UNLV Desert Rose Festival
A Celebration of Women’s Vocal Arts
About the Festival and Participation
The Desert Rose Festival at UNLV is a celebration of women’s vocal arts and includes growth and networking opportunities for educators and students alike. The event is centered around the idea that there is power, excellence, and joy to be found in women of all ages lifting their voices in song.
Friday afternoon will begin with educators gathering for a keynote address from our guest clinician and an opportunity to network and share ideas with each other over dinner. Later in the evening, high school festival participants will join us on campus for a senior spotlight recital featuring three high school vocalists selected from recorded auditions in a masterclass with members of UNLV voice faculty. The evening will conclude with a short performance by Argenta, UNLV’s advanced treble ensemble, and some of our fine undergraduate vocal soloists.
On Saturday, the highlight of the festival will be the two women’s choruses, one for high school and one for middle school. No musical preparation is required for this low-stress event! Students will engage in rehearsals with passionate conductors, refining their vocal techniques and building connections with peers. Lunch will be provided as part of the registration fee. Concluding the festival, students will perform in the Desert Rose Festival Concert at Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall, showcasing material that students have learned during their time together. Desert Singers Las Vegas, a professional-level community women’s choir, will be our special guests.
Eligibility
Each school may bring as many sopranos and altos as they like! No audition or preparation is required. We ask that teachers do their best to only send students who are excited to sing, willing to follow instructions, and able to behave appropriately.
Cost
Students: $50 each
This cost includes a sheet music packet, lunch, and a festival t-shirt and also helps cover the cost of accompanists, facilities, and staff.
Teachers: $20 each
This cost includes dinner on Friday night, lunch on Saturday, and admission to all performances and rehearsals. CCSD teachers will receive approximately 3 CUs for participation.
Attire
Concert attire is the following:
Students will receive a t-shirt when they check in on Saturday. The attire for the concert will be festival t-shirts with jeans or denim skirt.
Festival Itinerary
DAY 1
Friday September 19, 2025
- 4:00-4:30 PM Teacher Participant Registration (Beam Music Center, Dr. Arturo Rando-Grillot Hall)
- 4:30-5:15 PM Welcome, Introductions, and Keynote Presentation
- 5:15-6:00 PM Dinner, Networking, Roundtable Discussion (Doc Rando Lobby)
- 5:30-6:00 PM Senior masterclass soloists check-in at 5:20 and rehearse with pianist (BMC 159)
- 6:00-6:15 PM High School Chorus Participants Check-In (Doc Rando Lobby)
- 6:15-7:15 PM Senior Spotlight Voice Masterclass and Recital
- 7:15-7:30 PM Break/Intermission
- 7:30-8:30 PM Festival Concert #1: Performances by UNLV’s Argenta and featured UNLV voice students
DAY 2
- 8:30-9:00 AM Student Check-In (High School: Ham Hall; Middle School: Beam Music Center)
- 4:30-5:00 PM Ham Hall Doors Open for Concert
- 5:00-6:30 PM Festival Concert #2: Performances by the Desert Rose Festival Choruses and special guests Desert Singers Las Vegas
Venue and Parking
Tickets for the concerts on Friday and Saturday night will be available through the Performing Arts Center website and in-person at the Box Office.
General admission tickets to the concerts are $6.25. Festival participants receive free admission with their badge.
The opening concert on Friday will be held at the Dr. Arturo Rando-Grillot Hall inside the Beam Music Center, and the closing concert on Saturday will be held at the Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall on UNLV's main campus.
Parking in the Cottage Grove Parking Garage is free Fridays after 1pm and all day Saturday in all spots that do not have a RESERVED sign.
Bus parking is available along the drive-in and drive-out of the Ham Hall roundabout, south of Cottage Grove Avenue.
Where to Stay
- There are several affordable hotels close to UNLV's campus. Other teachers have had success with Airbnb.
- The college is not able to offer housing to teachers and/or chaperones.
Questions?
Please contact us at choir@unlv.edu if you have any questions that were not answered here.
About the School of Music
The UNLV School of Music is a constantly growing institution of over 500 music majors, with 45 full-time faculty teaching students in pursuit of undergraduate and graduate degrees in classical performance, music education, jazz studies, commercial music, music technology, composition, musicology, and ethnomusicology. Students who graduate from UNLV enjoy successful careers in music education, the music industry, and professional performance. UNLV's Las Vegas location allows students to gain unique professional experience and exposure during their undergraduate study through private-public partnerships with professional musicians and their parent organizations.
The Choral Studies Area features five choral ensembles performing a variety of repertoire, from ancient to contemporary. You can learn more about UNLV's choral ensembles by visiting their page and following @unlvchoirs on Instagram and Facebook.