The fifty-second 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: Ethan Andrews
Hometown:
School Name: Bentonville High School
Section: Tuba
What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
I decided to apply because “why not?” To be able to march and play the Rose Bowl Parade is a once in-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I decided that it was something that I wanted to do.
What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I’m excited to be able to see the parade from an interior perspective. I’ve watched the parade almost everywhere and it looks overwhelming to be in it, having an enourmous crowd cheering and a national broadcast, but this is something I can’t wait to experience.
What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in band?
1. That if I put my mind to anything I can accomplish it.
2. That perfection is what you strive for, not winning.
3. That no matter what, band and the people I’ve been with all throughout it will have always been worth it.
Most memorable moment in band?
This past year at Grand Nationals, my band was in the endzone about to perform what would be our last run in Prelims. Before the judge started to announce us, I looked around at my friends and into the crowd, smiled, and started to cry a little because I realized there was nowhere else I’d rather be.
Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
I’m on my school’s varsity track team where I high jump, triple jump, and long jump. Apart from that and the AP classes I take, there isn’t really time for anything else unfortunately.
What’s your favorite book?
Any Tolkien novel.
What’s your favorite song or piece of music?
Stuck between “The Speed of Heat” by Julie Giroux or “Danzon No. 2” by Arturo Márquez.
Favorite movie?
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
What’s your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
After high school I’d like to march Drum Corps with either the Blue Devils or the Bluecoats. I haven’t made up my mind on where I want to go to college, but I’d like to major in either Music or Engineering.
Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
I’ve participated with my marching band in the St. Louis Super Regional three times and the Indianapolis Super Regional once. The past two years, my band has also gone to the Grand Nationals Championship.
Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
Apart from how active of a life I live between band and track, I’m also a dedicated video-gamer.
