To achieve something as large as getting into an acclaimed state honor band is a feat not many students can say they’ve accomplished. Yet senior Alex Massiah is one of the select few that can. Massiah was chosen to participate in the All State Honor Band, which is a prestigious band made up of the best high school players from all around Florida. To be accepted participants must audition against hundreds of other high school students, all who had prepared their pieces diligently. Massiah auditioned on the euphonium, a low brass instrument, in mid-September.
“I was surprised when I learned I had made it in, because out of all the high schools in the state, only a few performers are chosen. And of course I was happy, because it’s such a big accomplishment,” said Massiah.
Auditioning was a goal to work towards, and he knew that it would be a big accomplishment in his high school music career. Auditioning can be a stressful experience, but for Massiah, he played like he normally would and didn’t psych himself out over the audition. To prepare for future preformances and auditions, Massiah tries to practice everyday and makes sure to listen to other people and take tips.
“If someone has something to say, I try to apply it as fast as I can,” said Massiah. Massiah showed interest in the euphonium in the sixth grade. He started playing because he wanted to be involved in middle school and felt that being in the band program was a good way to accomplish that.
“It was something new to work on, and I had always wanted to play an instrument,’’ said Massiah. Massiah has come a long way since then. In addition to making the state honor band, Massiah has kept busy with other band activities, such as the FSU Tristate Honor Band. In this band, the student is nominated by their band director to travel and play in a band at FSU with other accomplished musicians.
“It’s amazing to see how all the good players come together and how fast you can accomplish something when you work for the same goal,” said Massiah, “It’s really cool because a bunch of really good kids come together to play music in a span of four days and it’s cool to see how fast something can come together with people who don’t normally play music with each other.”
Massiah has also participated in the Festival of Winds at USF, and the All County Band going on his fourth year. In addition to all of that, Massiah has been awarded superiors on his solos during the Solo and Ensemble showcase.
“Everyone is good and are there for a reason. Keeping up with kids that are as good or better than you adds difficulty,” said Massiah.
Participating in all of these activities might not leave much time for fun, but that’s not the case for this All County band performer.
“It can also be fun because you usually get to go to [competitions] with your friends, and then both of us get better,” said Massiah. “ Everybody is working towards the same goal. Also when people are working on things, you can help them out, and they can help you out, so it is a mutual everybody wants to get better thing.”
Making it into the Honor Band not only is a big deal for his high school career, but also for Massiah’s future endeavors. Being accepted is verification that he is an accomplished player. Massiah plans on continuing band in college because he says that band is a way to bring people to work together for the same goal. He also is proud of doing hard work and practicing to get the resultshe wants.
“Band helps me know that to be better, you must do more.” said Massiah.
Jillian Dradzynski// Staff Writer
