The ninety-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: Helen Putman
Hometown: Grain Valley, MO
School Name: Grain Valley High School
Section: Snare Drum
What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
There was a presentation about the BOA TOR parade when I attended Music For All’s Summer Symposium in 2015- their confidence in the caliber of talent and opportunities for all ages compelled me to audition, and possibly meet talented kids from all over the country!
What part of the trip are you most excited about?
Disneyland! The most magical place on earth; to be a part of a real parade here will be magical. Doing it with my new friends will be the experience of a lifetime!
What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in band?
1) Early is on time. On time is late. Late is unacceptable.
2) You cannot “cram” music memorization.
3) Band is NOT an individual activity. While there are pieces of soloistic nature, it boils down to a trained ensemble working together.
Most memorable moment in band?
Traveling to Hawaii with my band to march in a parade in Waikiki my Freshman year, and three years later finishing the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City my senior year.
Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
I’m in Show Choir, Drumline, a dedicated French student, a part of National Honor Society, and I’m involved in FCA, Theatre/Drama, and stage crew.
What’s your favorite book?
Harry Potter: very unoriginal, but forever a classic.
What’s your favorite song or piece of music?
My favorite concert band piece is City Trees by Michael Markowski ; my favorite modern song is Tumblr Girls by G-eazy. My music ranges from classic to rap, so I’m very open, but favor alternative.
Favorite movie?
The Wizard of Oz! Or Moana- both are fabulous in their own way.
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Rocky Road
What’s your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
Either attend college at UCLA or MU, pursuing a degree in foreign language, and I am currently considering enlisting in the Navy to become a part of the SEAL challenge program.
Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
The Music for All Summer Symposium in 2015, Music for All National Sandy Hook Percussion Festival in 2014, and attended BOA St. Louis ’13,’14, ’15, as well as Georgia ’13 and ’14.
Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
I’m a lifeguard at Ocean’s of Fun in Kansas City, MO, and I LOVE my job.
