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: Payton Nicolo

Hometown: Winter Green, FL

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

It seemed like an incredible opportunity to do something historic and meet people like me from all over the country!

What part of the trip are you most excited about?

Getting to know everyone! I can’t wait to meet everybody and play together. 

What are three things you’ve learned from being involved in your high school music program?

Teamwork is huge, leadership is more than just yelling commands, and when everyone does their job, things get done!

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

Performing in state finals with my band my sophomore year. I was crying by the end of the show. 

What activities and clubs are you involved in?

I do band as well as dance and musical theater!

What are your post-graduation plans?

I plan to attend a 4-year university in my home state (FL) and maybe study to be a zookeeper with a minor in music performance! 

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

My band does the regional every year and in 2019 we went to Grand Nationals in Indianapolis!

Tell us something unique about yourself.

I’m a massive reader and have my own personal library stocked with over 250 books!

List your favorites!

Song or piece of music: Permanent Vacation – 5 Seconds of Summer

Band, Artist, Musical Group, Etc: 5 Seconds of Summer

Movie: Avengers: Endgame

TV Show: Shadow and Bone

Book: A Court of Mist and Fur

Dessert: Chocolate Cake

Place to Visit: Walt Disney World or Universal Studios

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

Dessert: Cake

Entertainment: Reading Books

Social Media: Instagram

See Payton 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.