Huntington UFSD’s String Fiesta drew a crowd of almost 200 students who love music and the instruments they play. It was the largest such event so far and it was a time for those participating in it to grow in their talents and to have fun, too.
“It is a wonderful program that has the older students mentor the younger students,” Huntington music teacher Christina Bashin said.
The theme of this year’s fiesta was Disney songs. “We performed ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ from ‘Encanto;’ ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’ from ‘The Lion King;’ and ‘Part Of Your World’ from ‘The Little Mermaid,’” Ms. Bashin said.
Huntington High School played host to the young musicians. “It was the first String Fiesta in two years,” Ms. Bashin said. Students played “Disney name that tune,” enjoyed an outdoor lunch and spent the day rehearsing together.
“I loved rehearsing with the older students,” Woodhull fifth grader Gabe MacManus said.
Ms. Bashin was joined at the fiesta by faculty colleagues Matthew Gelfer, Nicole Castaldo, Nicole Lynch and James DiMeglio, who all worked to make the day a success.
Participants found the day fun for an assortment of personal reasons. “I loved the cookies,” Woodhull fifth graders Francesca D’Eloia said. “I really enjoyed it because I was doing something I really love and I was surrounded by my friends,” Woodhull sixth grader Jayleen Rosales said.
Woodhull sixth grader Kateryne Zelaya-Yanes was another big fan of the day. “I really enjoyed the String Fiesta,” she said. “I liked seeing the teacher I am going to have next year and playing with others from all the different grades. It was a very good time. I really recommend it.”
Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School sixth grader Kayla Hernandez also enjoyed the day. “I think that playing with a bunch of other kids from the district was fun,” she said.
Huntington High School strings musicians also participated in the day, assisting teachers and working with the younger students.
“Volunteering for this year’s Huntington UFSD String Fiesta was a great experience, especially since it was our first time back after two years,” junior McKenna Buffa said. “Getting to work on music with the younger kids new to orchestra reminded me of when I just started the violin and looked up to all the high schoolers.”
Planning is already underway for the 2023 edition of the event.