The fourtieth 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: Ryan Lavin
Hometown: Tinley Park, IL
School Name: Marian Catholic High School
Section: Trombone
What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
I heard about this opportunity from a friend, and I asked my band director, Mr. Bimm, for further input. Initially, I felt very intimidated that only the top 300 musicians in the United States would be admitted into this ensemble, but after some helpful persuasion from my parents, I submitted my audition, and I am here now.
What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I am excited for a number of different things. One of which, is being able to learn from some of the most accomplished and talented music educators from across the nation. This experience of learning from these distinguished individuals will go unparalleled in my future as a musician. I am also extremely excited to share this experience with four other musicians from my school, including my younger brother.
What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in band?
1. I’ve learned that in order to be an extraordinary musician, you must first be an extraordinary person. Being a good citizen and exemplifying good qualities is essential to one’s focus on being a great musician.
2. I’ve learned about leadership during my years in band. Whether it being a leader in my middle school band, or a Squad leader in Marian Catholic’s Marching Band, I’ve learned so much about the necessary elements to become a successful leader.
3. I’ve also learned about becoming a better player in just my three years in high school. By learning from my band directors, I have emerged as a smarter individual with a more focused area to improve myself, and to help others around me as well.
Most memorable moment in band?
I have too many! From participating in Illinois SuperState competition with my middle school band, as well as my high school band, to performing at Lucas Oil Stadium in front of thousands at Grand National Finals.
Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
Other than band, I am active in our school’s Political Club.
What’s your favorite book?
My favorite book is probably The Mullah’s Storm.
What’s your favorite song or piece of music?
Rock n’ Roll : Houses of the Holy- Led Zepplin
Classical: Pines of Rome, Boleró, Shostakovich 7
Favorite movie?
Star Wars Trilogies
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Mint Chocolate Chip
What’s your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
I honestly have no idea! I would be interested in attending a university, playing trombone, but perusing a degree in the humanities.
Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
I’ve participated with the Marian Catholic High School Marching Band at the Indianapolis Super Regional and the Bands of America Grand National Championship for the past three years.
Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
I really love History. History is so interesting to me, and I often find myself sitting down with a good history book in my house or at the library. I was also a drum major in my middle school’s marching band in 2014.
