INGLEWOOD, Calif. – When Joseph Jauregui took over the band program at Inglewood High School in February of 2021, there were eight kids in his class.
The instruments were in "horrible condition," he said, and he almost walked away. But he kept going, and three-and-a-half years later, Jauregui is leading a band of around 100 students who will soon be playing at the White House.
"I was left with nothing," Jauregui said. "... But the district rallied behind (me), got me new instruments and uniforms, so I had to step up. I just didn't think it was going to happen this fast to be honest with you, so sometimes I'm still shocked that this is happening."
This week, Jauregui was recognized as the Rams' 10th "pLAymaker" of 2024 for his efforts revitalizing the band program at Inglewood High School. The band has grown exponentially in both size and skill since he took over and he's made a real difference in the kids' lives.
Jauregui said it was "very surreal" to be recognized for his effort in the community, but added "it's not about me, it's about the kids." Some of the students had never played instruments before and are now receiving scholarships for music or going to college when they never thought of that as a possibility.
"One thing I've learned working in this community is that the need is great and the stories are really sad," Jauregui said. "So to be able to be more than just the music teacher is very significant to me. And I can legitimately say that I've changed the lives of the kids around me and I've changed their path."
The best part of Jauregui's job is seeing his students come out of their shell, show passion and enjoy life.
"The best part with music is that you need two hands to play," Jauregui said. "So, even if they wanted to be on their cell phones they can't be so it gives them an opportunity to just enjoy life, disconnect for a second and look up."
The condition under which Jauregui was hired was to "keep the traditions of the past alive," he said. And he's done more than that, increasing the band's numbers and abilities exponentially by "seeing people for who they are and treating them with some respect," he said.
The band program went from around 100 kids to 10 during the pandemic, and Jauregui built it back up with his genuine approach to teaching and love of music.
"Every goal that I had set up for myself when I was in college has been accomplished in such a short time and now we are going to D.C. and it's crazy to me," Jauregui said. "I never thought I would do that, and here we are with the worst reputation as a district, we're always seen as ghetto kids, and here I am taking these 'ghetto kids' to the White House."
