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: Liam John

Hometown: Newport, NC

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

I had originally applied just to see if I would make it. The idea came to me when I was on the bus coming back from my all-district band auditions and I said to my friends, “Hey guys, wouldn’t it be funny if I applied for this band and made it?”
Now I’m here, and this is awesome.

What part of the trip are you most excited about?

I am most excited about the traveling aspect. Don’t get me wrong, friends are great, but traveling with friends is even better.

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

It’s hard to narrow it down to just three. For one, I’ve learned how to be able to have a full day of band experiences on only one hour of sleep (thanks, Indy bus ride!). The second is how to play the baritone/euphonium. Yes, it’s simple once you understand it- three or four valves, push them down to make a sound- but as a trombone player of three years with no other experience? It’s more difficult than you would’ve thought. Third, I’ve learned that you’ve got to spend as much time with the upperclassmen as you can. They leave quickly and since you have them in more than just one semester/year of classes, you develop very close relationships with them. They’re awesome, and sometimes it is hard to watch them graduate.

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

Honestly, just being in the band is my best memory. Yes, competitions from marching band or individual ensembles are fun, but there is no experience like being in band as a whole.

What activities and clubs are you involved in?

Jazz Band, Indoor Winds, Carteret Collective (competitive marching band)…
only band. 

What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan to attend my local community college for my core classes, then transfer to a university for meteorology. Hopefully, get a job working at a NOAA station and start a family.

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

I went with my marching band to the 2019 BOA Grand National Championships. As a freshman going, it was pretty awesome.

Tell us something unique about yourself.

I am a certified Microsoft Excel specialist.

List your favorites!

Song or piece of music: Farandole

Band, Artist, Musical Group, Etc.: Valve Studio Orchestra

Movie: Geostorm

TV Show: So You Think You’d Survive?

Book: Hatchet

Board Game: Monopoly

Dessert: Ambrosia Salad

Place to Visit: Appalachian Mountains

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

Dessert: Cake

Entertainment: Reading Books

Social Media: TikTok

See Liam 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.