Westwood High School in Mesa, Arizona, underwent an auditorium retrofit to improve light output for orchestra, band, choir, drama, assemblies, rehearsals, and other campus events. The upgrade focused on providing usable light at the auditorium’s throw distances so seating areas, aisles, and performance zones received consistent illumination.
Unlike many older auditoriums where fixture access is the primary maintenance concern, Westwood’s fixtures were relatively easy to reach. The limiting factor was lamp output: the existing lamps weren’t delivering enough usable light for the distance between the houselights and the areas they needed to illuminate. Clearwing Systems Integration worked with the school to evaluate options and specify an LED retrofit that addressed those conditions.
In 2017, Westwood had 60 RETRO-Classic® 700s at 3000K and 14 RETRO-Classic 150s at 3000K installed. It has been a “night and day change” according to Jill Maurer, Systems Design Engineer. “It is so bright in that auditorium since the retrofit was completed.”
Addressing Light Output and Throw Distance
The goal at Westwood wasn’t simply to switch to LEDs; it was to provide enough output to work effectively with the auditorium’s existing fixture locations and throw distances. Selecting a mix of RETRO-Classic 700 and 150 models allowed the design team to match light levels to different parts of the room—higher-output units where needed and lower-output units where appropriate.
Canto USA’s RETRO Series LED retrofit kits are designed to upgrade existing houselights so venues can retain much of their lighting infrastructure while improving lumen output, consistency, and dimming compatibility.
Using both RETRO-Classic 700 and 150 units let the team match the light level more closely to each part of the room. The 700s handled areas that needed more output, while the 150s worked better where less light was called for. Matching the light source to the application—considering throw distance, fixture placement, color temperature, and room use—is a key part of a successful auditorium retrofit.
The completed installation created a noticeable change in the auditorium. As Jill Maurer said, “It is so bright in that auditorium since the retrofit was completed.” That improved, consistent light supports performances, rehearsals, assemblies, and community events throughout the year.
Improving a Busy Performing Arts Space
School auditoriums are multi-use spaces. A well-planned auditorium retrofit does more than reduce wattage: it delivers dependable light where and when people need it—on stage, in seating areas, and along aisles—while minimizing maintenance and ensuring dimming compatibility for theatrical and presentation needs.
Other district auditoriums presented different challenges that the RETRO family handled by adapting to each venue’s requirements. For example, the Dobson High School project dealt with fixture access and uneven light levels, while the Red Mountain High School installation addressed difficult maintenance access. These case studies illustrate how RETRO products can be configured around different auditorium layouts.
For Westwood, the main challenge was clear: the existing lamps simply were not delivering enough light over the required distance. Selecting RETRO-Classic models with higher output where needed allowed the school to improve usable light while maintaining the existing fixture layout.
Related Canto USA Installations
- Der Erfolg einer weiteren High School mit der RETRO-Serie
- Die Dobson High School verwendet die RETRO-Serie
- Red Mountain High School wird als erste der öffentlichen Schulen in Mesa umgerüstet
- Penn's Grove Middle School aktualisiert ihre Aula mit der RETRO-Reihe von Canto USA
We’re pleased that our lights have made the client and dealer happy and that they’re part of the shows and presentations at Westwood.
Canto USA’s RETRO Series Fully Dimmable LED Retrofit Houselights
Canto USA is proud to present our RETRO series. The RETRO-Fusion® 2.0 and RETRO-Passive® 2.0 are 0-100% phase dimmable (forward and reverse) variable wattage LED 2700K-6500K 80-97 CRI engines. They are designed for older SCR, TRIAC, and IGBT dimmer systems but are compatible with newer dimmer systems. A direct replacement of existing lamps, our LED retrofit can be used in a wide range of applications or even new installations. Custom and standard mounting options are available.
