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: Lillian Austin

Hometown: DeWitt, MI

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

I’ve watched the Rose Parade every year since I can remember, and I thought it would be an amazing experience to actually march in the parade and play with so many other amazing musicians from around the country.

What part of the trip are you most excited about?

I’m most looking forward to actually getting to meet and see all the friends I’ve made in the last year in person.

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

  1. A leader doesn’t need a title to take responsibility and help others.
  2. If you put in the work, the experience is a lot more fun in the end.
  3. A good attitude goes a long way.

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

My sophomore year of high school, we went to an invitational in Grand Haven, and beat our rival band for best percussion. It felt really good be a part of something so amazing and something bigger than myself.

What activities and clubs are you involved in?

Mostly just band, but I’m also a member of my school’s chapter of the National Honor Society and I participate in my church’s youth group. Outside of band, I also play the piano.

What are your post-graduation plans?

I plan to attend a university to study music education, although I’m still deciding on where to go.

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

My school competed at the Toledo BOA regionals in 2019.

Tell us something unique about yourself.

I danced for three years with a Finnish-American folk dance group in my home town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

List your favorites!

Song or piece of music: Jupiter from Holst’s The Planets

Band, Artist, Musical Group, etc.: ABBA

Movie: Titanic

TV Show: Gilmore Girls

Book: Sense and Sensibility

Dessert: ice cream

Place to visit: Boston, MA

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

Dessert: Ice Cream

Entertainment: Reading books

Social Media: Instagram