North Hills Wind Ensemble Receives National Honor

ROSS TOWNSHIP, PA - North Hills High School’s Wind Ensemble once again was honored by the National Association for Music Education. The ensemble was chosen from among music ensembles from throughout the United States’ east coast to perform at the 2019 National Association for Music Education All-Eastern Convention in Pittsburgh in April.

They will perform in front of a national audience in their hometown at 10 a.m. on April 4 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center with Chad Winkler and Jim Nova of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as guest soloists.

Their selection - equivalent to a national championship in music - marks their fourth selection in eight years for the conference, held every other year. Ensembles from the 13 states submitted audition packets that included recordings from their previous year’s performances to their state board. The state boards sent their recommendations to the national selection committee, which selected the ensembles who would perform.

“This invitation is one the highest recognitions a concert band can attain in the country,” Len Lavelle, high school music teacher and band director, said in a district release. “We are excited to see the highest level of achievement continue in the North Hills band program for our students, school and community. “

The ensemble’s performance will include “The Liberty Bell March” by John Philip Sousa, “Bells Across the Atlantic” by Adam Gorb, “Sleep” by Eric Whitacre, “The Earth” by Jun Nagao, “Fandango” by Joseph Turrin and “Joyce’s 71st N.Y. Regiment March” by Thornton Barnes Boyer.

The high school’s wind ensemble consists of 48 musicians in grades 9 to 12 and is under the direction of Lavelle and Lucas Beaver.

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