About Us
The Lake Havasu Regional Orchestra debuted in the fall of 1978 with 20 musicians. It was the first and only regional orchestra since the city's inception in 1964. Musicians in the LHRO come from Parker, Kingman, Bullhead City, Needles, Lake Havasu City and other communities in the area. They are of all ages and experiences ranging from high school students to experienced musicians who play in big-city symphonies during the LHRO's off-season. The orchestra is a non-profit organization and the musicians do not realize any financial benefit.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Lake Havasu Regional Orchestra is to encourage people of all ages in Lake Havasu City and the surrounding communities to share their musical talents in an orchestral setting, thus enhancing the culture of the region and to provide scholarships for deserving young musicians.
About Our Director
Art Swanson
A Californian native, Mr. Swanson received his bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of the Pacific and his Master’s Degree in Performance from The Catholic University in Washington, DC.
As member of the U.S. Navy Band in Washington, DC for 26 years he performed as a trombonist and soloist with the Concert Band, led the Brass Quintet, and served as the National Tour Director for its six performing units. In 1975-1976 he toured with the Armed Forces Bicentennial Band where he met his wife Ingrid, a horn instrumentalist. He has performed in every state in the U.S. on national tours as well as numerous performances in the Washington, DC area.
As a freelance musician, he has performed with musicians from the National Symphony, the Baltimore Symphony, and the Fairfax Symphony. He performed regularly in the Washington, DC/Baltimore area in local orchestras, dance bands, brass ensembles, and in recording studios.
After retiring from the Navy in 1996 he moved to Kingman, AZ to teach music on the Hualapai Reservation in Peach Springs. He has also taught band for the Mohave Community College, conducted the Kingman Concert Band for 12 years, and conducts the Lake Havasu Regional Orchestra and the Mohave Community Orchestra. Mr. Swanson toured for six years with the 1940’s revue “In The Mood”, toured China with the Mantovani Orchestra and recently performed at the Prescott Jazz Summit.
LHRO Board
Current Board Members
President: Stephen Sinkey
Vice President: Laura Witczak
Secretary: Brenda Dorsett
Treasurer: Steve Petrangelo
Board Member: Liz Porter
Board Member: Open
Student Board Member: Open
We have a few open positions. If you are interested in joining the board please contact us at info.lhro.az@gmail.com.
The board meets once a month in the band room before rehearsal.