school.” He believes music is “a different language and a universal language for everyone.”
Building the next generation of educators
Tejero said his mission is paying off. One student is currently in student teaching and graduating soon. Six other students are music education majors in college, with four seniors this year who will graduate and become music teachers.
The program is free to join and requires no audition. Those interested can sign up at tejero-holmesfoundation.org. The organization also accepts donations and welcomes sponsors. Contact information is available at [email protected].
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