The fiftieth 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 Smith
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
School Name: Palo Verde High School
Section: Euphonium
What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
After hearing about the Tournament of Roses Parade from my band director, I instantly knew I wanted to audition for the group. After our school decided to cancel competitive marching starting my senior year, I knew this was the way to maintain the enjoyment of marching band. The group sounded like it would be an amazing musical experience, where I could enjoy being in a high caliber marching band with many students like me.
What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I personally am most excited for the Rose Parade. From past years, the parade has looked like such a fun and memorable event, and to be able to participate in the parade is unbelievable. I am still in disbelief that I am able to take part in such a big and memorable event.
What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in band?
There are many things I learned from being in band; here are a few of them:
1. Being in band makes relationships that will last a lifetime. Being together with people, who share similar passions and interests is one of the main reasons band is so enjoyable.
2. Music is one of the greatest forms of expression and creates a story with sounds.
3. Band teaches self-discipline and improves not just musicality, but also valuable life skills.
Most memorable moment in band?
My most memorable moment in band is when I performed at the National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis in 2015. Performing in front of such a huge crowd with such fantastic music was a moment I will never forget. Being in band won’t last forever; the experiences you make in band, however, will last a lifetime, and this festival is a perfect example of the experiences that can come with band and music.
Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
I am involved in many things in school. I am a part of my school’s International Baccalaureate program. I have played volleyball the last three years as well, and even have a few championships under my belt. I am a member of not only National Honor Society, but also the Science National Honor Society as well. I participate on the Palo Verde varsity quiz team too!
What’s your favorite book?
My favorite book is The Complete Sherlock Holmes Volume 1 by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The mystery and inquisitive abilities that Doyle portrays in the character of Sherlock Holmes are so enjoyable to read. The book leaves the impression of taking what is presented to you and turning it into so much more.
What’s your favorite song or piece of music?
My favorite piece of music is The Planets by Gustav Holst. It is such a beautiful composition that takes many different styles and strings them together into an amazing work of art. Jupiter, Bringer of Jollity is such an incredible movement in itself and is by far my favorite of the composition.
Favorite movie?
Kung Fu Panda
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
What’s your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
After I graduate high school, I will major in Biochemistry and pursue Pathology in medical school. Along with this, I will either minor or double-major in music to continue my musical passions and enjoyment.
Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
– BOA St. George Regional Marching Championship
– Music For All National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana (2015)
– BOA St. George Regional Concert Band Festival
Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
I have a love of the biological sciences. I have many accolades and accomplishments in the field. Along with this, I have had many classes in similar areas of human biology (IB Biology, Anatomy and Physiology).
