Youth Helping Youth … A Youth Christmas Concert
By Joan S. Peck
If it’s true that music is the language of the Gods, then listening to young, talented, award-winning musicians will be heavenly. If you’re lucky, you will be one of the fortunate ones to attend the Youth Christmas Concert on December 21 at the Whitney Library in Las Vegas, featuring holiday and classical music that will surely entertain you, your family, and your friends.
Who is the creator of this beautiful event? Meet Roxy Jones, a remarkable young girl who, when living in Hawaii, began playing the piano at four, taking group lessons. “When I was five, we moved to Las Vegas, and it wasn’t until I turned six and had a more serious one-on-one piano teacher that I began to focus and try to foster skill in the piano.”
Last year, after the isolation experienced during the pandemic, Roxy, at the age of 14, formed her first “Youth Christmas Concert,” thinking it would be something “fun and engaging” to do with her friends by having a Christmas concert in Las Vegas and at her grandma’s ranch in Utah. No surprise, nearly 100 people showed up for the one in Utah. Her father suggested that Roxy could do it again this year and raise money for charity. “With a good turnout this year, we hope to grow and hopefully be able to fill an even larger venue next year. I hope this will become an annual event where we find new charities to support every year!”
Jun and Charles Hong
This year the concert is called “Youth Helping Youth … a Youth Christmas Concert.” Everyone from the previous year will be performing with the addition of Artem, “a fantastic pianist I’ve known for years, and an oboist.” There are three sets of siblings, including twins and a few others, who will perform. Some will play individually, and some will play in duets. The instruments represented are the piano, violin, cello, flute, and oboe.
Who is the lucky charity they will donate to? They are raising funds for the NPHY- Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth. “I chose this organization because I’m fortunate to have a good environment at home, especially at Christmas time, while homeless teens may be struggling. I wanted to extend opportunities to them too. We will make money through ticket sales and sponsorships of our concert. The proceeds will all go to NPHY. My goal is to raise $3,000 for them this year.”
How does it feel to perform? “Performing is one of my favorite parts of playing the piano as it makes me really focus on everything that I’m playing and doing—and making everyone else happy and enjoying my music is a bonus. I like to try and add thought to my music to incite feeling or thought within those around me.”
Roxy Jones on the Piano
What else have you done with your music? “I did my first private event for a commercial open house this year. I would like to perform for more private events. I have also performed twice with the Henderson Symphony Orchestra and participate in competitions every year. I’m still unsure where my music will take me, but I’m positive it will always be a big part of my life.”
Any advice for those just starting to play? “Don’t give up! While I’m pleased to be where I am now, it is a constant struggle, and I’ve had countless lessons and practices that have ended in tears. While it is a sacrifice, it is all worth it to be able to enjoy what you play and love sharing it with others.”
What do you hope the attendees of your concert will walk away with? “I hope that attendees can leave the performance feeling gratitude for charities like the NPHY that help people in our communities while also feeling excited and happy that they were able to listen to beautiful Christmas and classical music performed by youth in Las Vegas!”
Can’t ask for more than that. Amen.
Front Row: Charles Hong, Maximus Ririe, Jun Hong
Second Row: Roxy Jones, Natalya Panchenko (piano teacher), Skai Jones
Back Row: Hope Olsen, Jared Downey, Savannah Downey
When: Wednesday, December 21, 2022, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM PST
Where: Whitney Library – 5175 East Tropicana Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89122
Tickets: $10 (Click Here to Purchase)
Presenting Sponsors: Las Vegas Design Center, Pacific West Flooring, Avem Healthcare, Dr. Jason Downey, DDS, and Infinite Trend.
Other Sponsors: Chic Compass Magazine (THANK YOU!!), Mac King Comedy Magic Show, Christopher Todd Design, Interior Design Society, Las Vegas Chapter. )
For those interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Roxy’s dad, Nate Jones at (808) 557-933
This is so inspiring. With young people like these the world is going to be a better place.
Such a worthwhile charity: NPHY- Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth. Thank you for sharing!