Eleven students represented South Lakes High School as members of the 2024 District XII Band. “VBODA District XII is the largest All-District event in the state and contains some of the most qualified musicians in the entire country,” Mr. Fore, the Band director at South Lakes, said. To audition and to perform with the middle school, Symphonic, or Wind Ensemble groups is an honor for all aspiring young musicians. 

The following students made Wind Ensemble:

• Raahi Vyas (Clarinet)
• Keenan Hicks (Alto Saxophone)
• Nikhil Kunitpuram (Percussion)

The following students made Symphonic:

• Sachika Mann (Flute)
• Nikhita Kuntipuram (Flute)
• Sophia Milausnic (Bassoon)
• Desiraye Payne Nash (Contrabass Clarinet)
• Griffith Knowlton (Alto Saxophone)
• Griffin Hurt (Trumpet)

South Lakes also had two alternates at Districts who were called up and played for Symphonic Band:

• Leo Lara (Tuba)
• Brooke Flora (Trombone)

The auditions took place in mid January, consisting of a preliminary and final round to test both broader and more specific skill sets for each instrument.

Percussionist Nikhil Kuntipuram ranked first chair in the District this year. He said, “Preparation was really important, both musically and mentally.” He said when practicing, most musicians know the rhythms and notes, but that that’s only a part of the process. “What separates a lot of the musicians is one’s dynamic usage, phrasing, and tone, all of which are crucial.”

After a few days of celebration, the hard-working musicians immediately prepared for the performance. They received parts for the different pieces and practiced on their own. On February 1st, the groups began rehearsing together for the first time for their performance a mere two days later on February 3rd at Oakton High School.

Doctor Mallory Thompson, the 28 year Director of Bands at Northwestern University, was the guest conductor for the Wind Ensemble Band. “To have someone of her caliber come in and work with us was unreal,” Nikhil Kuntipuram commented. Her experience and cutting-edge conducting elevated the group to perform the way it did in such a short period of time, he added.

“It’s a really nice opportunity to interact and to meet with other musicians from other schools,” Nikhil Kuntipuram said. “I’m really proud of South Lakes because we had eleven people make it!”

Mr. Fore added, “A number of District XII students will go on to earn scholarships and placement in the best music programs around the United States when they graduate, so I was excited to see our students excel in this event.”

Vyas, Hicks, and Nikhil Kuntipuram will go to JMU to audition for All-State Band and Orchestra this weekend.