The sixty-seventh installment of a new series on the blog that we will be posting throughout the month of December. As some of you are aware, Music for All will be taking an Honor Band to the 2017 Rose Parade. Our members were selected by audition for the ensemble and come from all across the United States. We are looking forward to coming together for the first time as a band at the end of December and we hope this series will allow us all to get to know some (hopefully most!) of the members of this awesome ensemble!

Name: Molly Lampone

Hometown: Wauwatosa, WI

School Name: Wauwatosa East High School

Section: Mellophone

What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
My friend, Mairyn Schoshinski, who was also accepted, brought back the pamphlet from Music for All's Summer Symposium and I instantly wanted to be a part of this amazing experience. The opportunity to do something I love with so many other dedicated musicians was something I couldn't pass up.

What part of the trip are you most excited about?
Of course I'm most excited for the Rose Bowl Parade, but I'm also really looking forward to all memories I will create at Disney, Santa Monica Pier, California Adventure, and everywhere else with my current friends and new people I'll meet. I'm so excited to have this experience surrounded by people who love music as much as I do!

What are three things you've learned from being involved in band?
I've learned how to lead, both by example and with a true leadership position. I've learned perseverance through practice. I've learned how to value each member of any sort of team because without each individual member doing their part, it would fall to pieces.

Most memorable moment in band?
My favorite memory of band was my freshman year in marching band. We had just performed at our State Competition, which was a whirlwind of excitement in of itself. The most memorable part for me was after the performance when I got to laugh and huddle under blankets in the freezing bleachers with all my friends. The feeling of shared pride and family was so strong and I will never forget that feeling.

Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
I am involved in the theatre, National Honor Society, and our We the People team.

What's your favorite book?
The Da Vinci Code

What's your favorite song or piece of music?
I love music in general, but classically my favorites are all by Prokofiev

Favorite movie?
Mamma Mia

Favorite ice cream flavor?
Raspberry Chocolate

What's your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
My plan after graduation is to attend Saint Louis University for either Psychology or Music Education.

Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
Yes, the Music For All Summer Symposium.

Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
I traveled to Rome, Italy with my band for their New Years Day Parade and we are marching in the Cherry Blossom Parade this spring! 

The sixty-sixth installment of a new series on the blog that we will be posting throughout the month of December. As some of you are aware, Music for All will be taking an Honor Band to the 2017 Rose Parade. Our members were selected by audition for the ensemble and come from all across the United States. We are looking forward to coming together for the first time as a band at the end of December and we hope this series will allow us all to get to know some (hopefully most!) of the members of this awesome ensemble!

Name: Lunia Oriol

Hometown: Wasilla, AK

School Name: Colony High School

Section: Clarinet

What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
My freshman year, the marching band at my school, Thee Northern Sound, was invited to march at the Tournament of Roses, but I didn't join marching band that year. When I finally joined my sophomore year, my friends told me incredible stories of their experiences and memories marching in the Rose Bowl, and I decided one day I would find a way to make it to Pasadena myself. I love meeting new people and going on adventures, so I jumped at the opportunity.

What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I'm most excited for Disneyland and the Disneyland Parade! I haven't been to Disneyland in years, so I can't wait to go there again, and experience the magic and wonder with my new friends and bandmates.

What are three things you've learned from being involved in band?
Every day, after our band finished practice, we huddled together and yelled at the top of our lungs, "Tradition! Respect! Honor!" We never went a day without saying these words. In my three years of marching, these are some of the most important values to me. First - although progress is never bad, traditions that have kept the band together are important to pass down to new generations. Secondly, no matter how much authority you have in the band - whether you are the director, the drum major, or a saxophone player - everybody deserves respect. Third, hold yourself honorably. Everyone is so important in the band, and without each and every one of its members, the marching band wouldn't be complete.

Most memorable moment in band?
My junior year, our band went down to the Grand National Championships in Indiana. This was my first big band trip, and this was also my first year of being drum major, so I had to become situated comfortably in the position very quickly. Our band toured Chicago for a few days beforehand and then we traveled by bus to Indianapolis. When we arrived at the Lucas Oil Stadium, my senses went into overdrive. I had never seen so many bands before coming from coast to coast. Before and after we performed on the field, we sat in the stadium, entranced by the other bands performing their shows for hours, and we met the most incredible musicians. Our band didn't advance to Semifinals, but we won the Esprit de Corps Awards for our spirit and enthusiasm. The award means a lot to me, but the people whom with I got to work and perform with mean far more.

Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
Besides band, I'm president of French National Honors Society at my school, and I'm involved in Rotary Interact, Drama Club, and Class Council. I also spend time volunteering at my local library and performing in a community steel drum group.

What's your favorite book?
A Wrinkle in Time - Madeleine L'Engle

What's your favorite song or piece of music?
There's too much music for me to choose from, but I can say my favorite composer is Gustav Holst.

Favorite movie?
Avatar

Favorite ice cream flavor?
Vanilla

What's your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
I'm planning on going to University of Michigan to pursue Electrical Engineering, but I still want to be involbed in music and theater.

Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
I've gone to the Grand National Championships in 2015. I'll be graduating this year, so this MFA/BOA trip will be my last.

Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
I really like to knit in my spare time! My mom taught me how to knit when I was younger. I make scarves and hats, and I'm a junior member of a knitting guild.

The sixty-fifth installment of a new series on the blog that we will be posting throughout the month of December. As some of you are aware, Music for All will be taking an Honor Band to the 2017 Rose Parade. Our members were selected by audition for the ensemble and come from all across the United States. We are looking forward to coming together for the first time as a band at the end of December and we hope this series will allow us all to get to know some (hopefully most!) of the members of this awesome ensemble!

Name: Sam Neely

Hometown: Irvine, CA

School Name: Woodbridge High School

Section: Color Guard

What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I'm most excited about meeting everyone on the 28th!

Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
I'm a board member for both the chess club and art club at my school.

What's your favorite book?
My favorite books are Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky and Harriet the Spy.

Favorite ice cream flavor?
Vanilla

What's your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
I will attend a junior college for two years, then transfer to a four-year university. Once I transfer, I hope to study abroad for a year in London.

Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
This is my first MFA/BOA event!

The sixty-fourth installment of a new series on the blog that we will be posting throughout the month of December. As some of you are aware, Music for All will be taking an Honor Band to the 2017 Rose Parade. Our members were selected by audition for the ensemble and come from all across the United States. We are looking forward to coming together for the first time as a band at the end of December and we hope this series will allow us all to get to know some (hopefully most!) of the members of this awesome ensemble!

Name: Matthew Plount

Hometown: Murrieta, CA

School Name: Murrieta Mesa High School

Section: Trumpet

What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
I've been in marching band for four years now, and I've watched the Rose Parade on New Years every year, including one year I actually went. When I heard about this band I knew it was something I wanted to do.

What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I'm most excited to march in this very well known parade with a bunch of people who like band as much as I do.

Most memorable moment in band?
My final performance in my high school marching band earlier this year.

What's your favorite song or piece of music?
"The Planets" by Gustav Holst

Favorite movie?
Star Wars

Favorite ice cream flavor?
Mint Chocolate Chip

What's your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
I would like to go to college and major in music performance on my trumpet.

Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
No

The sixty-third installment of a new series on the blog that we will be posting throughout the month of December. As some of you are aware, Music for All will be taking an Honor Band to the 2017 Rose Parade. Our members were selected by audition for the ensemble and come from all across the United States. We are looking forward to coming together for the first time as a band at the end of December and we hope this series will allow us all to get to know some (hopefully most!) of the members of this awesome ensemble!

Name: Blake Depinet

Hometown: New Riegel, OH

School Name: New Riegel School

Section: Tuba/Low Brass

What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
I have always loved participating in local honor bands. One day at school, my director got a postcard in the mail and joked with me about participating with Bands of America in the Rose Bowl Parade. I didn't take it as a joke, as I thought it would be an awesome opportunity so I applied.

What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I am excited about meeting other band members and experiencing the parade itself. While 5.5 miles seems long and the 3 a.m. wake-up call may be a challenge, I feel the trip will be amazing.

What are three things you've learned from being involved in band?
1. It's not about an individual, it's about the whole band.
2. A band is like a team and everyone has to do their parts to be successful.
3. Everyone makes mistakes.

Most memorable moment in band?
Going to The Ohio State University Marching Band concert and watching 10 Sousaphones march right in front of me. I would love to be one of those in the near future.

Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
I am involved in Baseball, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), Jacket Leadership, and National Honor Society.

What's your favorite book?
My favorite book is The Outsiders

What's your favorite song or piece of music?
The favorite song I have played is Folksong Festival by Ryan Nowlin. My favorite song to listen to is Simple Gifts by Frank Tichelli.

Favorite movie?
42

Favorite ice cream flavor?
Superman

What's your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
I would like to attend The Ohio State University and complete a degree in Music Education, and dot the "i" in Script Ohio for the marching band.

Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
No

Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
I wear a size 17 shoe and my hands are so big I can cover 13 notes on the piano! I have also been playing piano for 10 years.

The sixty-second installment of a new series on the blog that we will be posting throughout the month of December. As some of you are aware, Music for All will be taking an Honor Band to the 2017 Rose Parade. Our members were selected by audition for the ensemble and come from all across the United States. We are looking forward to coming together for the first time as a band at the end of December and we hope this series will allow us all to get to know some (hopefully most!) of the members of this awesome ensemble!

Name: Madelaine Stasa

Hometown: Fenton, MO

School Name: Rockwood Summit High School

Section: Flute

What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
My aunt mentioned this band to me over the summer and encouraged me to try out. I am so grateful for her, otherwise I probably wouldn't be in the band.

What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I am most excited to meet new people from all across the country and to make memories in California.

What are three things you've learned from being involved in band?
I have learned the dedication it takes to be in band by putting 110% into the rehearsals. I have learned patience when cooperating with all the other band members. I have also learned to be grateful for what I have because my time in the band in high school flew by.

Most memorable moment in band?
My most memorable moment in band would be my final run through of my show this year at Grand Nationals. Just knowing that I performed the best I could made the year worth it.

Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
I am involved in National Honor Society, Medical Club, and Book Club.

What's your favorite book?
My favorite book is Perks of Being A Wallflower.

What's your favorite song or piece of music?
My favorite piece of music would be Of Sailors and Whales.

Favorite movie?
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Favorite ice cream flavor?
Cherry Chocolate

What's your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
I plan to go to college and become a Nurse Practitioner.

Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
I have participated in BOA St. Louis Super Regional, Indianapolis Super Regional, and Grand Nationals.

Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
I like to participate in archery in my spare time.

The sixty-first installment of a new series on the blog that we will be posting throughout the month of December. As some of you are aware, Music for All will be taking an Honor Band to the 2017 Rose Parade. Our members were selected by audition for the ensemble and come from all across the United States. We are looking forward to coming together for the first time as a band at the end of December and we hope this series will allow us all to get to know some (hopefully most!) of the members of this awesome ensemble!

Name: Elena Hausmann

Hometown: New Berlin, WI

School Name: New Berlin West High School/University of Wisconsin Stevens Point

Section: Dancer

What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
My sister was a Color Guard member in the 2009 band and I got to watch her perform in this amazing parade. As a tiny 8th grader, I decided that I wanted to follow in her footsteps and I auditioned to be in the 2013 band. Being apart of the band, during my freshman year of high school in 2013 was one of the greatest experiences in my life, so here I am four years later dancing again! But this time I am a freshman in college. Band and dance have always been huge parts of my life and dancing with this band allows me to combine both of my passions.

What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I am excited to dance in the parade again! I know what to expect this time, so I can be less nervous and enjoy my last band performance ever! Is there any better last performance than the Rose Parade? Working with the other dancers as one of older members instead of being the youngest will be a different experience as well.

What are three things you've learned from being involved in band?
Band has taught me how to read and play music (I played trumpet), which supplements my dancing and allows me to be more musical in my movement. It has also taught me how to be an individual, while simultaneously being apart of larger group striving for a common goal. Individual expression and teamwork are so important to me. Furthermore, it showed me that hard work can be fun!

Most memorable moment in band?
The memories I made senior year as brass section leader with my fellow section members are irreplaceable. I loved working with them and seeing their progress and improvements. My last spring concert with them is definitely one of the most memorable.

Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
Currently in college, I am a double major in Dance and Biology. In high school, I was involved in Dance Team, choir, Forensics, Theatre, National Honors Society, French Honors Society, French Club, etc.

What's your favorite book?
As an avid reader, this question is too difficult!

