The sixteenth 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!

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Name: Chance Padin

Hometown: Alexandria, KY

School Name: Campbell County High School

Section: Clarinet

What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
I had originally learned about the band from a schoolmate. As I read about the trip, I was amazed by what it consisted of; it was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. I wanted to meet other people my age that share the passion of music with me, and I realized that applying to the band would forever change my outlook and perception of music.

What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I am most excited about marching in the Tournament of Roses Parade. The parade is one of the biggest and oldest in the world, and is broadcasted across the country and internationally. To be on the world stage is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most people, and this parade will showcase our hard work, passion, and dedication to music.

What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in band?
First, I’ve learned that success is only achieved when everyone makes a concerted effort. Marching bands aren’t made up of one person, and they are not judged by the best individual’s skills. When everyone unites to achieve a common goal, special things can happen. We had seen this with our own band, when we worked to the clock at each rehearsal and eventually performed at Grand Nationals. Second, band has taught me valuable leadership skills. I am one of several section leaders in our band, and I have learned many things about leading a group. For example, when everyone is not motivated, it is vital to cheerfully motivate everyone, without appearing condescending or angry. Utilizing this technique during band, we are able to accomplish much more and feel much more unified, as opposed to having harsh and negative leaders. Lastly, band has taught me that practice is everything. It is seldom that people are naturally talented at something; the majority must work to improve. I have learned that it is not always easy to keep going; there will always be a hinderance that tries to preclude us from improving. These hinderances are ubiquitous, and can range from a musical passage to an outside force that causes us to procrastinate or even cease improvement. Our rigorous band schedules have taught me to keep going despite these obstacles. They will always be there, but practice is necessary to nullify these obstacles to keep us ever improving. Of course, this idea can be applied to any activity. No matter the activity, practice is everything.

Most memorable moment in band?
Performing at Grand Nationals in Indianapolis gave a new and advanced perspective of marching band. Performing our months of rehearsal, hardships, and unity in front of over 20,000 people dedicated to the same art, engendered a new perspective as to what it means to be in marching band. Our performance made me realize how many people are dedicated to the same art, and the audience we performed in front of is merely a tip of the iceberg of the entire marching band community. In all, I will never forget the packed rows of seats that were there to watch our performance, among many other distinguished bands and musicians.

Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
I am a member of the National Honor Society, French National Honor Society, and French Club. In National Honor Society, we volunteer around our community to help those who need it. Through the National Honor Society, I have assisted with donating to the homeless and needy, helping with family nights at our local elementary schools, and volunteering at a car show to raise funds for graduation. In the French National Honor Society, we discuss in depth topics about French culture and society. We build a deeper understanding of other perspectives in our world society by these discussions. In French Club, we learn about the French language and French-speaking regions of the world, from Louisiana to Madagascar to Vanuatu.

What’s your favorite book?
My favorite book is 1984 by George Orwell because of the profound effects of an ignorant society and a government that permeates all aspects of daily life. 

What’s your favorite song or piece of music?
My favorite song is the Bluecoats’ 2016 program “Down Side Up.” This show was particularly unique, as it did not rely on a concrete idea to create its music. It relied on unorthodox features like breaking the 4th wall (particularly the wink). “Down Side Up” painted its picture on individuality, which is not common in the marching arts. The music was contemporary in its style, featuring many soloists, duets, solis, and the vastly different uniforms further added to the idea of individuality. Because of this unique and fantastically performed program, “Down Side Up” is not only my favorite Drum Corps show, but my favorite song.

Favorite movie?
Goldfinger

Favorite ice cream flavor?
Black Raspberry Chip

What’s your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
After high school, I intend to go to college. I will apply to the University of Southern California, the University of Kentucky, among others. After this, I would like to become a pilot for Delta Airlines, as both of my parents are employees for Delta. It would allow me to travel the world after high school, progressing to much further trips the longer I am a pilot.

Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
In addition to music, I have a passion for traveling. My parents are employees for Delta Airlines, and some cities that I have been to include Paris, London, Barcelona, Rome, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Brussels, Tokyo, and dozens of others across the world. My favorite city is Paris, France; I have been there numerous times for as long as I can remember, and it is why I am involved in French in my school. I have seen innumerable landmarks, temples, and historical relics, such as the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, the Eiffel Tower and Paris Catacombs, fragments of the Berlin Wall, and the Colosseum. Seeing these has opened my mind to other parts of the world and their history, culture, and society.

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