Photo submitted to the Times Observer Hunter Nuttall, an Eisenhower High School sophomore, is only the fourth sophomore in Eisenhower music teacher Mark Napolitan’s career to earn a position on the PMEA All-State Concert Band.

An Eisenhower High School sophomore has earned a position in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) All-State Concert Band.

The 2025 PMEA Annual In-Service Conference, which hosts the All-State ensembles, is scheduled for April 9-12 at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Pocono Manor, PA. ​

Hunter Nuttal’s journey to the All-State ensemble is a testament to his dedication and musical prowess.

“Beginning with his selection for the District Band, Hunter auditioned at the onset of the festival, earning the distinguished first chair bassoon position. This top placement advanced him to the region festival, where he underwent another rigorous audition process.In a highly competitive field, only one bassoonist from the region could progress to the state level, and Hunter’s exceptional performance secured his spot. He now stands among an elite group of just six bassoonists statewide chosen for the All-State Concert and Wind Ensembles,” said Mark Napolitan, Eisenhower music teacher.

Hunter’s musical journey is particularly inspiring given his self-directed development. He began playing the bassoon in seventh grade after transitioning from the clarinet and has achieved his current level of excellence without private instruction. Beyond the bassoon, Hunter showcases his versatility by playing piano in the Jazz Band and performing as a mallet percussionist in the marching band’s percussion section.​ Historically, the maximum number of years a student from Eisenhower has qualified is two, something achieved by only three students, one of whom also advanced to the National Association for Music Educators (NAfME) All-Eastern Conference.​

“Hunter is a sophomore, the earliest I’ve ever had a student qualify for states in my 26 years of teaching,” Napolitan remarked. “He has the opportunity to qualify all three years he is eligible, which hasn’t happened during my tenure at Eisenhower.”

The PMEA All-State Concert Band, comprising 160 instrumentalists from across Pennsylvania will perform on Saturday, April 12, at 2 p.m. at the Kalahari Convention Center. ​