North Royalton High School Band hits high notes

Wind ensemble invited to Severance Hall as senior makes all-state band

The North Royalton High School Wind Ensemble was invited to perform at Severance Hall, home to the Cleveland Orchestra, during the 21st Annual Northeast Ohio Band Invitational on Jan. 26. 

“It is an honor to be selected to perform at this world-caliber stage,” said NRHS Band Director David Vitale. “This is an amazing once-in- a-lifetime’ opportunity for students to perform at Severance Hall. … 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.”  

Vitale said the wind ensemble took part in extra rehearsals to have the 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’s All-State Band.  

Vitale said the group is composed of the top performers in the entire state who participate in a rigorous audition process during which thousands of talented musicians audition for a coveted spot, and only a few are selected to participate. 

After Vollweiler auditioned, music was distributed and individuals began working on the repertoire on their own–outside of school time, and after preparing all winter, the performers gathered at the Ohio Music Education Association Professional Development Conference, Feb. 6-8, at the Cleveland Convention Center.  

After just a few rehearsals, the musicians performed 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 longstanding tradition of having students participate in this amazing group, and NRHS is proud that [Vollweiler represented] the North Royalton High School Band.” After graduation, Vollweiler plans to major in music performance. While she hasn’t selected a university yet, she is excited to continue playing her French horn beyond high school. 

Photo caption: Zoey Vollweiler, a member of the North Royalton High School band, was selected as a member of the Ohio All-State Band. Photo submitted.