Huntington UFSD has once again been formally recognized as one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” in the country.
Huntington’s band, orchestra, choir and marching band student-musicians are all in agreement that the NAMM Foundation got it right in honoring Huntington UFSD for the tenth consecutive year for its “outstanding commitment to music education.”
Huntington UFSD's music program has been recognized as one of the best in the USA.
The award program recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education. Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education.
Huntington UFSD was among 738 school districts across 44 states to receive the award. There are 13,800 school districts in the country.
“I am so incredibly proud of the talent displayed and effort put forth routinely by our music students and staff,” Superintendent James W. Polansky said. “Huntington is truly among the best communities for music education not only regionally, but nationally. The pandemic may have slowed us down, but we are back and our commitment to growing our performing arts programs and opportunities will only grow from here.”
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 continues to offer a comprehensive program of music instruction and education along with performing opportunities in band, orchestra, chorus and marching band. The district’s musicians and vocalists have long been second to none.
“This year, both the chamber choir and concert choir have been doing very well,” Sophia Segal said. “I am personally in the chamber choir and have loved singing a variety of music. One of my favorites was in Swahili. I loved having the opportunity to celebrate culture through music! For next year, there are many exciting events in store for the chamber choir. We will be singing at radio city music hall for the Christmas spectacular! With the continuous direction of Ms. [Victoria] Garbarino, I know that we will have a great year.”
District music faculty and student-musicians are understandably taking pride in receiving the national award. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Huntington officials answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. The NAMM Foundation, with the assistance of researchers at The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas, evaluates participants on these factors.
“The Huntington High School band program is really just an awesome thing to experience,” Jasjeet Kaur said. “Everyone involved is always so welcoming and it’s a great place to make good friends. I’ve grown as a musician over my four years at the high school, but also could not have come so far without the foundation that was laid since the fourth grade. Huntington’s program is well respected and having been immersed in it, I can say for good reason.”
So many students find their music classes to be among the day’s highlights. The program’s concerts are always well attended and the students never fail to rise to the occasion.
“I truly think the choir program is one of the greatest programs at Huntington High School,” Katherine Estrada said. “Many love the program and they enjoy the music they get to perform and sing. Ms. Garbarino is the face of the choir program and she is so hardworking and well loved by her students. Overall, I think the choir program is such a great place for students to grow musically, make new friends and be able to find a passion.”
Generations of students and community members have taken pride in the performing arts program. The program is as popular today as it has ever been.
“The Huntington choir program is truly a place that I could call my home,” Ashley Genao said. “I can say that because of the people that make it feel like home. Through the choir program I was able to meet someone who impacted my life that is Mrs. Garbarino. She has helped me in so many ways and believed in me when a lot of people didn’t. Mrs. Garbarino is also the glue to the whole choir program. Because of her, I have been given the great honor to witness not only incredible talent, but also make lifelong friends that have become family. Anyone that attends Huntington High School or is an incoming freshman, I highly recommend joining such an incredible and special program!”
The musicians and vocalists and even the marching band’s color guard members work closely with teachers and advisors to sharpen their performances while having an overall enjoyable experience.
Current seniors say they will miss the music program as they head off to college. “The band program was great,” Maddy Bavaro said. “Although I wasn’t in the marching band, I never felt excluded by my teachers and peers. Mr. [Jason] Giachetti was one of my favorite teachers at Huntington High School. His love for teaching music was apparent every day of class and I felt he truly cared for each and every one of his students. He wanted us to become the best versions of ourselves, which inspired me to try and do my best.”