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: Connor Himmelstein

Hometown: West Chester, OH

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

It seemed like a great opportunity to do what I love on a scale bigger than anything I’ve ever done before.

What part of the trip are you most excited about?

Honestly marching in The Rose Parade. Just the opportunity to do something like that in front of millions of viewers is insane to me.

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

  1. Perseverance, even when I didn’t want to practice, even when I just wanted to lay down, I kept going.
  2. The value of hard work. I have seen myself and I have seen tons of people around me do absolutely incredible things through hard work and determination. I go to school with some of the most amazing musicians of my generation, and that is crazy. And they all made it through hard work.
  3. Not to let other people’s opinions of me get me down. Being in band has really helped a lot for me to realize that it doesn’t matter what other people think of me. As long as I’m happy with who I am, that’s all that matters.

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

I don’t have any specific memories but honestly, late-night bus rides home from competitions are just incredible. Being surrounded by friends after just doing something as incredible as performing a show is just such an amazing and heartwarming feeling.

What activities and clubs are you involved in?

Nothing other than band.

What are your post-graduation plans?

I’m not totally sure yet. I definitely at least want to do something with music in college, but I’m not entirely sure what my plans are yet.

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

I participated in BOA Grand Nationals in 2019

Tell us something unique about yourself.

I love styling clothes and fashion.

List your favorites!

Song or piece of music: Birdland

Band, Artist, Musical Group, Etc.: Owl City

Movie: How to Train Your Dragon

Book: Any of the Percy Jackson books

 

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

Dessert: Ice Cream

Entertainment: Playing Board Games

Social Media: Instagram

See Connor 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.