This is the eighth 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: Molly Kaplan
Hometown: Chuluota, FL
School Name: Hagerty High School
Instrument: French Horn
Which Ensemble Are You In?
Honor Orchestra of America
What made you decide to apply to be a part of the ensemble?
A few of my friends participated in the Honor Band of America last year and highly suggested the festival. I love playing in orchestras and wanted another opportunity to play in a prestigious ensemble under the direction of Jeffrey Grogan.
What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in band or orchestra?
Lots and lots of hard work is required when you are involved in an orchestra. Not only are you becoming a better player for yourself, but you also have to live up to the standards of everyone else in the orchestra.
Most memorable moment in band or orchestra?
My most memorable moment in an orchestra is when I played in the 2017 Florida All-State Symphonic Orchestra. After two days of preparation, we performed the Finale of Mahler’s 1st Symphony. At the end of the piece, the horns (all eight of us), stood up in unison and carried the melody to the end. I remember looking out into the audience and seeing all of the faces looking up at us. It was truly my favorite moment as a musician.
Besides band/orchestra, what are you involved in at school?
I am a member of the National Honors Society and the Tri-M Music Honors society at my high school. I volunteer over 20 hours a semester for both groups combined.
What book have you read that you would recommend?
Cutting For Stone
What’s your favorite song or piece of music?
Mahler 1
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Coffee
What’s your favorite non-music related hobby or past time?
Biking
What’s your current plan for what you want to do after graduating high school?
After high school, I would like to perform with a professional orchestra. I hope to attend a conservatory in the northeast region of the United States and continue my studies from there.
Have you participated in MFA/BOA events before? Which ones?
No
Tell us something interesting/unique about you:
Alongside playing French Horn, I am Drum Major at my high school. I also played soccer and swam for eight years.
