This is the forty-first 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: Hannah Small
Hometown: Mason, OH
School Name: Mason High School
Instrument: French Horn
Which Ensemble Are You In?
Honor Band of America
What made you decide to apply to be a part of the ensemble?
A friend of mine explained their HBOA 2016 experience and told me how much of an amazing time they had, and that I should audition too.
What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in band or orchestra?
1) How to effectively work with a large group
2) Leadership skills
3) Time management
Most memorable moment in band or orchestra?
Going to the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, sight-seeing and traveling with a group I enjoy being with, and performing in front of hundreds of directors and musicians.
Besides band/orchestra, what are you involved in at school?
My high school’s marching band program, Cincinnati Youth Wind Ensemble, and other art related classes.
What book have you read that you would recommend?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky.
What’s your favorite song or piece of music?
Angels in the Architecture, by Frank Ticheli
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Coffee
What’s your favorite non-music related hobby or past time?
I enjoy pottery, ceramics, and sculpture.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give a friend who needs some inspiration or motivation?
Never stop doing your best just because you aren’t getting credit because it will pay off in the end.
What’s your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
Hopefully to get into a good music school, study horn performance, and music education.
Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
My high school marching band went to BOA Regionals in Toledo, and came in 1st. We also attended BOA Grand Nationals, and came 3rd in the nation.
Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
I drove across the country, and stopped at all of the weird roadside tourist spots, from Ohio to Oklahoma.
