Last weekend, Jan. 26-27, marked the clinics and performances for Ravenscroft Middle School and Upper School students who were selected to participate in the East Central District Bandmasters Association’s All-District bands. The middle school clinic took place at Apex Friendship High School in Apex, and the high school clinic took place at Green Level High School in Cary.

The program is open to students in both public and private sixth- through 12th-grade schools in Wake County and includes a competitive, audition-based selection process. 

Congratulations to the following Ravens for placing in this year’s bands:

Middle School

• Andrew Nunalee ’29, 6th chair trombone, top band
• Rishi Kamma ’28, 2nd chair euphonium, second band

Ninth- and 10th-Grade Band

• Ellene Warner ’26, 2nd chair oboe (All-State eligible)
• Josh Ward ’26, 8th chair trombone
• Amelia Ward ’26, 2nd chair tuba (All-State eligible)
• Ethan Dinitz ’26, Timpani (All-State eligible)

11th- and 12th-Grade Band

• Henry Zhang ’25, 8th chair clarinet, top band
• Ethan MacLaren ’25, contra clarinet, second band
• Elijah Smith ’25, 3rd chair tuba, top band

Co-director of bands Matt Parunak accompanied Andrew and Rishi to the middle school clinic and performance. 

“It was a thrill to see Dr. Rebekah Daniel and Mr. Bobby Hinson work with the Middle School All-District Bands. From where the kids started Friday morning at 9 a.m. until the performance, the progress was exceptional,” he said. “We love seeing students from Ravenscroft excel musically and have the chance to perform with the best in the district.”

Joining the 11th- and 12th-grade program after participating in the ninth- and 10th-grade band last year, Elijah Smith ’25 said, “I thoroughly enjoyed playing under Dr. Scott Tobias from West Virginia University. His choice of repertoire helped showcase the band. We had the opportunity to play pieces we don’t normally get the opportunity to perform. It is also enjoyable to reconnect with students from other schools that I’ve performed with in past clinics.”

“We are immensely proud of the hard work and dedication of our students,” co-director of bands Kelly Nivison said. “It takes a lot of courage and hours to audition for All-District Band, and all of our students who auditioned went above and beyond. The students who made the bands represent the best in our county, and we love how well they represented Ravenscroft.”