The eighteenth 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: Alan Turnbull
Hometown: Grayslake, IL
School Name: Grayslake Central High School
Section: Trombone
What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
I attended the Music for All Summer Symposium at Ball State University in the Marching Track. I saw the uniforms during the opening session, and I knew I had to be a part of the band.
What part of the trip are you most excited about?
The parade itself. I have watched the parade on TV since I was little, so being a part of one of my favorite holiday traditions is an honor. I cannot wait to be marching in such a prestigious parade.
What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in band?
1. Not everyone is on the same skill level. You have to learn to grow as a band, while not leaving any members behind.
2. Every person matters. There is always something for a person to contribute, whether they play first or last part.
3. Brass are superior to woodwinds.
Most memorable moment in band?
Marching with Carolina Crown at the Summer Symposium. I’m a HUGE DCI fan, and marching alongside such a high ranking World Class corps was a dream come true. It was amazing to see how much work can get done when everyone works as a unit.
Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
I am involved in the theatre company at my school and have had the honor of being appointed construction and electrics crew head, as well as assuming the role of Audrey II in my favorite show, Little Shop of Horrors. Go see it if you haven’t. I am currently very involved in AP Physics C homework as well.
What’s your favorite book?
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown or Jurassic Park by Michael Creighton.
What’s your favorite song or piece of music?
Anything Broadway, but my favorite song is “They Live in You” from Disney’s The Lion King. Classic Rock is also a personal favorite. My favorite band song has to be “A Christmas Festival” by Leroy Anderson.
Favorite movie?
Robin Hood, Men in Tights
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Cookie Dough
What’s your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
Attend the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities and study either Physics or Computer Science. I intend to join the marching band as well.
Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
The Music for All Summer Symposium. Everyone is nice and is there for the same reason- a love of music and a want to improve their skills. I HIGHLY recommend it to any and all underclassmen. No matter your track, the final performances are always a blast (Especially the Drum Corps International show on Friday- go Cavies and Crown).
Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
I am an Eagle Scout, and one of three or four in the entire parade band.
