The one-hundred and seventeenth 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: Cameron Baber
Hometown: Fresno, CA
School Name: Clovis North High School
Section: Alto Saxophone
What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
My director had called me into the office one day with some other students and said, “So the Rose Parade is coming up and I believe all of you are extremely capable musicians who should audition for this group.” At first, it didn’t entirely hit me how incredible the experience would actually be until I saw all of the cool things that the ensemble would be doing and that’s what really sold me on the thought of being a part of this group.
What part of the trip are you most excited about?
As excited I am to perform in the Rose Parade, there is just something about performing in a Disneyland Parade that’s really got me pumped!
What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in band?
I think one of my biggest takeaways from band has been just how powerful music is and how it can bring people so close to one another. It’s just really mind-boggling to me how a group of strangers can get together, but when they play the first couple notes on their horns they can instantly connect. One other thing that I would say I’ve really started to understand with band is that you don’t need the title of leader to be one in your ensemble. Leading by example is a really powerful idea that I feel is one the most powerful things my director has taught me. Finally, I’d say I’ve learned how to become more aware and critical of myself in whatever I do; whether it be music or school, I’m constantly trying to analyze what I can do better in the future.
Most memorable moment in band?
I would have to say my most memorable moment in band was during the WBA 2016 Grand Championships when rain was pouring down on our band! It was so cool because I got to see the front ensemble hitting their cymbals and water flying up during each crash! The weather may have been against us, but I know that everyone walked off of that field with the biggest smiles on their faces!
Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
In all honesty, band is my life. At my school I currently participate in a Big Band Jazz Ensemble, Winter Percussion, and Symphony Orchestra. I’m glad to say I couldn’t happier participating in all of these groups!
What’s your favorite book?
I know some of my classmates would adamantly disagree with me on this one, but I actually enjoyed reading The Great Gatsby.
What’s your favorite song or piece of music?
Currently, one of my favorite pieces of music is a song that our wind ensemble is playing at home called “Moth” by a really talented composer named Viet Cuong. The imagery in the piece is just insane and I recommend that everyone go check it out!
Favorite movie?
The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Vanilla
What’s your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
After high school I’m thinking of attending a city college near home for a couple of years, so I can land on my feet financially and really confirm with myself what I want to do in the future. I would absolutely LOVE to do something with music in my future, whether it be performance or Music Education, I would really like to keep music in my life. If for some reason it happens not to work out in the future, I would also be happy to pursue a career in Computer Engineering.
Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
At the moment, no, I have not participated in any MFA/BOA events before this. Most of the events which I attend are part of the Western Band Association. But I do believe my director has aspirations to take our band to BOA level events sometime in the near future.
Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
I have a Black Laborador at home named “Bear”.
