The one-hundredth 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: Claire Castagna
Hometown: Bentonville, AR
School Name: Bentonville High School
Section: Clarinet
What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
I thought that it would be an amazing way to meet new people who enjoy and love the same thing that I do, make new memories, have a great experience, and make new friends!
What part of the trip are you most excited about?
Making new friends from around the country.
What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in band?
Band has taught me so much. It’s taught me that hard work and so much effort really is worth it in the end an pays off even if it may be frustrating at first. Whether it’s on the marching field or in concert band. I’ve learned that we can be as outgoing as we want to in this community and be ourselves. Finally, it’s taught me that music isn’t just “there”. No matter what piece or song on the radio you listen to, there’s always going to be a meaning behind it or a reason it was created.
Most memorable moment in band?
My most memorable moment is last year (2015) when my band went to Grand Nationals for the first time ever. We all went to a rehearsal a while after our first performance. During that rehearsal, they were announcing who the Semifinalists were. By the time they got up to the twenties, you could feel how uptight and nervous everyone was. Once they eventually called our name, everyone was crying and so happy because of what just happened and what we accomplished. Band truly is a big family and it’s one of the best families anyone can be a part of.
What’s your favorite book?
The Outsiders
What’s your favorite song or piece of music?
First Suite in Eb by Gustav Holst
Favorite movie?
Elf is one of my top movies right now!
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Strawberry
What’s your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
I would like to go to the University of Indiana to earn a degree in Music Education, whether it’s middle school or high school. I would like to continue working with a marching band as well.
Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
I have participated in the St. Louis Super Regional (’15 & ’16), as well as Grand Nationals (’15 & ’16).
Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
I really enjoy photography! I think it’s amazing how you can capture a moment within an image even if it’s just on an iPhone.
