Local Music Programs Highlighted At LHUSD Music Showcase Concert

By Janet Cruz

Students enrolled in the music program at schools across the Lake Havasu Unified School District took to the stage to a full audience at the Lake Havasu High School Performing Arts Center Thursday night.

The Lake Unified School District Music Showcase offered locals the opportunity to listen to musical jazz pieces, combined bands, choir performances and many other entertaining presentations by talented students.

Starline Elementary /Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene

“The group I am involved in is The Lake Havasu High school Knight Voices choir. It’s a lot of fun. We do different pieces and we also have a concert choir as well for those who want to learn to sing,” Lake Havasu High School student and choir member Riah Shah said.

Riah Shah and fellow Lake Havasu High School “Knights Voices Choir ” members, perform at LHHSD Music Showcase Thursday night / Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene

According to Choir Director Erica Suetterlin, the showcase was created to highlight and show each students’ musical achievements and accomplishments, district wide. It’s goal is to also show the progression all the way from elementary to high school.

“We had nearly 300 students perform during the event. We had 20 high school choir students, and 70 choir students all together,” Suetterlin said.

A combined elementary choir performed the “Star Spangled Banner”, Directed by Carrie Clark, Darren Huntting, Barbara Huntting and Brian Karbowski from Starline, Havasupai and Smoketree Elementary schools.

Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene

There were also acts from the Jamaica Elementary Theatre Club combined with the Starline Elementary Performing Arts club as well.

Band performances included Lake Havasu High School Students, Thunderbolt Middle School students, and more choir performances by Nautilus Elementary, Smoketree Elementary, Havasupai, Starline and Jamaica elementaries.

“Music teachers teach more than just music. We give students a safe place to explore and create through music important skills. We believe every student should have an opportunity to learn and love music,” Suetterlin said.

Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene

“I am so happy that we could provide this experience through the showcase. Through this showcase, we wanted to advocate for strong music programs here in Havasu, and we hope that this event entertained, inspired and motivated all students and their families, as well as demonstrated students’ potential and abilities,” said Lake Havasu High School Band Director Kimberly Schreiber.

Light refreshments and snacks were donated by the Lake Havasu High School Booster Club during intermission.

The show concluded with a combined musical performance by all students of the Schools Spirit Anthem; the “LHHS Fight Song.”

Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene

Upcoming performances include a Thunderbolt Middle School Choir concert May 3, Lake Havasu High School Band concert May 16, Thunderbolt Middle School Band concert May 17, and Lake Havasu High School Choir concert May 18. All will take place at the Lake Havasu High School Performing Arts Center.

For more information on Lake Havasu Unified School District music program, contact your local school office or contact the district office at 928-505-6900.