The one-hundred and sixth 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: Matthew Garza
Hometown: Fresno, CA
School Name: Clovis West High School
Section: Mellophone
What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
My band director presented this as an opportunity to be involved, and my mom and I took it to it’s fullest advantage and started applying as soon as possible. We both saw this as a way to make more memories, making my senior year something special, and something to add to my resume.
What part of the trip are you most excited about?
Meeting new friends, marching the parade, and going to Disneyland.
What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in band?
1. Band is more than just coming to the band room, playing an instrument and performing in front of people.
2. Making music isn’t just black notes on a piece of paper, it’s an emotion that can be expressed in many unique ways that words can’t describe.
3. Band can be life changing. It isn’t about relying on winning competitions like sports, it’s viewing competition as an essence in striving for performance excellence, and being held accountable for learning and using competition as a valuable resource in our lives. It’s a program that accepts all students, no matter what circumstances they have, and making them feel welcome and that they are a part of the program like a second family.
Most memorable moment in band?
Participating in the 2016 BOA Grand National Championships in Indianapolis and performing our very best out in Lucas Oil Stadium.
Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
Besides academics and getting through/school, nothing really. I’m just a huge music nerd.
What’s your favorite book?
I don’t like reading books. I’d rather put my face in orchestral/band scores.
What’s your favorite song or piece of music?
I can’t name just one. I’ve grown up listening to so much music that I love, that I have so many to go back to and listen over and over again. My favorite music genres are classical, orchestral, band, and video game/movie soundtracks.
Favorite movie?
Zootopia and Secret Life of Pets
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Vanilla
What’s your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
I want to become a Music major to pursue my dream of becoming a conductor.
Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
Yes. I participated in the 2015 BOA St. George and American Canyon Regionals, the 2016 BOA San Jose and Long Beach Regionals, and the 2016 BOA Grand National Championships in Indianapolis, IN.
Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
I have perfect pitch, and I know how to play piano, along with every brass, woodwind, and percussion instrument.
