Band Home Show Draws Crowd
Last weekend's Blue Devil marching band home show at Huntington High School drew a large crowd to hear bands and watch color guards from schools across the metropolitan area perform their field shows. The pageantry was a sight to behold.
"This year's home show was simply a magnificent day in many ways," said Joan R. Fretz, district director of fine and performing arts. "It was a beautiful day, the event was impeccably organized and run by our enthusiastic and experienced band parents and our Blue Devil Band performed an exciting and impressive show."
The Band Parents Association held countless planning meetings over several weeks to iron out details of the huge undertaking. One of the off-the-field highlights was the extensive menu of foods offered at the concession stand, which was staffed by parent volunteers and enjoyed by hundreds of fans.
"All of the visiting bands were impressed with how well the day went and the competitive organization, USSBA (United States Scholastic Band Association) was impressed that the show was running ahead of schedule," Ms. Fretz said.
This year's field included Deer Park, Manhasset, Hicksville, Islip, Levittown Division Avenue, Lindenhurst, Floral Park, Garden City, Brentwood, Copiague and Port Chester.
"The most touching part of the day happened after all of our visitors left and the Blue Devil band performed a second time for all of our parents who had been working hard during their competition performance," Ms. Fretz said.
"First, the students performed a fun version of 'My Way,' singing and playing the tune in memory of George Parks, the UMass band director who passed away recently and who trained many of our student band leaders in his wonderful leadership camp," Ms. Fretz said. "The students then performed their field show and the senior band members were honored."
Post-show activities included a surprise birthday cake and celebration in honor of Maria Noon, affectionately known as Granny Noon by the Blue Devil band members.
"Maria has volunteered her services to the band for many years, even though all of her children have graduated from the program," Ms. Fretz said. "She takes impeccable care of the uniform distribution and organizes the food preparation and sales for our shows."
Brian Stellato, the band director expressed his thanks to the parents assisting at the event before the student band members themselves gave a hearty round of applause to the parent volunteers.