The North Royalton High School Wind Ensemble has been invited to perform at Severance Hall, home to the Cleveland Orchestra. This world-class stage is an amazing venue hosting the 21st Annual Northeast Ohio Band Invitational. This opportunity is extended to a few select ensembles each year, and the North Royalton Wind Ensemble is proud to have been selected this year. The performance is Sunday, January 26 at 2 p.m.
“It is an honor to be selected to perform at this world-caliber stage,” said Director David Vitale. “This is an amazing ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity for students to perform at Severance Hall. While students might be nervous, I believe the ensemble is getting more and more excited about performing as the date draws closer. It is a great opportunity for us as a band, and there are no adjudicators, scores or ratings, so we can enjoy making music and savoring this exceptional experience.” The Wind Ensemble has been working hard with extra rehearsals to have this performance prepared so quickly after the holiday concerts. This event is open to the public and tickets can be purchased through the North Royalton High School Band Boosters.
Zoey Vollweiler, a senior French horn player in the North Royalton High School Band, has been selected to perform at this year’s Ohio Music Education Association “All-State Band.” This exceptional group is composed of the top performers in the entire state. There is a rigorous audition process where thousands of talented musicians audition for a coveted spot, and only a few are selected to participate in this group. North Royalton High School Band is excited to be represented by Zoey in this elite group this year. After Zoey auditioned, music was distributed and individuals begin working on the repertoire on their own–outside of school time, and after preparing all winter, the performers will gather at the Ohio Music Education Association Professional Development Conference, February 6-8 at the Cleveland Convention Center. After just a few short rehearsals, these elite musicians will perform for the entire community of music educators gathered at the conference, along with their family and friends. “It is truly a performance of the ‘best of the best’ of Ohio’s high school musicians,” said Vitale. “North Royalton High School Band has a long standing tradition of having students participate in this amazing group, and NRHS is proud that Zoey will be representing the North Royalton High School Band.” Zoey plans on majoring in music performance, and while she hasn’t chosen a university yet, she is excited to continue playing her French horn beyond high school.