Our "Employee Spotlight" series aims to showcase the unique personalities, talents, and stories that contribute to the success of our district. This section celebrates the incredible individuals who make our Lansing USD469 community thrive.
Blake Vignery, Director of Percussion/Assistant Band Director/Auditorium Technical Director/Musical Pit Orchestra Director
Question: How long have you worked for Lansing USD469?
Answer: 18 years
Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the role you have within the school district?
Answer: I am an assistant band director, percussion director at LMS/LHS, and conduct the pit orchestra for the LHS musicals. I am also the auditorium supervisor and work with Bruce Moreland to provide lights and sound for performance events in the schools.
Question: What do you enjoy most about your role and the work you do in the school district?
Answer: I love getting to work with the students daily and to watch them grow as musicians, as well as, in their confidence to handle adversity. From the first day that my students pick up their instruments to hearing their last performance, I enjoy seeing them grow into confident adults.
Question: What is something unusual about you that most people don't know?
Answer: I enjoy math and seeing the student's reaction when I can break it down. They don't expect that from a band teacher.
Question: When you're not working, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
Answer: I like to perform in musicals, play golf whenever I can, and play video games. I also enjoy spending time with my nieces and nephews when I can.
Question: Could you share a particularly heartwarming or memorable experience you've had while working with students or colleagues?
Answer: I love all of the letters that we get during Teacher Appreciation Week from our students. You don't always see all of the ways that you impact a student's educational career and it is a great reminder of why we all teach.
Question: What piece of advice would you like to offer to students to help them succeed and make the most of their educational journey?
Answer: The biggest piece of advice I always give is to be confident in everything you do. You will fail from time to time, but do so with confidence so that you can learn exactly what went wrong and what went right.