Clear Lake High School Jazz Band recognized for commitment to veterans
- Lake County News reports
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lakeport Unified School District band teacher Jenni Ingram and the Clear Lake High School Jazz Band have been honored for their support of Lake County’s veterans.
Ingram and the band were recognized for their ongoing commitment to Lake County veterans at the Veteran’s Day ceremony at Konocti Vista Casino on Nov. 11, as Lake County News has reported.
John Evalle, district director, presented Ingram and the CLHS Jazz band with a framed Congressional Commendation on behalf of Congressman John Garamendi, Third 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 Dec. 14.
Ingram says, “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,” said Ingram.
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.
“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,” she said.
A few years again two veterans, Bill Vann and Boyd Green, who play trumpet and perform “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.”
There are 346 LUSD students, grades sixth 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 Terrace Middle School Eighth 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.