The seventy-fifth 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!

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Name: Maria Young

Hometown: Williamsburg, Iowa

School Name: Williamsburg High School

Section: Baritone Saxophone

What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
My band teacher told me about this opportunity, and I couldn’t pass it up! Even though I was the only person from my school to audition, I thought it would be a great experience and worth the shot, even if I didn’t make it. Plus, who wouldn’t want to go to California in the middle of winter?!

What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I’m excited to spend our last day together at Disneyland! It’ll be a great way to end a week filled with new friendships, with amazing people from all across the country.

What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in band?
Perseverance, leadership, and teamwork. I’ve learned to keep practicing and working hard for the goals I wish to achieve as a musician. Leadership became especially important to me this year because I was a section leader in marching band. With that, I learned how to positively and efficiently encourage my section to work together. Teamwork is one of the most important qualities to me as a musician. Each member of the band has to work together for a common goal, and this can’t be achieved by individuals. Valuing teamwork has both humbled and strengthened me.

Most memorable moment in band?
This year, my band marched in the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade in Chicago. This was our first time performing live for a nationally televised event, and we worked so hard for it. It was incredibly exciting marching down the streets with thousands of people all around and cameras in front of us. It’s definitely an experience I’ll never forget!

Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
I am heavily involved in band, so that takes up most of my time. I am a part of the concert band, marching band, jazz band, and show choir band at my school. Throughout high school, I have also participated in various District and University Honor Bands. This year, as a senior, I made the Iowa All State Band, which is a goal I’ve been working on all of high school. Besides band, I am involved in choir, a small group of the top singers in our choir called “Sirens,” the musical, and Spanish Club.

What’s your favorite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Steven Chbosky

What’s your favorite song or piece of music?
Anything by Eric Whitacre. I especially love “Lux Aurumque” and “October.”

Favorite movie?
It depends on my mood, but I love the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Pearl Harbor, and Me Before You.

Favorite ice cream flavor?
Coffee

What’s your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
I plan on majoring in Nursing either at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska or Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Although I won’t major in Music, I am definitely planning on staying involved.

Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
No. This is my first event, and I am incredibly excited!

Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
I’ve traveled to eight countries in the last year! Last January, I went to Belize with the Spanish Club at my school. Over the summer, I went on what is called the “Iowa Ambassadors of Music” trip. There is a band and a choir, and I was in the band. We traveled to seven countries, which included England, France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Italy. Performing music in all of these countries truly taught me how music unifies all of humanity.

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