The seventy-first 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: Kate Heuer
Hometown: North Huntingdon, PA
School Name: Norwin High School
Section: Baritone Saxophone
What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
I was first introduced to the Honor Band at the 2015 Summer Symposium. I thought it looked like a pretty fun time. When I told my mom about it, she really encouraged me to audition, even though I thought I had a slim chance of getting in.
What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I am very excited to meet new friends! I’m looking forward to the accepting atmosphere, like at Summer Symposium.
What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in band?
I’ve learned the importance of patience and encouragement towards others, from being a freshman to being a sophomore. I’ve learned to be myself. Lastly, I have learned to take as many opportunities as I can, not to look good on a resume, but to have a fun life!
Most memorable moment in band?
I like to make people laugh. One day at a woodwind sectional for our wind ensemble, I was getting hungry. Being a baritone sax player, I never had our band director paying too much attention to me. He was working with the flutes. I snuck in a bag of carrots. Let’s just say I ate the whole bag of carrots without the band director noticing and my section was thoroughly entertained.
Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
I take all honors and AP classes (except math). I will be inducted into NHS in January. I am also in the video game club. Outside of school, I’m a red belt in karate.
What’s your favorite book?
I’d probably have to say the Lord of the Rings books. My dad read them to my sister and I in 5th grade, so it influenced my taste in entertainment.
What’s your favorite song or piece of music?
There are so many good ones! Right now, I like Ride to Victory by Two Steps from Hell (It sounds edgier than it is.). I love how confident and strong it is, and how it invokes a sense of bravery.
Favorite movie?
Flashpoint Paradox
Favorite ice cream flavor?
I’m a chocolate person.
What’s your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
I don’t know where I want to go to college, but I want to join the Navy to be a pilot so I have a chance of becoming an astronaut. I also want to keep pursuing music, and it is my goal to someday join Carolina Crown on Baritone.
Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
Yes, our band competes in BOA Regionals every year and the occasional Super Regional or Grand Nationals. I have been to going to Summer Symposium for two years and plan to do the Drum Major Institute next year.
Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
I’ve been studying Haidong Gumdo, the Korean Way of the Sword, for just about a year now. At my most recent competition, I won first place in my division.
