Courtesy of Kyle Schultz

Senior Kyle Schultz awaits the homecoming pep rally performance. Rallies and halftime performances helped Schultz in preparation for the series of Bands of America Honor Band performances. “Performing in front of hundreds of people is normal to me now. When I was a freshman in color guard, I would get really nervous, but now there’s nothing better than being able to show off what we’ve worked on and everyone gets a kick out of it,” Schultz said. “I’m so used to playing when it’s loud at big school events, so when I’m in the quiet setting of a competition it feels a lot more tense.” [Photo courtesy of Sophia Johnson]

Late November of last year senior Kyle Schultz received an offer to march among 299 others in the 2022 Bands of America Honor Band. Schultz will perform at the Bandfest at Robinson Stadium, Pasadena City College, the Rose Parade along Colorado Blvd. and the Disney Parade, in Walt Disney Land. Schultz was inspired by band director Brad Wallace to audition for the Honor Band in December of 2020 and has practiced for his position as a bass drummer every day since acceptance. 

“[Mr. Wallace’s] encouragement and support through the tryout process was amazing with my limited experience on the bass drum,” Schultz said. “I practiced in my basement and spent many cold evenings in the parking lot perfecting the piece I finally submitted.”

Entering via virtual audition, Schultz knew he had one chance to ensure the submission was what the judges were looking for. As the band accepts submissions from all high school students, Schultz knew there would be competition. 

“When I found out I was accepted, I was very relieved. All the hard work I put in finally paid off and I’m honored to be one of the best in the country and share my talents with people across the nation,” Schultz said. “I’m proud knowing that if I, or anyone, wasn’t there, our music would sound different. Everyone contributes fairly equally.”

Last weekend, the percussion section of the Honor Band will perform in front of 10,000 people in Indianapolis and a virtual audience to start learning the music for the upcoming performances. They will practice performing candances for Bands of America Grand Nationals in preparation for the real trip, where Schultz will receive a separate VIP experience. The VIP trip includes reserved grandstand seating at the Tournament of Roses Parade and two-day Disneyland and California Adventure tickets. 

“We get to perform at Disney, you can’t ask for a better stage. They go above and beyond with introductions and they make it extra special,” Schultz said. “It’ll be humbling to be in the same spot as so many creative minds and great people who have been here before me. It’s the original theme park, so it connects to performances of honor bands from even before I was born.”

Beyond Disneyland, Schultz is most looking forward to the Rose Parade, which spans 5 1/2 miles. It will take place on New Year’s Day 2022 and will be broadcasted live on syndicated stations.

“Opportunities of this caliber have not come my way before, the invitation was surreal. It’ll be amazing to be able to say I was a part of this nationally renowned ensemble. It really puts me in the spotlight,” Schultz said. “I’d been looking forward to this moment ever since I saw the Honor Band uniform at Grand Nationals in 2019. I’m going to receive a pin and a patch, as well as a  chance to buy the jacket we marched with and those are items I’ll carry with me forever.”