Desert Community Orchestra

About the DCO

The Desert Community Orchestra was formed in 1960 and has been an iconic part of the community of Ridgecrest, California ever since. Its mission is to provide live performances of orchestral music to the local region, provide local musicians an opportunity to perform and participate as soloists, and encourage young talented musicians to further their musical education with financial support through music scholarships.

 Every spring young musicians are invited to audition for the Peter Pinto Music Scholarship Award. The DCO also annually sponsors The Young Artist Competition. Student musicians audition for the privilege of being accompanied in performance with the full orchestra. The orchestra has featured musicians as young as 12 years old in their annual “Touch of Class” concert.

 DCO has hosted international guest soloists over the years. The list of celebrities includes Alan Paul of Manhattan Transfer, Camilla Arnold, Terry Glenny, Diva Jones, Gerardo Tamez, Sherri Stark, Lawrence Spector, Bethany Grace Folsom, and The Neave Trio.

Robert Martinez held a 29-year long conducting role with the orchestra from 1995 - 2024. Mark Hatter brought energy and flair to the September 2024 Pops Concert, while Caleb Yanez Glickman led the festive December 2024 Christmas in Ridgecrest performance. David Newby took the podium for the March 2025 Winter Concert, and Emmanuel Rojas was our featured conductor for the inspiring Young Artist Concert in May 2024.

Meet the Musician

Read the Daily Independent interviews with current and former members of the orchestra: Robby Martinez, Lydia Washburn, Amber Petersen, Amanda Elfrink, Bianca Samaniego, Andrew Richards, Brandon Burkhardt, Clare A. Hatter, Lisa Austin, and Heidi Miller-Costanzo.

Our Next Conductor for the POPS CONCERT 2025 Saturday September 27, 2025

Mark Hatter

Mark attended San Diego State University and Southern Oregon University and has taught for over 30 years in the Eastern Sierra, including 24 years in the Sierra Sands Unified District. Mark has conducted amateur orchestras, bands and musicals including the Eastern Sierra Chamber Orchestra, Playhouse 395m the Bishop Community Band, and the Desert Community Orchestra.

"I also play the trombone with this orchestra when I'm not conducting," states Mark. "I feel proud that the Desert Community Orchestra widely contributes to the local area and brings live music to Ridgecrest!"