What's your favorite song or piece of music?
Being a ballet nerd, any score from a ballet such as Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet or Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker.

Favorite movie?
Inception

Favorite ice cream flavor?
Vanilla Bean and Cookie Dough

What's your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
I am attending the University of Stevens Point as a double major in Dance and Biology. After college, I plan on attending graduate school. I'd like to combine my passions for science and dance.

Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
I participated in the 2013 BOA Honor Band.

Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
I am a featured soloist in the Dnipro Ukrainian Folk Dance Ensemble of Milwaukee. I also performed in the 2014 Macy's Parade with the MGAMB on my birthday!

The sixtieth installment of a new series on the blog that we will be posting throughout the month of December. As some of you are aware, Music for All will be taking an Honor Band to the 2017 Rose Parade. Our members were selected by audition for the ensemble and come from all across the United States. We are looking forward to coming together for the first time as a band at the end of December and we hope this series will allow us all to get to know some (hopefully most!) of the members of this awesome ensemble!

Name: Cassidy Davison

Hometown: Beebe, AR

School Name: Beebe High School

Section: Bass Clarinet

What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
When my band director told me about it, it sounded like a chance of a lifetime and I immediately decided to take a chance and audition! I've never been in something like this and it will be my first time leaving home for so long and so far away!

What part of the trip are you most excited about?
Meeting so many new people! I can't believe there will be 300 new, lovely people to experience this opportunity with!

What are three things you've learned from being involved in band?
Determination, leadership, and empathy.

Most memorable moment in band?
One of our senior tuba players suffered a severe injury and was unable to attend senior night. So as they were announcing the senior band members his parents walked up the field for him with a cut out of his face. It was a very emotional and bittersweet night.

Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
I'm in theater, helping with making the sets and other stagehand things. I'm involved in FFA on the Vet Science team. I play tenor sax/clarinet in my schools jazz band, I love playing jazz!
I'm also a senior mentor, I have a class of freshmen that I visit with, I help them with homework or counsel them if they need help with personal problems. I'm also in many other clubs such as, comic book, Spanish, and drama!

What's your favorite book?
Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule

What's your favorite song or piece of music?
I played Carmina Burana at Arkansas Governor's School over the summer and it's been my favorite piece of music ever since!

Favorite movie?
Little Shop of Horrors

Favorite ice cream flavor?
Watermelon

What's your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
I'd like to join the Air Force and work in the medical field.

Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
I've never participated in something like this before! Coming from a small town with such a small band, we've never been able to do anything higher than state level activities. This will be the largest band/marching event I've ever done!

Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
People say I'm very funny. I would call that my most interesting aspect! I was voted wittiest in my school!

The fifty-ninth installment of a new series on the blog that we will be posting throughout the month of December. As some of you are aware, Music for All will be taking an Honor Band to the 2017 Rose Parade. Our members were selected by audition for the ensemble and come from all across the United States. We are looking forward to coming together for the first time as a band at the end of December and we hope this series will allow us all to get to know some (hopefully most!) of the members of this awesome ensemble!

Name: Tyson Harloff

Hometown: Avon, IN

School Name: Avon High School

Section: Trumpet

What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
My family has been apart of the band since it began. I was lucky enough to be the banner carrier last time and thought I should definitely march as a Trumpet this year.

What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I am a huge Disney fan, so I am most excited about performing in Disneyland!

What are three things you've learned from being involved in band?
I've learned that even though it's hard to give 100% all the time, it pays off in the end. I've learned how to manage time much more efficiently, and I've learned that my best friends are marching right next to me.

Most memorable moment in band?
Getting to hug my dad on the field at BOA Grand National Finals.

Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
Audio/Visual - I help with productions that take place in our High School television studio.

What's your favorite book?
LOL!

What's your favorite song or piece of music?
Anything played by Carolina Crown's hornline.

Favorite movie?
Good Burger

Favorite ice cream flavor?
Cookies and Cream

What's your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
Study TV/movie production at Ball State.

Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
Two years of Music for All's Summer Symposium in the marching band track. One year of the Leadership Experience at camp. 2013 TOR Honor Band as banner carrier. Two years at BOA Grand Nationals, coming in as runner-up two years in a row.

Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
I'm pretty proud of my family and what they do in the pageantry activity!

