When the United States Navy Band Combined Ensembles National Tour comes to Fayette County High on March 16, it will be a homecoming for MU1 Laura Zitelli.
Zitelli, a 2010 graduate of Fayette County High, plays clarinet with the Navy Band.
“I’m really excited to be able to come home and see my parents and see some friends from high school and former teachers,” said Zitelli.
Zitelli didn’t have one specific moment where she fell in love with music because it was always part of her life.
“I come from a musical family. Music was always on in the background, whether we were at home cleaning house or making dinner or driving the car,” she said. “My parents really instilled a great love of music in me at a very young age.”
She started playing clarinet in the 5th grade and continued all the way through Fayette County Public Schools. At Fayette County High, her musical path really took shape. It was there that her band director, Dr. Myra Rhoden, led with love and taught her the importance of putting her own heart into whatever she is doing.
“All of Fayette County High School was a great place to grow as a student. In particular, Dr. Rhoden really helped my musical journey and many other students,” said Zitelli. “She taught us to be really hard workers with a really strong work ethic. She held us to a high standard and told us there are no shortcuts.”
She grew to love both the performing and practicing, so she decided to study music in college with a goal of making it a lifelong career.
Her father spent several years as an Army Band officer, inspiring her to look into military music career options and take auditions. After she won the clarinet audition, she enlisted in the Navy.
There are 11 Navy Bands around the world, and Zitelli is stationed in Washington, D.C. When she’s not performing or rehearsing, she works in the band’s operations department, including scheduling events. She is also an enlisted conductor who occasionally gets to rehearse the band.
The concert is a truly special occasion, and not just for Zitelli. It is a monumental year as they celebrate the 250th university of the Navy and the centennial anniversary of the Navy Band.
The night brings together 3 performing units of the Navy Band: The Concert Band, the Sea Chanters, and the Cruisers. The Concert Band is a premier wind ensemble. The Sea Chanters are an all-male chorus that performs songs of the sea. The Cruisers sing contemporary music.
“There’s something for everybody,” said Zitelli. “This concert is going to be very special.”
The free US Navy Band Combined Ensembles National Tour is set for Sunday, March 16 at 3 p.m. To secure tickets, go to: usnavyband.ticketleap.com/2025-fayetteville.
