This is the twenty-sixth 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: Jason Frazier
Hometown: Fairview, TN
School Name: Franklin High School
Instrument: Alto Saxophone
Which Ensemble Are You In?
Honor Band of America
What made you decide to apply to be a part of the ensemble?
I had multiple upperclassmen that attended Honor Band of America my freshman year, and the way they described this experience made me want to have it as well. Also, I watched a lot of videos of Honor Band of America and it was such an amazing ensemble, that I decided I couldn’t not be in it at least once.
What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in band or orchestra?
1. Everyone matters. Every single player in an ensemble is responsible for that group’s performance.
2. Hard work pays off. I worked incredibly hard for this audition and it most definitely payed off.
3. It’s okay and important to feel emotions. These are emotions that you can pour into a performance and make it that much more enjoyable.
Most memorable moment in band or orchestra?
Too many to count, but my top two are performing Give Us This Day by David Maslanka at the Tennessee Governor’s School For The Arts and walking off of the field in Lucas Oil after Grand National Semifinals my freshman year. Those are my two favorite performances that I’ve ever given.
Besides band/orchestra, what are you involved in at school?
Playing saxophone and flute consume a large portion of my time, but other than that I’m in the IB program at my school, which consumes even more of my time. It’s fine.
What book have you read that you would recommend?
All of the Harry Potter series. Also East of Eden by John Steinbeck.
What’s your favorite song or piece of music?
This one’s tough, but at the moment it’s a multi-way tie between Shostakovich 5, Tchaikovsky 6, Shostakovich 10, Prélude Cadence et Finale by Alfred Desenclos, Medea’s Dance of Vengeance, and Give Us This Day.
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Ben and Jerry’s Phish Food. Absolutely mouthwatering.
What’s your favorite non-music related hobby or past time?
Mostly memes.
What’s your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
I plan on attending undergrad at either IU or MTSU for Music Education, then I’ll get my master’s at either IU or UMich for Music Performance. After that I’ll either go into teaching/performing/conducting or get my DMA.
Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
2014: BOA Louisville, BOA Indy Super Regional, Grand Nationals
2015: BOA Clarksville, BOA Indy Super Regional, Grand Nationals
2015: BOA Clarksville, BOA Atlanta Super Regional, Grand Nationals
Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
I have perfect pitch.
