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Leadership: A Pillar of Education
Wow...just had to share. What an impressive young man and ESHS Eagle Pride Band and Color Guard Alumnus! What a testament to the importance of fully funded arts in our schools. shared on Facebook by Neil Cadman
We recognize ESHS Class of 2015 Nathan Vinzon (pictured with his brother Mitchell). Nathan is a 2019 graduate of the United States Naval Academy.
We asked Nathan to describe his current activities and how "band" played such a major role in his development:
I am currently living in Japan serving as an officer onboard USS HIGGINS DDG 76, a forward deployed ship tasked with the responsibility of protecting the United States and Japan from foreign adversaries. The ship goes out to sea frequently, sometimes with little warning. The ocean can be an unforgiving place for a 9,000 ton warship, but even in a typhoon, I can always rely on my shipmates.
Sailors often ask where I learned to be a leader of how I learned how to lead. I love those questions because they would almost always assume I took some leadership class at the Naval Academy. While that may have been true, it was never my answer.
I learned most of my leadership skills through the ESHS Marching Band program. Between practice disciplines, teamwork exercises and peer leadership opportunities, I learned how to effectively motivate a group of people and lead them toward a common goal. Most importantly I've learned that being out to sea and competing in marching band aren't that different. Any band geek you ask can tell you that once you step out on the field, it's just you and your band mates. No one can come out and help. There's no metronome or band director to guide us. There are no replays or time outs. You only get one chance to perform at your best. There has been no greater experience to prepare me to be a Naval Officer than being in marching band.
Well done Lieutenant Vinzon! Thank you for your service!
original post: El Segundo High School Band, Alumni spotlight, 01-17-2022
We recognize ESHS Class of 2015 Nathan Vinzon (pictured with his brother Mitchell). Nathan is a 2019 graduate of the United States Naval Academy.
We asked Nathan to describe his current activities and how "band" played such a major role in his development:
I am currently living in Japan serving as an officer onboard USS HIGGINS DDG 76, a forward deployed ship tasked with the responsibility of protecting the United States and Japan from foreign adversaries. The ship goes out to sea frequently, sometimes with little warning. The ocean can be an unforgiving place for a 9,000 ton warship, but even in a typhoon, I can always rely on my shipmates.
Sailors often ask where I learned to be a leader of how I learned how to lead. I love those questions because they would almost always assume I took some leadership class at the Naval Academy. While that may have been true, it was never my answer.
I learned most of my leadership skills through the ESHS Marching Band program. Between practice disciplines, teamwork exercises and peer leadership opportunities, I learned how to effectively motivate a group of people and lead them toward a common goal. Most importantly I've learned that being out to sea and competing in marching band aren't that different. Any band geek you ask can tell you that once you step out on the field, it's just you and your band mates. No one can come out and help. There's no metronome or band director to guide us. There are no replays or time outs. You only get one chance to perform at your best. There has been no greater experience to prepare me to be a Naval Officer than being in marching band.
Well done Lieutenant Vinzon! Thank you for your service!
original post: El Segundo High School Band, Alumni spotlight, 01-17-2022
