Senior Jared LaFond has been an active and serious band member since middle school. He’s even studying music education at ISU in the fall. He was talented enough to make it to the state competition for a second year in a row. He also got to perform a solo version of The Star Spangled Banner at the varsity boys’ basketball game against North White.

Jared chose his instrument, the trumpet, like most band kids do. Mr. Dennison comes into the elementary school and lets you play two instruments.  Jared chose the flute and the trumpet. He quickly decided the flute was not for him.  The moment he played the trumpet he remembers it feeling natural. But then he was told that he would be better suited  playing the trombone. He proved the teacher wrong within a year.

Jared started lessons in the sixth grade and worked hard to better himself at music. He had an eye opening moment in 7th grade when he was noticed at a concert. He got asked to play Taps (song he and Mr. Dennison play at the Veterans Day program) . That made him realize that he loved music. He got better, he learned more, and he grew to realize that music was his passion. He also found a love for singing, and has been a part of the Entertainers for three years. Jared’s brother Aaron said that hours of practice feels short to Jared and he practices almost every day.

Jared has done more than what is asked of him in band class. He has played The Star Spangled Banner for the American Legion and played Taps for many occasions. He even had his own band for awhile and is soon to have participated in two talent shows. He has been to state twice now and has received a gold and a silver. He also was accepted into the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra.  Even with these many accomplishments,  he never felt more accomplished than when he auditioned for ISU’s music program and got accepted. He said the director hummed along with his audition and when Jared asked a few questions, the professor said, “Don’t worry, we’ll talk about next year.” Jared was pleased to hear that.  Mr. Dennison is also very proud of what Jared has done. “I have seen Jared grow as a student and as a trumpet player.  He has become a great person and a great musician. I wish him the best for his future.”

He also has changed our band program. “Jared has made a lasting footprint on our band program,” Mr. Dennison said. Jared has added new traditions and changes. He has arranged pieces for pep band and added a whole new part to the “Go Big D” cheer. He has taught younger trumpet players the parts so that the tradition stays alive. 8th grade band member Andrew Schoen said, “Jared is not just a great player, but a great teacher. I couldn’t ask for a better mentor.”

Jared wants to thank his family for the support they have given him throughout the years. Music is a part of the LaFond family. Aaron LaFond, Jared’s little brother, is also a fantastic trumpet player. “He’s always someone I could practice with and he’s given me a deeper sense of what’s behind the music.” Jared wants music to move others like it’s moved him. “When it is a bad time in your life or you think you have it bad, music can always cure your hurting. Music will be there to pick you up when you have fallen down. Music is essential in our lives. I wish everybody could take part in what music really does to a person as much as it has myself.”