The fourty-third 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: Emma Coker
Hometown: Lugoff, SC
School Name: Lugoff-Elgin High School
Section: Bass Drum 2
What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
I thought it would be a great opportunity to travel the country and meet new people that share the same passion as I do. Also, I had only been playing bass drum for a little while, at the time I applied, and I figured the experience would help me improve my playing skills and abilities.
What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I’m most excited for meeting the people and learning new things from the directors and fellow band members.
What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in band?
I’ve learned how to be myself around people and if someone doesn’t like you, then that’s okay. Most importantly, I’ve learned how to be more relaxed and comfortable during performances and auditions.
Most memorable moment in band?
By far, my most memorable band moment would be going to Indianapolis to perform in the Grand Nationals award ceremony with the 2017 Tournament of Roses drumline.
Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
I am a part of the BETA Club, NSHSS (The National Society of High School Scholars), Spanish Club, Be A Fan Club (a club that organizes and gets involved with the special needs programs and events), Sports Medicine, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
What’s your favorite book?
Either The Bible or This I Believe II
What’s your favorite song or piece of music?
I listen to almost every genre from Classical to Country to Trap/Hip-Hop/Rap. I’m currently obsessed with the song Higher by the band Unspoken. It’s a Christian Pop song with some jazz/big band influences.
Favorite movie?
Either Charlie St. Cloud, or 50 First Dates.
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Strawberry
What’s your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
I plan on majoring in Music Education at Furman University and interning at Music for All for a while. I have yet to decide if I would want to work at Music for All as an Event Coordinator or become a high school percussion director/professional performer.
Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
Participating in this band will be my first MFA/BOA event.
