The fourty-eighth 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: Olivia Bazanos
Hometown: North Huntingdon, PA
School Name: Norwin High School
Section: Clarinet
What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
My family and I always watch the Rose Bowl Parade on New Year’s Day! When I was in 8th grade, I saw on my local news station that some of the Norwin High School students were part of the 2013 band that marched the parade. I thought that they got an opportunity of a lifetime and I wanted to experience marching in the Rose Bowl Parade too.
I also enjoy being part of honors bands and getting to meet other band kids from other programs.
What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I am most excited about meeting other high school musicians from other states, who are also passionate about music, while having the opportunity to make music and memories with them.
What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in band?
1. “Don’t let good, get in the way of great.” -Jack Ratica
2. Dedication and Commitment
3. Lead more by example, than by title.
Most memorable moment in band?
One of the most memorable moments would have to be after the finals performance at BOA Delaware during my sophomore year. Everyone walked off of the field wearing the biggest grins on our faces. We all knew that we had the best performance of that show.
The second most memorable moment would be when I got to step onto the field at the Indianapolis Super Regional this year. I had dreamed of marching at Lucas Oil Stadium and I couldn’t believe that I was finally on the field doing my favorite activity with my second family.
Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
I am part of my school’s Peer Buddies Club and Interact Club. I danced for 10 years, I was an extra in Norwin’s musical of “Anything Goes”, was a Winter Guard member of the 2015 Norwin Regional A Color Guard, played as a tenor saxophonist in the school’s jazz band, and played in various musical pits. I have also been a member of various honors bands, including the 2016 PMEA All-State Concert Band.
What’s your favorite book?
“Tuesdays With Morrie” by Mitch Albom
What’s your favorite song or piece of music?
“Salvation Is Created” by Tchesnokov
Favorite movie?
The Lion King
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
What’s your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
After graduating from Norwin High School, I plan on double majoring in Music Education and Music Therapy at Slippery Rock University.
Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
Yes! I participated in Music for All’s Summer Symposium 2015 and 2016 Concert Band Track as 3rd and 4th chair clarinet, as well as Music for All’s Summer Symposium 2016 Leadership Weekend. I have also marched with the Norwin Band at BOA Monroeville, BOA Towson, BOA Delaware, and the BOA Indianapolis Super Regional.
Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
I was adopted from Zhanjiang, China when I was 10 months old, and I have been to Walt Disney World 20 times!
