A musical and 'Magic'-al proposal

Editor's note: To watch the proposal, click here.SANDUSKY — John "JD" Ralph took a shot not even NBA superstars Steph Curry or LeBron James have ever attempted.Inside Florida's Amway Center, and amid a drum-themed mid-game performance during Friday's Orlando Magic game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Ralph emerged from an ensemble while others kept playing. He then stepped out onto center court and dropped down onto one knee, right in front of his unsuspecting girlfriend, Ariell Fernandez.Ralph popped the question in front of her and 18,846 others in the venue."Ariell: I love you, and I thank God for you every day. So, I want to know, if you will spend the rest of your days with me … and marry me?"Based on the crowd's reaction, her answer went over like a home team sinking a game-winning, nothing-but-net 3-pointer.Basically, it was a slam-dunk proposal: Attempting to control her emotions, Fernandez instantly nodded 'yes' and became even more elated upon Ralph sliding a diamond ring on her finger.A video captured the intimate moment and, since publishing Friday night, has since gone viral, with more than 143,000 views one night later.Ralph, a 2005 Sandusky High School graduate, who previously played percussion in the Firelands Symphony Orchestra, wanted to involve his passion into a memorable moment."Drums are a huge part of our lives, so, naturally, I felt it appropriate to incorporate a drumline into the proposal," Ralph said from Florida, where he lives today. "The Orlando Magic Drumline is probably the most talented group of musicians that I've ever played with, and the players there are some of the best people I know in general. So I wanted them to be the line to do it. The Magic was gracious enough to allow us to put this together."Ralph then explained his love for music."I was introduced to drumming by my grandfather, Douglas Thompson, director of the old Lake Erie Drum & Bugle Corps," said Ralph, adding how the group represented a "huge part of Sandusky history. They were world champs in the 1970s and got a civil rights award."John "JD" Ralph, a 2005 Sandusky High School graduate, proposed to his girlfriend, Ariell Fernandez, during Friday's NBA contest between the Orlando Magic and New Orleans Hornets. The video has since gone viral, producing more than 140,000 views.Ralph honed his musical abilities in Sandusky High School's orchestra, gospel choir and the marching band, where he served as head drum major for two years.After high school, Ralph began his postsecondary education career in Florida, attending multiple schools for music. He then successfully aced a tryout and became a member of the Orlando Magic Drumline in 2013."They are some of the most coveted jobs in the city," Ralph said.Today Ralph and Fernandez co-own one of the nation's premier drumming groups, Drumlines of America. It specializes in drumline-related media, entertainment and events. He eventually wants to run Drumlines of American on a full-time basis."My passions are drumming and event planning," Ralph said. "Our brand combines these two things together so well. I am also big on family and God, and it is a family business with strong Christian ties. I would love nothing more than to totally immerse myself in that."Engaged couple John "JD" Ralph, a 2005 Sandusky High School graduate, and Ariell Fernandez co-own one of the nation's premier drumming groups, Drumlines of America. It specializes in drumline media, entertainment and events. He eventually wants to run Drumlines of American on a full-time basis. Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.