The morning class of John Knight Middle School Band, with teacher Chris Lee in far right of picture, very happy with the news of community donations for more instruments. Photo by Debra Dingman

DIXON, CA (MPG) - While middle school students were clustered on a large stage at John Knight Middle School trying to rehearse a tune for their band teacher, Mr. Chris Lee, they got a nice surprise: checks totaling $1,686 to help buy new instruments for the class. They all cheered.

The money is the result of Christmas Tree Lane, a silent auction featuring eight beautifully-decorated trees by women in the community who have become expert tree decorators over the last decade, who volunteered to provide their creations this year exclusively for the JKMS Band Program fundraiser.

“This morning I was absolutely amazed to see just how strongly the Dixon community came out to support John Knight Middle School’s band program,” said Lee. “Their donations are deeply appreciated and will allow the program to purchase more instruments. Thank you so much from my students and myself,” he said with enthusiasm.

The event was a miniature version of the annual Festival of Trees that was organized by Debra Dingman when the larger event was cancelled just weeks before the event and where the band was due to perform. Mr. Lee took over for long-time CA Jacobs music teacher, Steve Russo, who retired two years ago, and Lee continued the tradition of performing at the event.

“I hoped this event served as a ‘space holder’ for the decorators and that the Kiwanis Club’s Festival of Trees will return next year,” said Dingman. “This version was still very meaningful, and we had a lot of fun with it. I’m thrilled with its success.”   

The volunteer tree decorators were Alicia and Wes Atkinson, Debee Lamont, Diana Davies, Dingman, Leah Marlin, Colleen Brown, Emily Krous, Marge Litsinger, and the United Women of Faith from the Methodist Church. The tree themes ranged from elegant winter snow and Holy Nativity, to children’s favorites such as Candy Land and Snoopy.

“We were very happy to help out the students with our trees,” said Lamont, who worked with Diana Davies to produce two of the trees. The friends have been decorating trees since the beginning of the local event. 

“It was a good cause,” she added. Another fundraiser for the band has just been initiated, Lee announced.

“We launched a fundraiser at our Winter Concert last night to purchase a bunch of new method books,” he said. “If you know anyone who might be interested in helping out, here it is: Books for the Avid Reader | DonorsChoose project by Mr. Lee.” For further information or questions, or to make a contribution for the band, call John Knight Middle School at (707) 693-6350.