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: Abigail Stevens
Hometown: Surprise, AZ
Why did you apply to be a member of the Honor Band?
Originally, a friend of mine had persuaded me to audition, so I spoke to my director about it. She suggested I at least audition even though we were unsure if I would even make the cut, but sure enough, I did!
What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I’m definitely the most excited to finally meet the people I have been talking to for over a year now. The people in this ensemble have become some of my closest friends and I am thrilled to be going on this journey with them.
What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in your high school music program?
- We’re all in this together. One person’s mistake is the whole band’s mistake. We go through everything together, from the highs to the lows, and absolutely everything in between.
- Be punctual! If marching band has taught me anything, it’s that being early is on time, and on time is late. If you’re late? Better hope you don’t run.
- Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.
To date, what is your favorite memory of being involved in your high school music program?
During my junior year at the exhibition show just before state championships, the zipper from my uniform got caught on my shorts underneath. After the performance, my director was helping me get them loose, and we ended up shredding them right down the middle. If it weren’t for my friends, I would’ve flashed about 300 people.
What activities and clubs are you involved in?
I was in marching, concert, and jazz band for my first three years of high school, performed in pit orchestra as a sophomore, and chose to spend my senior year working part-time at our local library!
What are your post-graduation plans?
After graduation, I will be attending Arizona State University to major in History and hopefully attend law school after.
Have you participated in any Music for All or Bands of America activities before? If so, which ones?
This will be my first time participating in any MFA/BOA event.
Tell us something unique about yourself.
Crocs (yes, the shoe company), chose my senior quote! It’s “You miss 100% of the Crocs you don’t wear.” -Crocs Proverbs
List your favorites!
Song or piece of music: Vienna – Billy Joel
Band, Artist, Musical Group, Etc: Elton John or ABBA
Movie: Tangled
TV Show: Grey’s Anatomy
Book: Fahrenheit 451 – Ray Bradbury
Place to Visit: Dutch Bros. Coffee
You’re on a deserted island and you can only choose one from each category:
Dessert: Ice Cream
Entertainment: Reading Books
Social Media: Instagram
See Abigail 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.
