Lakeport Unified School District offers a variety of music programs to encourage musical involvement at all age levels. Superintendant Erin Smith-Hagberg reports, “Research confirms the many benefits of music education. It can boost brain activity, improve memory, build social skills, and even improve test scores. We strive to provide a quality music program, beginning in elementary school, to support and encourage music involvement for interested students.”
Music Director Jenni Ingram oversees the music programs at Lakeport Elementary, Terrace Middle School and Clear Lake High School. She teaches band to 245 students in grades 6-12.
“While the majority of our programs are geared toward high school and middle school students, we place great value on exposing children to music in elementary school,” she said. “Nick Reid does a great job with our elementary school students. Our district provides musical instruction and enrichment at all grade levels.”
Ingram works diligently to keep the music program fun and engaging by offering various learning experiences and performance opportunities.
The Terrace Middle School music program is led by teacher Lisa Olsen. About 400 children visit Olsen each week. By combining history standards with performing arts standards, the TMS music program integrates America”s history with music education. Students sing, dance, and play music from diverse cultures and time periods from the past 300 years.
“We strive to describe the influence of America”s history on America”s music,” added Olsen. Mini musicals like, “Gold Dust or Bust,” and “The Turkey”s Go On Strike,” add fun and humor to learning. “Sixth grade picks up where fourth and fifth left off at the Gold Rush.”
Olsen teaches English Language Development to grades 4-8 in addition to music education.
Terrace Middle School also supports a band program for grades 6-8 where 111 students are currently enrolled. Students learn how to read music, perform, care for instruments, and learn about music theory. The eighth grade band class will compete in Lake County”s annual Middle School Band Festival at Lower Lake High School this spring.
Clear Lake High School”s band program enrolls 112 student musicians. The Concert/Marching Band serves 108 students and the Jazz Band serves 38 students. Additionally, there are 22 students enrolled in the Recording Technology program where students learn about composing, arranging, and light and audio engineering. This spring CLHS band students will participate in the following:
? Jan. 21: Campus tour and learning clinic at CSU Sacramento for Concert Band students. The clinic will be taught by CSU Sacramento”s Band Director.
? Feb. 18: All CLHS band students are invited to an optional enrichment field trip to San Francisco to see the Broadway show, “Newsies.”
? March 20-21: Workshop and music competition at the Santa Cruz Jazz Festival for Jazz Band students.
? April 15: CLHS open house and Spring Concert.
? April 29: Clinic at Sonoma State University by Dr. Collinsworth for Concert Band students. Wind Ensemble concert to follow.
The Clear Lake High School Glee Club is in its third year. The club focuses on students with an interest and passion for singing. Club members learn to grow their vocal strength and sing in harmony by singing both individually and in groups. Advisor and teacher Adam Evans oversees the club, while students Grace Ott and Briana Mix act as directors. Rally and Winter Concert performances are held annually. The Glee Club has 22 members and is open to all students interested in singing individually or in a group.
Each school is having a Winter Concert in December. All concerts are open to the public and will be held on the following dates: Terrace Middle School: Dec. 3. Clear Lake High School: Dec. 10. Lakeport Elementary School: Dec. 16. A spaghetti feed will be served at 5:00 p.m. prior to the Lakeport Elementary School concert. Proceeds benefit the music program, Americorps tutors, and other programs.
For more information about any of the band programs, call Clear Lake High School at 707-262-3010 or Terrace Middle School at 707-262-3007.
