North Hills wind ensemble representing Pa. at All National Festival

Tony LaRussa | Tuesday, September 17, 2019 2:49 p.m.

TRIBUNE-REVIEW PHOTO

Len Lavelle conducts the North Hills wind ensemble during the district’s 2018 Band-ORama. The ensemble is the only group from Pennsylvania selected to perform at the All National Festival in Indianapolis, Ind. March 12 to 14, 2020.

North Hills High School’s wind ensemble has been selected to perform at a national festival next spring.

The 48-member ensemble comprised of students in grades nine through 12, is one of 16 bands in the nation and the only one from Pennsylvania selected to perform March 12 to 14 at the All National Festival in Indianapolis, Ind.

“For our high school, it is like winning a national championship in concert bands,” said Len Lavelle, the band’s director. “We’re honored and excited for the opportunity to represent our school, our district and our community on a national stage.”

North Hills is the smallest school district invited to perform at the festival.

During eight of the past nine years, the district’s high school wind ensemble has been featured at either the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association State Convention or the National Association for Music Education All-East Convention.