Band director inducted to International Bandmasters Association

Over the summer, North Royalton High School Band Director David Vitale was nominated and inducted into the International Bandmasters Association, also known as Phi Beta Mu.

This organization is composed of an elite group of band directors.

The group evolved from the National Bandmasters Association, and expanded into foreign countries and developed into the International Bandmasters Association, the title as it is currently known today. As the organization’s mission statement explains, the group is organized to promote fellowship among its members, to encourage the building of better bands and the development of better musicians in schools throughout the world, to foster a deeper appreciation for quality wind literature and to encourage widespread interest in band performance.

Vitale’s colleagues and peers in the band nominated him for the induction.

“This is quite a large honor to be nominated to this group because the nominations came from fellow adjudicators, directors and colleagues throughout the state, for which I have a tremendous amount of respect,” Vitale said. “ For them to see and hear my work and to be selected to join the ranks of these outstanding band directors is both humbling and rewarding. I am honored to be considered alongside such incredible colleagues in this select group.”

Vitale also directs the NRHS Marching Band, Freshman Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band I, and Jazz Band II. ∞

Photo: David Vitale