Lake Norman Orchestra

Our Mission

Lake Norman Orchestra provides an opportunity for community musicians to come together to continue their love of music and to inspire and entertain audiences with a variety of musical compositions. LKNO is committed to high quality performances that engage people of all ages in music to enrich the cultural life of our diverse community.

The mission of Lake Norman Orchestra is supported by, and reflected in, our

Core Values:

• Commitment to our organization and our community
• Excellence and variety in our performances
• Creativity and flexibility
• Open communication and collaborative environment
• Accountability and reliability
• Honesty, loyalty, integrity, sensitivity and respect
• Responsibility and recognition
• Trust in our leadership and each other
• Appreciation of music through education
• Passionate about our mission
• Responsive to our communities, both internal and external
• Financial stability

Our Board of Directors

The LKNO Board is responsible for setting the overall direction of the organization, including defining our mission statement and planning for the future growth of the orchestra, our various ensembles and our music programs.

LKNO Board of Directors for the 2007 - 2008 Term

• The Lake Norman Orchestra Executive Board includes:
• Ms. Sherry Klepfer, President and Events Coordinator
• Ms. Donna Creasey, Vice President
• Ms. Amy McComas, Secretary
  
• Ms. Dottie Liptrap, Treasurer


• The Lake Norman Orchestra Board Members at Large include:
• Ms. Cyndi Ball Membership Coordinator
• Mr. Lewis Huff
• Mr. Walter Klepfer Operations Manager, Technology Director
• Ms. Letha McDowell Legal Council
• Mr. Bob Taylor, Finance Coordinator
• Ms. Kristina Thoennes


• Ex-officio Members of Lake Norman Orchestra include:
• Mr. Joshua Stevenson, Music Director (biography)
• Dawn Linebarrier, Associate Music Director (biography)
• Mr. Mat Hendrix, Music Librarian

Our Organizational Structure

The Lake Norman Orchestra or LKNO is the primary entity of our corporation under which all administrative and managerial activities are performed. As the parent entity, LKNO is responsible for developing all the subsidiary programs and managing all aspects of their implementation.

LKNO is also synonymous with our full orchestra which now includes more than 60 active members covering a range of ages as diverse as our membership and musical repertoire. Mr. Joshua Stevenson, who joined the LKNO in the fall of 2005 as Acting Music Director of the organization, was awarded the role of Music Director in January 2006. Josh's talent, passion and enthusiasm for his art are contagious and it is reflected in the efforts of the membership to perform at their personal best of their abilities. For more information about our Membership or details on how to join, be sure to visit our Membership page. To inquire about booking Lake Norman Orchestra or any or our subsidiaries, please contact the Events Coordinator for more details.

The NormanAirs Stage Band

In addition to the full Orchestra, the LKNO also supports the NormanAirs, our subsidiary stage band. With about 20 active members, the band performs a variety of jazz, swing, rock and crossover musical selections. In addition to performing with LKNO at most concerts, the NormanAirs stage band is perfect for smaller venues and special events. Again, please contact the Events Coordinator if you are interested in booking the NormanAirs.

Ensembles

LKNO is proud to sponsor a number of chamber ensembles and quintets. Our Brass Ensemble consists of two trumpets, french horn, tuba, and trombone. Our String Ensemble consists of two violins, a viola and a cello. These groups bring a special style and variety to our concerts. More chamber ensembles and quintets are being formed as LKNO grows in its membership. Be sure to check back often for the latest information or Contact Us for a more directed inquiry.

Our History

A "2001" idea, the Lake Norman Orchestra was founded in 2002 by two dedicated couples in Mooresville, NC. Both William & Nanette Haraden and Todd & Cheryl Lary brought along a love of music when they moved to the Lake Norman area. The Lake Norman Orchestra is a dream come true. With just 20 members, the LKNO started performing concerts in May 2003. Within 6 months, membership had grown to more than 40 members.

Our concerts include a broad range of music, from classical to pop to Broadway to big band and jazz. The success of the orchestra resulted in the formation of the NormanAirs stage band and several ensembles including chamber, brass and woodwind.

Lake Norman Orchestra is an adult community group open to any musician who plays strings, woodwinds, brass or percussion who is High School age and above. We currently have approximately 60 active members ranging in age from 14 to 70's. We also have several families active on the orchestra -- husband/wife & parent/child. Lake Norman Orchestra serves the North Carolina communities of South Iredell, North Mecklenburg, East Lincoln, and West Cabarrus counties. We perform 8 or more concerts a year beginning around March and continuing through early December at a variety of venues. Our venues are as diverse as our membership and performances. We perform at festivals and outdoor events well suited for a casual presentation and reserve our indoor venues for more formal gatherings and for those cooler days or when inclement weather prevails.

There are no dues or membership fees to join. Funding for our group is raised through private and business donations, sponsorships, grants, and concert ticket sales. Our rehearsals are held every Monday in facilities graciously donated by Peninsula Baptist Church, located at 687 Brawley School Road in Mooresville. Orchestra rehearsal is from 7:00 - 8:45 pm and the NormanAirs stage band practicing from 9:00 - 10:00 pm. Interested musicians are invited to visit our rehearsals and talk with members and directors.

With the rapid growth of the LKNO came the need for an Executive Board, formed in the Fall 2003. LKNO received its 501(c)(3) non-profit status in April of 2005 with an effective date of August 2004. Having fun is the key to the LKNO's success as it provides a venue for musicians of all ages to perform. Watch this space as who knows what can happen by "2010".