LAKE COUNTY >> Jenni Ingram, Band Teacher, Lakeport Unified School District, and the Clear Lake High School Jazz Band were recognized at the Veteran’s Day Ceremony at Konocti Vista Casino on November 11, for their on-going commitment to Lake County Veterans.
John Evalle, District Director, presented Ingram and the CLHS Jazz band with a framed Congressional Commendation on behalf of Congressman John Garamendi, 3rd District, for “their steadfast dedication and selfless commitment to serve, support, and recognize the members of our nation that swore an oath to support and defend our country and the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of the United States of America.”
They were also presented with a “Friends of the Veterans” plaque by the Lake County Board of Supervisors and the County Veterans Service Office “for their contributions to improving the quality of life for Lake County’s Veterans.”
Ingram and her jazz band members were recognized again at the Lakeport School Board Meeting on December 14, 2017.
Ingram said, “We were shocked and humbled to receive the ‘Friends of the Veterans’ and ‘Congressional Commendation’ award from the County Veterans Service Office, Lake County Board of Supervisors, and Congressman Garamendi.”
Clear Lake High School has been participating in the event for many years. According to Ingram, a true rapport has been established between local veterans and jazz band members.
Ingram added, “Over the years I have witnessed countless veterans go out of their way to engage our students, complimenting their performance, encouraging their goals for higher education, and offering to mentor their musical development.”
A few years ago two veterans, Bill Vann and Boyd Green, who played trumpet and performed “Taps” as part of the Honor Guard came to jazz rehearsal. They taught the CLHS trumpeters “Taps,” allowing them to play side by side with the Honor Guard at the Veterans Day ceremony.
Ingram is proud of her music students. “As a teacher, I was moved to hear my students repeatedly express that we go perform not for the recognition to us, but to honor our local Veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms.”
She added, “We are truly grateful to be considered ‘Friends of the Veterans’ and we thank each and every veteran for their sacrifice and their service.”
Lakeport Unified School District Superintendent April Leiferman says, “We’re proud of Jenni’s many successes throughout her years at LUSD. She has a wonderful relationship with her students and instills in them not only a love of music but the confidence to be successful in their other endeavors as well.”
There are 346 LUSD students, grades 6th through 12th, taking band daily, working on a diverse repertoire ranging from Masterworks to movie soundtracks pieces. The CLHS concert band is comprised of 118 students. Both the CLHS Band and the TMS 8th Grade Band will be traveling to out-of-town music festivals this year to perform. For more information, please go to the Lakeport Unified Band Facebook page.
