HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - Fountain Valley High School (FVHS) is excited to announce Jackson Lai as their new Instrumental Music Director. Lai has been the Fountain Valley Royal Regiment’s Assistant Director for the last two years, teaching music theory, orchestra, and percussion.

Lai came to FVHS in 2018, joining the music department as a percussion instructor before being promoted to Assistant Director. Prior to his tenure with the Barons, he taught percussion for 14 years at various schools around Orange County, including Ayala High School, Trabuco Hills High School, and Mission Viejo High School. During his time at Ayala High School, they became Bands of America Grand National Finalists and multi-time champions of the Winterguard International in the divisions of Scholastic World and Scholastic Concert World. Lai also taught and arranged music for the marching band at Warren High School, who became gold medalists in the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association Championships.

While obtaining his Bachelor’s of Music in Instrumental Music Education at Cal State University, Long Beach, Lai studied with the late Dr. Michael Carney, Randy Drake, Dr. Dave Gerhart, Axel Clarke, and former principal percussionist of the LA Philharmonic, Raynor Carroll. He performed with the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Orchestra, World Percussion Ensemble, and Steel Drum Orchestra. Other groups he performed with include the Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets and Pulse Percussion for drum corps and winter percussion. He received his Master’s in Education and teaching credential from National University, then completed his student teaching at FVHS. 

“The music program at FVHS has a historical legacy that expands beyond to the national level,” shared Jackson Lai. “It is an honor for me to be able to continue this legacy and build upon the foundations set by everyone who has been a part of the music program. I am so excited to work with all the students and continue to provide a level of excellence that FVHS is known for.”

FVHS Principal Paul Lopez exclaimed, “We are very excited to have Jackson as our new Instrumental Music Director. To have a person who loves our program and our students as the leader makes a huge difference. Jackson has been integral in our programs achieving at a high level. We look forward to watching our programs grow and achieve under the direction of Jackson!”

The Huntington Beach Union High School District can’t wait to see how Lai’s talents and his dedication to the success of the students contribute to the growth of the FVHS music program.