The twenty-eighth 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: Danny Cox
Hometown: Pataskala, OH
School Name: Watkins Memorial High School
Section: Snare Drum
What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
I had heard about the band from one of my directors, and I decided to apply because my dad had worked with a high school band that marched in the 2006 Tournament of Roses Parade. To be able to share this achievement with my dad is indescribably amazing.
What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I’m most excited to go to the Santa Monica Pier, and of course the Parade.
What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in band?
The three things I’ve learned from band are: if you want something badly enough, you’ll do everything you can to achieve it; everything is earned, not given; and finally, time management is crucial in everything.
Most memorable moment in band?
My most memorable moment in band would probably be when my high school marching band went to a contest at Ohio State’s stadium. I think the coolest thing was walking through the tunnel onto the field and looking up and just being in awe of how high up the press box was. After our first big impact of the show, I remember what it felt like when the sound resonated through the stadium for the longest time.
Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
Aside from band, I’m very involved in the drama club and musical theater at my school. My freshman year, I was a part of the stage crew. Sophomore, junior, and senior year I’ve been a part of the cast and chorus.
What’s your favorite book?
My favorite book would have to either be “Animal Farm” by George Orwell or “Reservation Blues” by Sherman Alexie.
What’s your favorite song or piece of music?
My favorite piece of music is probably “House Plants in Terracota Pots” by Roy D. Magnuson. The first time I heard it was when I was able to play it at the Ohio University Honor Band Festival with the Festival Wind Symphony. I love that the piece is about the simplicity of house plants, but also how complex they are at the same time.
Favorite movie?
The Wizard of Oz
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Pistachio
What’s your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
After graduating high school, my plan is to attend Morehead State University and pursue a degree in Music Education with a Percussion focus.
Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
I have never participated in an MFA/BOA event before this.
Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
A unique fact about myself is that I have played every battery percussion instrument for at least one marching season. My freshman year of high school I played top bass drum, and my sophomore and junior year I marched snare drum. During the winter of my junior year I marched cymbals for Capital City Percussion, a World Class Indoor Percussion Ensemble based in Columbus, Ohio. And finally my senior year of high school I marched tenors.
