Honor Band of America Background- cited from musicforall.org

The Honor Band of America was established in 1992 and has earned itself a reputation of “one of the nation’s finest student concert bands”. The musicians in this ensemble are the most advanced in the country.  Students are given the opportunity debut new works for concert band, and work with world class guest artists and renowned conductors.

After a lengthy, nerve racking process, WestMilfordHigh School junior, Rose Martus received the news of her dreams.

News arrived via email on December 13 that she had been selected to be a member of the 2014 Honor Band of America. She had been in the middle of class when the news hit, and immediately headed to the band room where she frantically conveyed the news to Symphonic Band Director, Matt Gramata. “It was as if nothing else mattered but that email” says Martus, describing her feelings when she read the email.

The application process began in June of last year when Gramata presented Rose with the opportunity. “(He) came up to me at the end of the school year last year and said ‘Hey you should do the audition for this. I did when I was in high school and had a blast, and I think you’d make it in.’” and with that, she was on her way.

After sending in the paper application, Rose then had to submit a recording via SmartMusic, which, according to their website is, “an interactive tool that allows students to play along with music onscreen.  It gives students immediate feedback on their performance by showing correct pitches and rhythms in green and incorrect in red.”  This recording which included a few scales and two excerpts from band pieces…sounds simple, right? Except for the fact that Rose had not been instructed how to use the SmartMusic technology. This left her in the dark until about three weeks before the recording was due, which was extremely stressful.

But all of her worries seemed to vanish, as hugs were shared, tears were shed and smiles widened as Rose entered the band room that day. “[This was] the biggest accomplishment of my life, so far”, beamed Martus.

When she walked into the band room and saw “Congratulations Rose” on the board, she had to look at the email once more in order to convince herself that she had really been selected.  

Only a select few of West Milford band members have ever been accepted into the Honor Band of America program.

“I feel quite honored, considering all the amazing musical kids in our school. Also, it’s really kind of cool, and almost terrible, to think that I beat so many people who tried out for the same spot. It’s these flute players from across the country that audition for this, and I got the spot they were trying for. It’s so amazing to know that I have some power to do that.”

The Highlanders takes great pride in their musical counterparts and Martus is living up to the name.

After receiving the music, Martus will attend all day intensive rehearsals on March 6-8 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Then, on that Saturday Mar. 8, the performance will take place and then it’s all over. “I’m really excited to go to Indianapolis and meet new people and make more music and really have fun.”

Rose shares some stories about her audition practices and says during a late night, 11pm practice session, while trying to …work out…an “obnoxious” measure, she kept dozing off to sleep. “My friend happened to be texting me at the time so when I got a text I would wake up and play the measure, respond to the message, and fall back asleep.” That’s dedication.

Congratulations Rose, and best of luck in Indianapolis!