The All-National Honors Band recently accepted senior Julianna DeCesare for her work with the French horn. As a drum major for the CHS Marching Band, Julianna’s interest in music started about 10 years ago, in third grade.

“Third grade when we could choose instruments, and I was like ‘Oh that seems pretty cool,’ so I decided to pick the trumpet. [I] picked up an instrument because my uncle played the trumpet and in sixth, I switched to French horn, and I guess I really liked music,” DeCesare said.

DeCesare was familiar with the All-National Honors Band but was not aware she was eligible for it until Ms. Deb Knisely, the CHS marching band director, suggested that she consider applying. Once she started her application, DeCesare had to pass several rounds before she was accepted.

As part of the application process, DeCesare had to send in multiple videos of herself, playing scales and etude. DeCesare explained how each day she tries to listen to or practice music for about an hour.

“So before I could get into the All-National Concert Band, I had first had to make it into All-South Jersey and then from there, I made it into All-State, which was the entirety of New Jersey, which then qualified me to be able to audition for All-National,” DeCesare said.

DeCesare learned she was accepted in November. The All-National Band is centered in California and holds virtual practice sessions. However, due to prior commitments to other bands, DeCesare is, unfortunately, unable to participate in the All-National band.

“I guess it’s a symbol of my achievements because it shows all my hard work and everything I put into music and it also shows that I can do bigger things,” DeCesare reflected on getting selected for All-National Band.

When she’s not playing for the CHS Marching Band, DeCesare is involved with other ensembles like Bravo Brass, which is a brass instrument band in Philadelphia that performs concerts. She has also been involved with South Jersey band, All-State, and All-Eastern, and most recently the Olympic Conference Honors Band.

As a senior, DeCesare is currently looking at her options and her future. She is considering whether her next step in music will be playing in an orchestra or playing with community bands. DeCesare is also looking to audition for a music ensemble in college; though she is still brainstorming possible majors, DeCesare said she is interested in studying Music Performance.

As she wraps up her senior year, DeCesare shares that she is not only proud of her own accomplishments, but for the accomplishments of the marching band as a whole. Despite the struggles the band faced with COVID and low membership, she said they were able to bounce back, win various competitions and grow in size.

For anyone who is on the fence about playing an instrument, DeCesare recommends giving it a shot; remembering the CHS TV episode where many teachers said they wished they learned how to play an instrument, DeCesare said it’s never too late to pick up an instrument and give it a try.