The Huntington School District’s music program is in the midst of one of its greatest years ever, with student-musicians and teachers excelling at their craft and winning awards.
Instruction in the performing arts and an appreciation for music dates back to the earliest beginnings of public education in the district in February 1657.
Today’s Huntington UFSD offers a comprehensive program of music instruction and education along with performing opportunities in band, orchestra and chorus.
Huntington musicians and vocalists have long been second to none. The NAMM Foundation recently named Huntington UFSD as one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” in the country.
“Fine and performing arts remain marquee programs in Huntington, therefore the honor comes as no surprise,” Superintendent James W. Polansky said. “My sincerest congratulations go out to our talented and dedicated music students and staff for all that they contribute.”
Now in its 20th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Huntington answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instructional time, facilities and support for the music program. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
“Once again, Huntington UFSD has been recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education in America,” said Eric Reynolds, district director of fine and performing arts. “This award is as much for the students and staff in the music department as it is for the entire school community.”
Huntington UFSD is among 623 school districts spread across 41 states that were honored. There are about 15,000 school districts in the United States.
“Day in and day out, year after year, the music department enjoys a tremendous amount of support from administrators, board of education, faculty and staff, parents and families and other community stakeholders,” Mr. Reynolds said. “We appreciate that music is encouraged to thrive in our buildings through performance and pedagogy and that a districtwide emphasis is placed on the value of music education as a part of a child’s entire growth and development.”
The district’s musicians and vocalists are always in high demand. Huntington High School trumpet players Nick Haupt and Aidan Walsh have been asked to perform “Taps” at the State Transportation Department’s ceremony honoring transportation workers who have made the ultimate sacrifice on the job. There service is set for the State Office Building’s worker’s memorial garden in Hauppauge on April 29 at 9:30 a.m.
The Huntington Blue Devil marching band’s drum line and indoor percussion ensembles have been invited to perform at the finish line of the annual Northwell Health Walk at Jones Beach on Sunday, May 19 at Field No. 1.
Huntington UFSD expressed pride in receiving the new honor from the NAMM Foundation. The district can boast highly qualified music teachers at every grade level and in each of the school buildings.
“Of course, no music making would take place inside the classroom without the incredible talents and extraordinary passion our district music staff possess and display,” Mr. Reynolds said. “I would like to recognize my colleagues in the music department for their dedication, personalities and professionalism that they pass along to students and infuse into instruction.”
