This is the twenty-fifth installment of a new chapter in our Student Features series on the blog that we will be posting leading up to the 2017 Music for All National Festival, presented by Yamaha. Music for All will be featuring three honor ensembles (Honor Band of America, Honor Orchestra of America, and the Jazz Band of America) at the Music for All National Festival, March 9th through March 11th. We look forward to getting to know all of these wonderful students who have been accepted into these prestigious ensembles!
Name: Evan Curatolo
Hometown: Frankfort, IL
School Name: Lincoln-Way East High School
Instrument: Flute
Which Ensemble Are You In?
Honor Band of America
What made you decide to apply to be a part of the ensemble?
I’ve always strived to be the best musician I could be, and high school band is very limiting in the sense that not everyone is at the same talent level. In the honor ensembles, everybody performs at an extremely high level and that is why I chose to apply for these ensembles.
What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in band or orchestra?
Three things I’ve learned is that there are always people who are going to be more talented than you, so you just have to embrace that fact and try to be the best you can be. Another is that music is all about collaboration with other musicians. Being a part of a bigger unit helps you to become a more humble musician. Something else I’ve learned is that there is always more to learn, and that you will always have something to improve upon.
Most memorable moment in band or orchestra?
My most memorable moment in band was when I walked onto the Lucas Oil Stadium field with my home marching band in the Bands of America Grand National Championships.
Besides band/orchestra, what are you involved in at school?
I am not involved in any other activities in school besides music department activities.
What book have you read that you would recommend?
While I don’t particularly read all the time, I would recommend any book about music, because music is something that anyone can relate to, whether you love to play or just listen to it.
What’s your favorite song or piece of music?
My favorite piece of music is Beethoven’s 6th Symphony because it was used in my sophomore year marching band show and it is very special to me.
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Birthday Cake
What’s your favorite non-music related hobby or past time?
Music has always been my favorite hobby/past time, so I don’t necessarily have any others.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give a friend who needs some inspiration or motivation?
There are always going to be hard obstacles and you will definitely not win everything you try, but if you give up, there is no chance of you ever getting better. Keep on trying, because all anyone ever asks of you is for you to try your best.
What’s your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
I would like to major in Flute Performance at a music conservatory and either perform in a symphony orchestra or become a solo flute performer.
Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
I have participated in the Honor Band of America 2016, and I have also participated in Bands of America Super Regionals and Grand National Championships 2016.
Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
I have only been playing flute for three and a half years. I did not begin playing on an actual flute. Instead, I started on a PVC pipe with holes cut in it to simulate a flute. Soon after, I started playing on a real flute and I fell in love with playing instantly.
