The sixty-ninth 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: Hunter Mathews
Hometown: McDonugh, GA
School Name: Ola High School
Section: Flute
What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
I was reading about it and it seemed like an amazing opportunity. It seemed like a long shot, but it was still something I wanted to at least try to do. I practiced and submitted my application.
What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I am excited to have the opportunity to march in the Rose Parade and to meet other people my age who care about music.
What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in band?
Through band I have learned numerous things that have helped me grow as an individual. I have learned that through hard work you can achieve great things, and that as long as you feel you achieved something amazing it shouldn’t matter what the numbers say. I have also learned that you should never give up in the middle of something and say you can’t do it because if you stop you will never know if you can. I have learned that it is your decision whether you fight to be your best (even if it means you don’t win), or if you just slug through every day and practice believing that you will never go anywhere because then you won’t.
Most memorable moment in band?
At the end of rookie camp my freshman year, the staff had all of the rookies stand against a wall outside for our “rookie camp picture” and we did as we were told. However, the section leaders and drum majors were standing above us with coolers full of water balloons. When they said to say cheese the leadership threw the water balloons at us and the parents got a picture of us running away.
What’s your favorite book?
Swimming in the moon by Pamela Schoenewaldt
What’s your favorite song or piece of music?
Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
Favorite movie?
The Unexpected Gift
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Mint Chocolate Chip
What’s your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
I plan on attending college alongside my cousin, to become a teacher.
Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
My band has performed at several BOA competitions.
