Roswell Students Perform with 'Bands of America Honor Band' in 2013 Rose Parade

Zachary Kaminsky and David Conner, both seniors at Roswell High School, were selected by Music for All to be members of the Bands of America (BOA) Honor Band in the 2013 Tournament of Roses® Parade, according to a recent Music for All press release.

Kaminsky and Conner were selected from among hundreds of applicants across the nation for membership in this prestigious national honor band, says the organization.

The BOA Honor Band was a 299 piece national ensemble with winds, percussion and a flag and dance team. Bob Buckner, who recently retired as director of the Western Carolina University “Pride of the Mountains” Marching Band, directed the 2013 BOA Honor Band.

Bands of America is a program of Music for All (MFA), one of the nation’s largest and most influential organizations in support of active music making.

Kaminsky, the son of Lisa and Charles Kaminsky and a trombone player since third grade and Conner, the son of Cheri and Mike Conner and a percussionist also since third grade, spent a week in southern California during Dec. 27 - Jan. 3, where they had rehearsals, performances at the Tournament of Roses Bandfest and Disneyland, special activities and a featured appearance in the world-famous parade.

The 124th Rose Parade® Tuesday, Jan. 1, presented by Honda, was themed “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” The 5.5-mile parade, which is often referred to as the “Rose Bowl Parade”, was seen in more than 220 international territories and countries. Magnificent floral floats, spirited marching bands and talented equestrian units anchored the traditional, two-hour spectacle along Pasadena’s famed Colorado Boulevard.

"To [have been] selected for this unique opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for these students and a testimony to their excellence and achievements," says Eric Martin, Music for All President and CEO. "Each student is one of only 299 members chosen to be part of the Bands of America Honor Band, and their participation deserves the admiration and support of everyone in their community. The Rose Parade® is one of our country’s national pageantry treasures, and the 2013 Honor Band members [were] ambassadors of America’s bands, and of their states and communities."

In addition to his role as director at Western Carolina University, Honor Band director Bob Buckner is also the recipient of the prestigious Sudler Trophy in 2009 from the John Philip Sousa Foundation as well as a Bands of America Hall of Fame member. His award-winning career as a band director and drill designer spans decades. The nationally-recognized teaching staff for the Honor Band included award-winning band directors from all over the country.

This marked the third time Music for All’s Bands of America Honor Band has performed in the Tournament of Roses® Parade. Music for All sponsors and partners played an important role in preparing the BOA Honor Band for their performances. Yamaha Corporation of America, MFA’s National Presenting Sponsor, provided percussion and brass instruments. Fred J. Miller, Inc. (FJM) outfited the members in custom uniforms designed by award-winning designer Michael Cesario, one of the nation’s leading pageantry visionaries. Music Travel Consultants, MFA’s Official Student Travel Partner, managed the travel, housing and logistics for the band members and their families.