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: James Devins

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

I wanted to meet new people and have a once in a life time experience.

What part of the trip are you most excited about?

Getting to know new people, learning from top tier educators and of course In-N-Out Burger!!!

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

Leadership is all about Service

You don’t need a fancy title to influence others

Marching band is extremely athletic

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

Waiting in the tunnel of Lucas Oil Stadium before 2018 Grand Nats finals retreat and chanting FISH, USA, and RP1 with Avon and Broken Arrow. In that moment, we weren’t competitors, we were just a bunch of dumb band kids who were really tired and extremely hyper at the same time.

What activities and clubs are you involved in?

Leadership Conservatory for the Arts – 2017-2021

Tarpon Yearbook – 2020

The Chapel Internship – 2020

Founder of Morehouse College Project X – 2021

What are your post-graduation plans?

I am a student at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia majoring in film.

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

Yes.  BOA Atlanta Super Regional 2017.  BOA Orlando Regional 2018, 2019.  BOA Grand National Championships 2018.  Summer Symposium 2019.

Tell us something unique about yourself.

My hobbies are writing, running and cooking. I want to be a director, producer and writer for family and young adult television when I grow up. That being said, I can probably tell you the entire history of the Disney channel, Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network. I am a plethora of useless television information.

List your favorites!

Song or piece of music: Bojangles by Duke Ellington

Band, Artist, Musical Group, etc.: AJR

Movie: Guardians of the Galaxy

TV Show: Cobra Kai

Book: Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Board Game: Uno

Dessert: Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

Place to visit: Hawaii

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

Dessert: Cake

Entertainment: Playing Board Games

Social Media: Instagram