Blue Devil Marching Band Stays Undefeated
The Huntington High School Blue Devil marching band won its third consecutive competition last Saturday night, besting a talented field under the lights at Walt Whitman High School.
The Blue Devils notched a score of 79.70, capturing first place for its impressive field show, Firebird. Led by co-directors Jason Giachetti and Brian Stellato, the 130 member strong band dazzled the crowd with its musicianship and showmanship, including a perfectly calibrated performance by the color guard.
“This is Huntington’s strongest season yet,” Mr. Giachetti said. “Our members are working unbelievably hard and are achieving amazing things. We are so proud of our members and staff. If you haven’t seen a show this season, hurry up before it’s too late.”
This marks Huntington’s 12th season competing in the New York State Field Band Conference, which includes an abundance of high powered bands. The NYS FBC championships are set for Saturday-Sunday, October 25-26 at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. The Blue Devils plan to attend.
“The group has worked extremely hard every year and has performed consistently at the highest of levels,” Superintendent James W. Polansky said. “More importantly, members love what they do. This year's show is fabulous. It has been a pleasure to watch. The entire school community is excited for them and wishes them well as they proceed toward the state championship competition in Syracuse.”
Huntington will attempt to win its fourth straight competition this coming weekend when it takes the field at the Sachem Invitational. A large crowd of Blue Devil fans is expected to be in the bleachers with their favorite band takes the field.
“The 2014 Huntington Blue Devil marching band is enjoying a tremendous start to their competitive season,” Mr. Stellato said. “The band members are working extremely hard and are turning in one exciting performance after another.”
Huntington’s drum majors are Megan Boyce, Connor MacDonald and Kayla Eidle. Kyle Hansen is the field major. Izzy Harman, Leah Butz and Jackie Bacik are the color guard captains. Justin Edgar-McNerney is the drum captain. Marina Siegel and Jack Blakley comprise the front ensemble. Savannah Richardson serves as the woodwind captain.
Bailey Wiffen is the flute section leader. Savanah Richardson and Kyle Hansen are the clarinet section leaders. Dylan DelGuidice is the alto sax section leader. Amy Schmelter is the brass captain Bailey Riordan and Jason Moriera are the mellphone section leaders. Amy Schmelter and Nancy Fallon are the trumpet section leaders.
This year’s Huntington production of Firebird is dedicated in honor of Adam Spector and Gene Bennett, two longtime supporters of the Blue Devil marching band.
The Blue Devils won their first competition of the fall season when they tallied 74.9 points at the Brentwood Invitational. It was the band’s strongest opening performance in 15 years according to the Messrs. Giachetti and Stellato. Huntington captured first place honors again the following weekend at the Copiague Invitational with a score of 77.05.
The Blue Devils are also planning to compete at Arlington (October 12) and Mineola (October 18) high schools prior to departing for Syracuse and the state championships.