The thirty-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: Shannon Lally
Hometown: Roselle, IL
School Name: Lake Park High School
Section: Dancer
What made you decide to apply to be a part of the band?
I decided to apply to be a part of the band after I was given the opportunity to audition last minute. I THOUGHT the opportunity was too great to pass up and that I had nothing to lose and everything to gain!
What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I am most excited to perform in the parade, as well as work with other people my age that are just as passionate about band and music as I am.
What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in band?
1. Leadership. Being a drum major has taught me how to manage a large group of people and help create something larger than myself.
2. Cooperation. Leaving problems and differences at home, and bringing your best self to rehearsal ultimately betters not only yourself, but the band as a whole.
3. Discipline. Knowing that I had practice later encouraged me to put down any distractions and finish all of my responsibilities. This built habits that continued even when I didn’t have practice, allowing me to maximize my time.
Most memorable moment in band?
One of the most memorable moments in band was performing at Disney World on New Year’s Eve. We were the last marching band of 2015 to perform!
Besides band, what are you involved in at school?
I am the president of Psychology Club and founder of the psychology tutoring program at my school. I am also on the varsity Winter Guard, and a member of National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Earth Club, and Senior Class Council. I also volunteer regularly at Feed My Starving Children.
What’s your favorite book?
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
What’s your favorite song or piece of music?
Montagues and Capulets by Prokofiev and Fire Water Paper: A Vietnam Oratorio II. Scherzo by Elliot Goldenthal
Favorite movie?
Return of the Jedi and Titanic
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Peach
What’s your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
I hope to attend Northwestern University and study neuroscience and film production.
Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
BOA Indianapolis Super Regional ’13, ’14, ’16
BOA Tennessee Regional ’15
BOA Grand National Championships ’13, ’14, ’15, ’16
Drum Major Institute ’16
Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
I love to travel! I’ve been to 11 different countries so far.
