Devon Rafanelli

Devon Rafanelli (she/her) is finishing up her first year of graduate studies at the University of Washington, where she is studying Percussion Performance. Devon is a Graduate Student Worker and performs with the Symphony Orchestra, Modern Music Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble. She received her Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance and her Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Maryland (College Park) in 2023. During her time at UMD and post-grad, Devon taught early childhood classes at the Hatchling Community Music Program, working with infants and toddlers. She also stage directed, music directed, and choreographed two middle school musicals. Before being a full-time instrumental music teacher for a year, she taught 10th and 11th grade American Sign Language. Originally from New York, Devon has been immersed in dance and theater and has played in musical pits, opera pits, big bands and various chamber ensembles. Early in her career, she had the opportunity to work with Sandbox Percussion at their summer seminar in 2023, and also has studied under members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, US Marine Band and the Army Blues Band. Devon is loving studying music on the West Coast, especially under the direction of Bonnie Whiting! In early April, Devon performed Simeon ten Holt's Canto Ostinato with Sandbox Percussion at Emerald City Music, and later that month was the drummer for the Seattle JazzED Gala. Besides being a full-time student, she also teaches at Seattle JazzED, where she works with K-3 and middle school students. For more, see: www.devonrafanelli.com