Sid Lasaine
Sid Lasaine taught instrumental music for the Los Angeles Unified School District for over 36 years. In 1987 he created the very successful jazz program at the Hamilton High School Academy of Music. In 1992 Downbeat Magazine awarded him their Achievement Award For Jazz Education, and in 1996 was selected into their Jazz educators Hall Of Fame as the very first high school jazz educator to receive this honor.
The first recipient of the Mr. Holland’s Opus Award presented by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) has his name on it. Sid has conducted honor jazz ensembles for SCSBOA and the Iowa Bandmasters Association. Judging, clinicing, and encouraging young jazzers keeps this “retired” teacher busy. Received my BA, MA and teaching credentials from Los Angeles State College, now CSULA. Attended Lake Forest College in Illinois, Wisconsin State College, currently the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Kansas University and Westlake College of Modern Music, Hollywood CA (no longer in existence).