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!

BlakeP3

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.

BlakeP4