Students in both Middle School and Upper School band programs had the opportunity to show off their talent in several recent events.

All-District Bands

Clinics and performances for Middle School and Upper School students who were selected to participate in the East Central District Bandmasters Association’s All-District Bands took place Jan. 31-Feb 2. 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. 

"The all-district experience is a wonderful opportunity for students' individual preparation and abilities to shine through with an audition process,” Co-Director of Bands Matthew Parunak explained. “They perform new literature alongside comparable students across Wake County, some of which they already know from other ensembles, teams, and activities. Ravenscroft has consistently placed students at the district level for several years now, enriching the student experience and impacting the band program in many positive ways."

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

All-District Band

• Henry Zhang ’25, 6th chair clarinet, first band (All-State eligible)
• Ethan MacLaren ’25, 1st chair contrabass clarinet, first band (All-State eligible)
• Ellene Warner ’26, 1st chair oboe, second band
• Josh Ward ’26, 6th chair trombone, first band
• Amelia Ward ’26, 2nd chair tuba, second band
• Andrew Nunalee ’29, 4th chair trombone, second band

All-Region Jazz

• Austin Greene ’25, 1st chair vibraphone (All-State eligible)

Eastern Regional Orchestra

• Ellene Warner ’26, 2nd chair oboe
• Josh Ward ’26, 2nd chair trombone
• Siddarth Kamma ’28, bass trombone
• Austin Greene ’25, mallet percussion

Musical Performance Assessment 

Ravenscroft’s Upper School Band received straight superiors at their recent Music Performance Assessment for the East Central District Band Association, held at Fuquay Varina High School. Schools from all over Wake County participate over the course of three days and play a program of three pieces for ratings.

The pieces the Ravenscroft Band performed were:

• “March ‘Silver Spirits’” by Eiji Suzuki
• “Toccata for Band” by Frank Erickson
• “Chorale and Shaker Dance” by John Zdechlik

“The students played outstanding, with great focus, professionalism, commitment, and musicality in all of their pieces,” Co-Director of Bands Kelly Nivison said. “Performing Grade V is significant, with Grade VI and Masterworks as the highest and most difficult grades. The judges were quite impressed. Matt Parunak and I are very proud of their hard work.”

Please join us in congratulating all of these musicians!