Who We Are: The Lake Havasu Symphonic Winds is hailed as the finest music ensemble in Mohave County and surrounding areas. The Winds is a thirty member adult wind ensemble which rehearses weekly and presents numerous public performances a season. It was founded in 1998 by Maestro Wesley L. Humphrey, who continues to direct the ensemble. The majority of the musicians are Lake Havasu residents, but there are a few who travel from nearby cities to play with the ensemble. The non-profit (501-c-3) organization is affiliated with the Lake Havasu Parks and Recreation, and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce. The Symphonic Winds sole support for music purchases, auditorium costs, programs, advertisement, and other operating costs is by ticket sales, individual and corporate sponsors.
Instrumentation: The current instrumentation consists of one piccolo, two flutes, three soprano clarinets, one bass clarinet, one bassoon, one oboe, four saxophones, two trumpet, three cornets, two french horns, trombones, one euphonium, one string bass, one tuba, and four percussionists.
Scholarships: Skilled high school musicians are welcome to audition. Deserving high school student who are active in the Symphonic Winds and want to pursue a study of music at the university level are eligible for $500 scholarships upon high school graduation.
Repertoire: The music repertoire includes many styles from classics to modern popular compositions of both medium and difficult levels. There are also a growing number of original compositions and arrangements by local musicians.
Concerts: A typical concert is about ninety minutes in length and opens with the Star Spangled Banner. It also includes some marches, a classical selection, a Broadway selection, a couple of popular pieces, and a patriotic selection. Several of the selections feature solo work from one or more members of the group. Most concerts include a guest conductor or artist.
Concerts take place at the Lake Havasu Auditorium Performing Arts Center located at 2675 S. Palo Verde in Lake Havasu City and begin at 7:30 PM. General admission for adults is $10; children with an adult and students with a school ID are admitted free. Tickets may be purchased at the door or prior to the concert at Sound Bank Electronics (1931 McCulloch Blvd.)
Sponsors: Sponsors are the lifeline of the Symphonic Winds. Without the support of our many friends these concerts would not be presented.
Corporate Sponsors - Murphy Broadcasting
- AJS Insurance - Mr. Mike Carr
- Mudshark Brewing Company
- Shimmer Marine
- Sound Bank Electronics
- Campbell Boats
- One Hour Air Conditioning
- 2 Guys Productions, LLC
- Bartlett Tours
| Individual Sponsors Jules Teck New Yorkers of Havasu Elizabeth and Elissa Mondschein, Alexandria Lupu Jocelyn Ray Mary Carol O'Malley Paul and Elsie Brady Memorial "Woody" and Harlene Hill Memorial
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