This is the eleventh 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: Macy Miller
Hometown: Roca, NE
School Name: Norris High School
Instrument: Clarinet
Which Ensemble Are You In?
Honor Band of America
What made you decide to apply to be a part of the ensemble?
Music does not simply make me feel alive. Music is alive. To me, music is like oxygen: a necessity. When offered the opportunity to share my passion, I jumped and ended up where I am today! I cannot wait to be surrounded by the country’s top musicians!
What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in band or orchestra?
Being in band has taught me the importance of understanding before acting, giving my best effort the first time around, and living with kindness.
Most memorable moment in band or orchestra?
The summer before my junior year, my band went to Washington D.C. to play in the Independence Day Parade. Since my birthday is on July 2, we were in D.C. for my sixteenth birthday. The band ate in the Kennedy Center that evening. After eating, everyone went out onto the terrace where the group proceeded to surprise me by singing happy birthday to me. I was completely shocked, and felt a wave of appreciation. A birthday packed full of the people I love in my nation’s capital is more than I could ever ask for.
Besides band/orchestra, what are you involved in at school?
Outside of band, I am actively involved in my school through speech, cheerleading, National Honor Society, choir, Spanish club, and Tri-M.
What book have you read that you would recommend?
The entire Harry Potter series is hands down a good fit for any reader.
What’s your favorite song or piece of music?
As a clarinetist, I have a slight obligation to adore Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto. However, I could also listen to anything by Queen on loop!
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Cookies ‘n Cream
What’s your favorite non-music related hobby or past time?
I love being around people. Nothing makes me happier than a day spend enjoying the company of others!
What’s one piece of advice you’d give a friend who needs some inspiration or motivation?
On a still growing planet of seven billion people, feeling insignificant is small. I know it is easy to think one person can do so little. Gandhi was one person though, and so was MLK. And I don’t know about you, but J.K. Rowling definitely changed my life. I guess what I am trying to say is that the only thing that separates you from the greats of the world is the choices you make. The future doesn’t start tomorrow; it starts today. Stop putting off your dreams. Because believe it or not, you can change the world.
What’s your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
After graduation, I will go to college where I will seek a degree in Music Education. Once I am certified, I will take to the field as a high school band director to begin molding the minds of young musicians.
Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
This past summer, I attended the Music for All Summer Symposium. It was a blast!
Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
In spite of being primarily a clarinetist, I have played the alto saxophone in my high school school jazz band for the past four years.
