The eleventh 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: Divya Singh
Hometown: Laurel, MD
School Name: Atholton High School
Section: Piccolo
What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
I grew up watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade every year, wishing I could be a part of something like that. When I heard about the opportunity to perform with Bands of America, I couldn’t resist the chance to apply.
What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I will be turning 18 on December 30th and I’m really excited to spend it doing something I love with people who are as passionate as I am, in a once in a lifetime opportunity.
What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in band?
I’ve learned independence from being in band. Recently I was the flute section leader in my school’s marching band and I learned how to lead a section. Another thing I learned with band is camaraderie. You spend so much time in band and friendships grow quickly. The most important thing I learned from band is dedication. By being dedicated to something you take pride in, you learn how passionate you are about what you do, along with its drawbacks; no matter the scale, they aren’t as bad as they seem.
Most memorable moment in band?
Luckily, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some composers within the past five years. My favorite composer that I worked with was Frank Ticheli. I learned a lot from that one day that I worked with him, and it gave me a completely different perspective on music.
Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
I’m active in my school’s theatre department, specifically musical theatre. Additionally with flute, I’ve been studying voice for 5 years. Shows that I have been a part of are Curtains, Legally Blonde, Anything Goes, and I’m currently in 13.
What’s your favorite book?
Everything is Illuminated by Johnathan Safran Foer
What’s your favorite song or piece of music?
Danzon No. 2 by Arturo Marquez
Favorite movie?
The Intern
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Coffee
What’s your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
I plan on studying music technology and business.
Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
Last year, my band got invited to perform at the Music for All National Festival in March.
Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
I’ve been an equestrian for almost seven years now. I spend my weekends riding horses and volunteering at my local barn.