The fifty-eighth installment of a new series on the blog that we will be posting throughout the month of December. As some of you are aware, Music for All will be taking an Honor Band to the 2017 Rose Parade. Our members were selected by audition for the ensemble and come from all across the United States. We are looking forward to coming together for the first time as a band at the end of December and we hope this series will allow us all to get to know some (hopefully most!) of the members of this awesome ensemble!

Name: Reed Ulery

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

School Name: Mt. Lebanon High School

Section: Mellophone

What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
I've never been a part of a performing group of a scope this wide--the whole country--and the opportunity to march in the Tournament of Roses Parade, to work with our staff, and to meet the other musicians is truly once in a lifetime. On top of that, my high school isn't very competitive, so I rarely get the chance to immerse myself in the cutting-edge marching band progress that happens at BOA events, so it was also a gamble on my part to see if I could hold my own with other kids from competitive programs.

What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I'm honestly most excited about the parade itself. I've performed with concert band, choral, and orchestral groups like the BOA Honor Band in that they're mixed groups of driven, dedicated, talented students who come together for a short time to make fantastic music. I absolutely love the environment, progress, and camaraderie that develops out of a shared experience like the upcoming parade. I've never participated in a group of this size or scope, and I can't wait to experience the performance in the parade.

What are three things you've learned from being involved in band?
I've learned leadership, time management, and goal setting, and all three of these skills work hand-in-hand. Through my experiences moving during high school and being a two-year drum major, I've had opportunities to work with a wide variety of my peers, staff, and leaders. I've also had times to lead my band in new ways and through a director transition, and those experiences shape my leadership style. Time management and goal setting are a crucial pair: you have to be organized to accomplish your goals, and you need goals to drive self-discipline required to effectively manage your resources. Band both gives me opportunities to set goals for myself and my ensembles, and chances to learn management skills to accomplish what I'd like to do, both by myself and with others.

Most memorable moment in band?
This year at band camp, my co-drum major and I taught our whole band, (drumline included), a dynamic warmup and ballet body routine. For many, this really isn't out of the ordinary, but for a relatively traditional program, the concept of "doing ballet in band" was completely foreign, and many were skeptical. However, not only did we learn the routine together, but now we use it to start every rehearsal, and even the drumline buys in and has seen the benefits. Plus, this always makes for a great story: "I taught a marching band ballet!"

Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
Symphony Orchestra, Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Men's Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Musical, Link Crew (Freshman Orientation Team), National Honor Society, Environmental Science Student Fuel Cell Research Team, Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, Thespian Society, and Stage Crew.

What's your favorite book?
The Catcher in the Rye, J. D. Salinger

What's your favorite song or piece of music?
-Sleep, Eric Whitacre (Choral Version)
-The Planets Suite, Gustav Holst
-The Judge, Twenty One Pilots
-Dear Theodosia, Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda
-Sorry, I couldn't pick just one!

Favorite movie?
Interstellar

Favorite ice cream flavor?
Cookies and Cream

What's your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
I'd like to major in Music Education with minors in Psychology, French, and maybe engineering for my undergraduate degree at either Indiana University Bloomington, Northwestern University, Vanderbilt University, or Ohio State University. I'd like to earn certificate for both instrumental and vocal music education so that I could direct a band, a choir, or an orchestra, or maybe even more than one ensemble! As of now, I'd also like to pursue a post-graduate degree in either Horn Performance, Conducting, or Education. My career goals are to some day be a collegiate director of bands or choirs with classes in Music Education. I want to help other people love music and helping others as much as I do!

Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
I have participated in the Music for All Summer Symposium for three years: one year in the marching band track as a mellophone player as a rising sophomore, and two years in the drum major institute as a rising junior, and again as a rising senior and squad leader. My high school wind ensemble will also attend the Music for All National Concert Band Festival in March, 2017.

Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
I've never had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich! I was allergic to peanuts as a child, but since growing out of the allergy, I've just never had one. I like peanut butter, and I like jelly, but I've never had them together. For a music-related something interesting/unique, I got to meet Eric Whitacre last year at the West Virginia University High School Choral Festival, and I even shook his hand! A mass choir of over 600 high schoolers performed Sleep and Seal Lullaby after rehearsing with Eric Whitacre, and it was an absolutely unforgettable experience.