Tag: W.D. Packard band

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Area girl to sing with Warren band

Elizabeth Jernigan performing at W.D. Packard Music Hall

By WARREN DILLAWAY – 

Photo by Kelly Summers

A Pymatuning Valley High School freshman will make her third appearance with the W.D. Packard Concert Band Dec. 7 at Packard Hall in Warren.

This will be Elizabeth Jernigan’s third appearance with the band, said Thomas Groth, the executive director of the band. He said he heard her performance at an Erie Seawolves game on video and invited her to sing solos with the band three years ago, and has invited her back annually.

Groth said he tries to find talent and give them an opportunity to perform. He said it was especially enjoyable to work with an Ashtabula County resident, since he started his musical career as band director at Jefferson Area High School from 1963-66 and Edgewood from 1966 to 1969, before moving to Boardman High School.

He said Jernigan’s grandmother, Suzanne Wludyga, played flute in his band at JAHS. Groth said Jernigan is very talented.

The W.D. Packard band has been in place for more than 70 years, and Groth said he has been a part of the music-making group for 61 years.

Concerts by the band are free of charge, thanks to an endowment from Packard.
The concert is the Family Christmas Spectacular, and Jernigan will be a featured soloist, the first in Ashtabula County.
Jernigan joins a group of performers from the Amanda Beagle Vocal Studio, multiple local dance ensembles, and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Luke Jernigan, Elizabeth’s father, said she has been performing publicly since she was three years old. He said she has performed for sporting events such as the Erie Otters, Lake County Captains, Akron Rubber Ducks, the Ohio Bobcat’s mens basketball team and numerous events at Pymatuning Valley High School.