The seventh 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: Michael Taylor
Hometown: Norwalk, CT
School Name: Norwalk High School
Section: Tenor Saxophone
What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
I decided to apply to be apart of this band because I wanted to experience what it’s like to play and march with a different group of people. With the BOA Honor Band, I get to do that with a group of the best musicians across the country while being showcased in the biggest and most heavily televised parade in the world.
What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I’m excited to be working with Michael Klesch and Matt Harloff because I’m a big Carolina Crown fan. Im also excited to march the biggest and most heavily televised parade with the best group of high school musicians in the country.
What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in band?
I’ve learned about time management while being in band because you have to use your time efficiently to get homework done, while still going to practices. I’ve also learned a great deal about teamwork because you need to work as a team in order to improve what you’re putting out on the field. Last, but not least, the most important thing I’ve learned in band is leadership. The band can’t run without proper leadership and being a section leader has shown me what it takes to be a good leader. A good leader has to lead by example and take responsibility for his/her group of people.
Most memorable moment in band?
My most memorable moment in band was performing at MetLife Stadium my sophomore year. The performance was the best performance of my entire marching band career. My group ended up winning the Group VI Open Class National title that night. The results were a reflection of a phenomenal season of hard work. I was proud to have been apart of such a great group of kids because everyone got along, worked together, and gave it their all throughout the entire season. It was a season that really paid off after having such great leadership and instruction.
Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
I can’t really say I’m involved in anything other than the band program at my school. I’ve been playing clarinet for my schools top level concert band group since sophomore year, played tenor saxophone for our top level jazz group since sophomore year, and marched the tenor saxophone all my four years in marching band. I take lots of pride in my music skills at it has gotten me accepted into my local Western Region concert band, the BOA Honor Band, the Macy’s Great American Marching Band, and the Honor Band of America.
What’s your favorite book?
My favorite book is “A Long Way Gone” by Ishmael Beah. Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down until I finished it. Such a great read.
What’s your favorite song or piece of music?
My favorite piece of music is “Galactic Empires.” It’s a concert band piece that happens to be about 12 minutes long. It’s a really interesting piece.
Favorite movie?
The Shining
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Mint Chocolate Chip
What’s your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
My plan is to go to college and major in computer engineering. I will probably end up participating in marching band or join a jazz group while I’m in college. I also want to attempt to join a DCI group and hopefully be apart of a world class finalist corp before I age out. My dream would be to march Carolina Crown before I age out.
Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
I have not been able to participate in a an MFA/BOA event before. I really wish that my marching band could’ve participated in a BOA Marching Band Championship and maybe even gone to BOA Grand Nationals.
Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
I have an advanced set of computer skills
