Over the years, Ravenscroft Band Director Matthew Parunak, band members, parents and supporters have worked hard behind the scenes to get the program to an elite level.

That hard work has paid off.

Recently, the North Carolina Bandmasters Association (NCBA) recognized Ravenscroft’s band as one of the state’s “Programs of Distinction.”

Per its website, the NCBA Program of Distinction is designed to commend middle and high school band programs across the state that meet the standards of the Program of Merit but also achieve “Excellent” or “Superior” ratings from adjudicators at Concert Band Music Performance Adjudication (MPA).

The NCBA was founded in 1938. However, this is the first year the organization has recognized Programs of Distinction, honoring more than 10 bands across the state.

Ravenscroft was honored for its collaboration across grade levels, seasonal holiday bands and pep bands. Parunak felt that showcasing the versatility of the program, even without a marching band, is what helped Ravenscroft earn the honor.

“Just the fact that we’re doing a wide variety of participation,” Parunak said. “We do a lot of stuff. We play for gatherings throughout (the year). We’re very active on campus and around campus, and we also collaborate across grade levels. Last year we did a string orchestra and middle school band piece combined.”

Amelia Ward ’26 joined the band in seventh grade and played until her senior year. She’ll continue to play the tuba at the University of Richmond this fall. Ward remembers watching the band double in size during her six years participating and says this honor reflects the dedication and hard work of everyone involved with the program.

“There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes that a lot of people don’t see,” Ward said. “I think this award helps recognize that. I know that the band program deserves it. I just hope this award shows other students and other teachers that the band program is worthy and it’s worth joining.”

Parunak applied last May and was honored when he received the news over the summer that Ravenscroft had been selected.

He sent the good news to not only current band members but also past Fine Arts Association members.

“People who have really been influential,” Parunak said. “They were thrilled to hear about it. We always feel like we’re doing great stuff, so to be able to have it recognized on a bigger stage is great.”

The program will receive a seal from the NCBA that Parunak will add to the collection of awards and honors in the band room.

Last year, Parunak had 125 band members from fifth through 12th grades, and multiple students learned to play multiple instruments to make sure the band had plenty of instrumentation. 

Bella Weeks ’27 joined the band last year as a percussionist, and plays multiple instruments. Doing that has allowed her to collaborate across all divisions and expand her network outside of the band.

“I have engaged in many networking opportunities that originated in band class,” Weeks said. “I was able to utilize myself as a multi-instrumentalist while growing my own skill set by joining many different ensembles for performances, all thanks to the opportunities, network and supportiveness of the band department at Ravenscroft.”

Parunak knows members of the Ravenscroft community appreciate all the band does but this recognition gets the program’s name out there on the state level.

“To promote it outside these walls is really cool,” Parunak said.

He added that this recognition is the culmination of years of dedicated band members, faculty and supporters.

“This hasn’t been an overnight thing,” Parunak said. “It’s happened over many nights, days, years. And from the other ensemble directors, fine arts, private lessons faculty, Fine Arts directors, it’s been a community effort. It’s not just a one-time, one-person thing.”