The seventy-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: Michele Manuk
Hometown: Grafton, OH
School Name: Midview High School (graduate) Illinois State University (current)
Section: Clarinet
What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
I’d seen it and I thought it was such an incredible once in a lifetime opportunity I couldn’t just pass it up. Especially once I learned 2016 graduates could still audition and participate.
What part of the trip are you most excited about?
Besides the parade itself, Disneyland. I’ve never been to any Disney park so I’m super excited to live out my childhood dreams.
What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in band?
1. Never give up
2. Practicing and pushing yourself when you’re the only one there to do so is super important. It’s one thing to do it for other people, but it’s another thing entirely when it’s just to yourself. It’s so easy to slack off when you’re alone.
3. Music can change and save lives.
Most memorable moment in band?
This past year I got to perform in Lucas Oil Stadium in the Super Regional as an exhibition band with my college. It was my first time on the Lucas Oil field and I was in awe the entire time. Afterwards so many kids and parents were complimenting us.
Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
In high school I was a part of my school FCA chapter, Tri-M, NHS, and academic quiz team. In college I volunteer at the local Children’s Museum and I plan on helping train service dogs and working at the pet shelter in the future. If I hadn’t been a Music major, I would’ve wanted to do Veterinary Medicine.
What’s your favorite book?
Probably Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock, by Matthew Quick
What’s your favorite song or piece of music?
I can’t choose one so I’ll say my top: Pachebels Canon, Little Fugue in G, New World Symphony, and Artie Shaw’s Clarinet Concerto as pieces of music and then any song by Michael Buble.
Favorite movie?
The Good Dinosaur
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Mint Chocolate Chip
What’s your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
Well I already graduated, I’m attending Illinois State University and I’m double majoring in Music Education and Music Therapy. I want to help kids with mental disabilities and disorders, and change the lives of the students I’ll teach.
Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
I attended Music for All’s Summer Symposium in the Marching track with the Leadership Weekend this past summer.
Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
I can solve a Rubik’s cube in under a minute and I’ve had surgeries in both my arms for my nerves. Both times I played in band and went to school the day after surgery.
