Music for All’s Bands of America Honor Band will march in The Rose Parade on New Year’s Day 2022 in Pasadena, California. With more than 300 members, this national honor band will represent school band programs across America. Meet the members!

Name: Ben Claps

Hometown: Algonquin, IL

Why did you apply to be a member of the Honor Band?

I saw an advertisement for it at Indy Super Regionals and I thought “hey that looks cool” and here I am now. I just thought it would be an awesome experience to meet new people and march in a parade I could only dream of being in.

What part of the trip are you most excited about?

Meeting people that I have grown so close to and being in the parade itself

To date, what is your favorite memory of being involved in your high school music program?

During my junior year season during band camp, I scratched the inside of my nose because it was itchy and my nose started bleeding. Little did I know it would bleed for 2 hours straight and I had to get rushed to an ER to get my nose cauterized but not before I went outside of the bathroom and scared the crap out of some of my friends. 

What activities and clubs are you involved in?

Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Pep Band, and Pit Orchestra

What are your post-graduation plans?

Get a master’s degree in music and after that join a military band

Have you participated in any Music for All or Bands of America activities before? If so, which ones?

Indy Super Regionals 2017 and 2019

Tell us something unique about yourself:

I used to own a curved sopranino saxophone which is an extremely rare variant of saxophone one octave above an alto. I am also currently saving up for a contrabass saxophone because it’s been a dream to own let alone play one

List your favorites!

Song or piece of music: Heartaches by Al Bowlly

Movie: Jaws

TV Show: Impractical Jokers

You’re on a deserted island and you can only choose one from each category:

Dessert: Ice Cream

Entertainment: Board Games

Social Media: Instagram

See Ben in action! If you’ve ever wanted to be there in person for The Rose Parade and the excitement that surrounds it, the BOA VIP Rose Experience is for you! Learn more at marching.musicforall.org/rose/vip.