This is the thirty-second 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: Robert Brown
Hometown: Wylie, TX
School Name: Wylie 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?
My freshman year, my band went to the Music for All National Festival and I got to witness the Honor Band of America play music with the most extreme precision. I knew, right then and there, that I wanted to be a part of that group. Now, as a senior in high school, I feel honored to be a part of the Honor Band of America.
What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in band or orchestra?
To be early is to be on time.
To be on time is to be late.
To be late is unacceptable.
Most memorable moment in band or orchestra?
I cannot single out just one because I have so many wonderful memories with my band program, Music for All, and various region/state ensembles.
Besides band/orchestra, what are you involved in at school?
I am involved in the National Honor Society and the Society of World Languages. I am really involved in academics and enjoy learning as much as I can.
What book have you read that you would recommend?
The Stand by Stephen King
What’s your favorite song or piece of music?
Whichever piece of music I am currently working on.
What’s your favorite non-music related hobby or past time?
Reading. I love to read, especially the works of Stephen King. When I’m not practicing or doing homework, I’m usually sitting with a book in my hands.
What’s your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
I want to pursue music and physics. I love the field of physics, yet I also am passionate about music. I’m currently trying to find the best option for me, where I can follow both dreams.
Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
Yes. My high school band went to the Music for All National Festival in 2014 and I was also part of the Honor Band of America my sophomore year in 2015.
Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
I also play piano. I mainly focus on jazz piano, but I also learn at least one classical piece per semester just to keep my technique in line.