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: Colin Ovando

Hometown: Frankfort, IL

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

I marched the Rose Parade my freshman year of high school, and I immediately wanted to do it again. I was blessed with the chance of a second parade and I am so very grateful that I was selected.

What part of the trip are you most excited about?

I am most excited about meeting people from all over the country.

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

1) Making connections with others is one of, if not, the most important aspects of a person’s life.
2) Music is one of the most important parts of the development of a student.
3) Music teaches you lots of things that no other school teacher can, for the better.

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

My favorite memory of my high school music experience was singing the Alma Mater on the Queen Mary just after marching the 2019 Rose Parade. 

What activities and clubs are you involved in?

My school’s concert band, marching band, jazz band, pep band, musical pit, brass ensemble, and symphony.

What are your post-graduation plans?

Hopefully attend Purdue University to study engineering, although I am currently uncertain about what type of engineering.

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

I have participated in three Bands of America events. They are…
1) 2018 BOA St. Louis Super Regional
2) 2019 BOA Muncie IN Regional
3) 2019 BOA Indy Super Regional
4) (Upcoming) 2021 Clarksville TN Regional

Tell us something unique about yourself.

I have four siblings, two of which are adopted from two different countries (one from the United States, one from China)

List your favorites!

Song or piece of music: A Few Good Men by the Big Phat Band

Band, Artist, Musical Group, Etc.: Pentatonix

Movie: The Martian

TV Show: Survivor

Board Game: Monopoly

Dessert: Ice Cream

Place to Visit: Michigan

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

Dessert: Cake

Entertainment: Playing Board Games

Social Media: Instagram

See Colin 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.