NSA Chamber Orchestra
The NSA Chamber Orchestra (NSACO) is a tuition-free ensemble designed to expand access to high-quality orchestral training for students across the Las Vegas Valley. Participants receive weekly 30-minute private lessons with experienced local musicians and educators, many of whom maintain active professional performance careers and orchestral backgrounds.
In addition to private instruction, students engage in regular ensemble rehearsals and public performances that emphasize technical development, artistic growth, and collaborative musicianship. The program is designed to strengthen individual skills while fostering teamwork, leadership, and long-term engagement in the arts.
NSACO addresses barriers to advanced music education by providing structured, sustained training in a supportive environment, ensuring that high-level instruction is accessible regardless of financial circumstance.
Interested in joining? Please read HOW TO APPLY and then apply below.
Announcements:
Stay tuned for updates regarding the 2026-2027 season.
Students must fill out the application form and get a recommendation from their current orchestra teacher or contact Maestro Rodrigo Corral regarding alternative arrangements.
NSACO Faculty
Music Director - Rodrigo Corral
Rodrigo Corral is an accomplished conductor, flutist, and music educator based in Las Vegas. He will serve as Conductor of the NSA Chamber Orchestra for the 2026–2027 season, bringing extensive experience in orchestral performance, music education, and youth ensemble leadership.
Since arriving in Las Vegas in 2014, Mr. Corral has worked extensively with middle school and high school music programs throughout the valley as an instrumental coach and instructional aide. He served as Principal Flute of the UNLV Wind Orchestra, performing under the direction of Thomas G. Leslie and contributing to recordings including The Return(2017) and 24K Gould (2018). He has also performed with ensembles such as the Henderson Symphony and the Desert Winds, and was a Concerto Competition winner at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2016.
Prior to his work in Nevada, Mr. Corral was named Principal Flute of the UACJ Symphony in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, where he performed major repertoire including Mozart’s Flute and Harp Concerto. He also served on the faculty of the Autonomous University of Ciudad Juárez, teaching flute, form analysis, music history, chamber music, and music appreciation.
Mr. Corral currently serves as Director of Orchestras at Del Webb Middle School, where his ensembles consistently earn Superior ratings. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M International University, a Bachelor of Music from the University of North Texas, a Master of Music from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Sierra Nevada College.
Dr. Chuck Cushinery - Conductor Emeritus
Dr. Chuck Cushinery serves as Conductor Emeritus of the NSA Chamber Orchestra. A long-time educator and conductor in Nevada, he is widely recognized for his work building and leading orchestra programs across the state.
Before his work in education, Dr. Cushinery performed professionally as a violinist in jazz and classical settings, collaborating with a range of internationally recognized artists. After relocating to Nevada, he served as Director of Orchestras at Ed W. Clark High School, where he developed one of the state’s largest and most comprehensive school orchestra programs, and later held a faculty appointment at the College of Southern Nevada.
He has served in leadership and advisory roles with state and national music education organizations and has been active as a conductor, clinician, and mentor for student musicians and educators throughout his career. In his role as Conductor Emeritus, he supports the artistic continuity and long-term vision of NSACO.
Scott Jackson
Scott Jackson has appeared at Carnegie Hall with The New World Symphony, performed chamber music nationwide with the ensemble All of the Above, and toured internationally with The Sphinx Virtuosi. He has also collaborated with major orchestras and renowned artists across the United States, establishing a career that bridges performance, education, and artistic leadership.
Omar Shelly
Omar, a Las Vegas-born violist trained at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and the University of Michigan, has performed at Carnegie Hall and across New York as a founding member of The Orchestra Now, held a section position with the Las Vegas Philharmonic, and now performs and teaches widely in Las Vegas with leading arts organizations and youth ensembles.
Ai Melby
Ai, a Tokyo-born violist trained at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music and Northern Illinois University, has performed with the Chicago Symphony, the Grant Park Orchestra, and as principal violist with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. She has appeared at major festivals and now brings her performance and teaching experience to Nevada School of the Arts.
Why Join NSA Chamber Orchestra?
NSACO helps young musicians build ensemble skills, leadership, and confidence through high-level chamber orchestra training. Students receiving private instruction bring these enhanced skills—like stronger listening, rhythm, and musicality—back to their school and youth orchestras, raising the level of their entire ensemble while growing as artists and collaborators.
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“K. is currently a junior in high school at the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts and a Piano major at NSA. His love for piano started when he was in 6th grade. That was his toughest year. You see, K. has autism, ADHD, and was later diagnosed as being twice exceptional. From day one since he set foot in school, he became a constant visitor to the principal’s office.
From years of trying to figure out what can help with his behavior, his therapist pointed us to music. He initially started with viola, he was a fast learner, but that wasn’t his cup of tea. As fate would have it, his then viola teacher also had a piano in her house. K. requested to play with it one day and ever since then, he never stopped. His fears and anxiety all disappear once he starts playing the piano. It became his most effective therapy and outlet. His happy place. This once angry, impatient, and defiant young boy has transformed into a calm, polite and compassionate teenager.
He was able to accomplish being a beginner pianist to advance in a matter of 2 years. He hopes to someday grace the concert halls of Juilliard and play his favorite classical music.”