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: Alyssa Birzetis

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

Because I wanted to be able to participate in this unique experience and gain more skill with guard.

What part of the trip are you most excited about?

I’m most excited about being able to meet a bunch of new people who share the same passion as I do!

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

I’ve learned that everything goes better when you work as a team and timeliness is essential!

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

My favorite memory from marching band is probably making state finals this year, and for winter guard was making semifinals at WGI Championships in 2019.

What activities and clubs are you involved in?

I was in marching band for All 4 years of high school, and I’m still actively participating in my winter guard. I also coach a color guard group with younger students through my park district.

What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan on attending Northern Illinois University, majoring in Elementary Education. I also plan on continuing guard through coaching and doing WGI and DCI.

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

My freshman year (2018) I went to BOA in St. Louis, and the following year we went to BOA in Indy.

Tell us something unique about yourself.

I’ve been doing guard since I was about 7. I have about a decade of experience, and I’m marching in my 18th season (including DCI, WGI, and marching band).

List your favorites!

Song or piece of music: Nine in the Afternoon

Band, Artist, Musical Group, etc.: Machine Gun Kelly/jxdn

Movie: Zombieland

TV Show: American Horror Story

Book: The Mortal Instruments Series

Board Game: Checkers

Dessert: Anything with coconut

Place to visit: Texas or Missouri

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

Dessert: Ice Cream

Entertainment: Reading books

Social Media: Tiktok