A Showcase of Excellence

Music And Performing Arts

Music And Performing Arts Headlines

 Huntington's eight All-County vocalists.
September 20, 2024

Eight Huntington Vocalists Named All-County

Eight Huntington High School juniors and seniors have been named to the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education - Suffolk chapter’s All-County choir that will perform in November at Hauppauge.

 Jeremyah Leiva
September 20, 2024

Junior Jeremyah Leiva Excels at Bringing People Together

Jeremyah Leiva is one of Huntington High School’s superstars. The junior doesn’t call attention to himself, but he is so talented and his personality is so magnetic that classmates are drawn to him.

 Blue Devil marching band drum major Lily Wasoski. (Darin Reed photo)
September 18, 2024

Junior Lily Wasoski Thrives at Huntington High School

Lily Wasoski is an energetic Huntington High School junior who has a passion for music and performing. She’s a Blue Devil marching band drum major and a great student who is highly regarded by her classmates and teachers.

 Junior Kyra Larsen is a Huntington Highsteppers team captain. (Darin Reed photo.)
September 18, 2024

Huntington Highsteppers Ready to Perform on Saturday

The Huntington Highsteppers are ready to take the field. The high school’s competitive dance team will perform at halftime of Saturday afternoon’s varsity football game at Blue Devil Stadium.

 Huntington offers students opportunities to participate in performing groups and honors ensembles.
September 11, 2024

Participate in Huntington’s Performing Groups & Honors Ensembles

Huntington High School students on every grade level have an opportunity to participate in numerous performing groups and honors ensembles.

 Huntington students have long thrived musically. (Darin Reed photo
September 3, 2024

Huntington Offers Comprehensive Music Course Experiences

Huntington High School offers students comprehensive music course experiences with a lineup of classes and performing groups and ensembles that is hard to match.

 Huntington High School has five All-State vocalists. (Darin Reed photo.)
September 3, 2024

Huntington High School Vocalists Named All-State

A group of talented Huntington High School vocalists has been chosen to participate in the New York State School Music Association All-State conference in December in Rochester.

 Huntington junior Kyra Larsen is one of the Highsteppers' captains. (Darin Reed photo.)
August 21, 2024

Huntington Highsteppers Training & Rehearsals Underway

The Huntington High School Highsteppers are the district’s competitive dance team. Comprised of a talented collection of young women, the group has made a name for itself both regionally and nationally over the years.

 Huntington juniors and seniors will have a new opportunity at the Long Island High School for the Arts (4)
July 29, 2024

Huntington UFSD Provides New Opportunity at LI High School for the Arts

The Huntington School District is expanding its academic program and the opportunities it provides to Huntington High School students by affiliating with the Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts in Syosset.

 Jayden Hoff Isabell is awarded the 2024 Woody Herman Jazz Award
July 15, 2024

Jayden Hoff Isabell Captures Woody Herman Jazz Award

Jayden Hoff Isabell possesses many gifts and talents, including those that go along with being a skilled musician. The Huntington High School Class of 2024 member captured this year’s Woody Herman Jazz Award.

 Huntington UFSD Director of Fine & Performing Arts Kimberly Musial
July 15, 2024

Kimberly Musial Appointed Director of Fine & Performing Arts

Huntington School Board members have appointed veteran educator Kimberly Musial as district director of fine and performing arts effective Wednesday, July 10. She immediately dived into her new position and the work that comes with it.


Music And Performing Arts Information

Huntington’s Arts in Education program is an integral part of the educational experience at all grade levels in the district. The arts provide an exciting, participatory approach to learning that enriches all areas of the school curriculum. The Arts in Education Committee researches and plans both cultural arts and exploratory programs that are linked directly to core curriculum concepts and skills. Students participate in a wide range of experiences, from seeing their own pieces of creative writing performed by professional actors and chatting with famous authors to working with real scientists and “meeting” characters from American history.

Funding for Arts in Education programs is provided annually by each school’s PTA unit. The district’s Office of Fine and Performing Arts and the PTA Council oversees the Arts in Education Committee.

The Arts in Education program presents programs designed to enhance the study of children’s literature, the humanities, mathematics, science, fine and performing arts, health and character education. Some recent and reoccurring programs and artists have included Japanese Storytelling with Mime, Mask and Music with Kuniko Yamamoto, author Tracey Delio, Theatre Three presenting From the Fires – Voices of the Holocaust, and Shakespeare workshops by Stages on Sound.

Upcoming Performances

About the Music And Performing Arts Program

cellos

Important Role in Education

The Performing Arts play an important role in the Huntington educational program. From kindergarten through their high school years, students learn to read, write, create and perform music. The elementary classroom music program in Huntington serves as a model for music literacy instruction nationally. The instrumental and choral music training which begins in fourth grade provides small group weekly instruction as well as ensemble rehearsal experience for all performing groups.

All-American Music City

Huntington’s music program is well represented in the county and state music festivals each year. The high school takes great pride in having one of largest symphonic orchestras in the state, and being represented nationally by the renowned Huntington Blue Devil marching band.

Exciting Dance and Performance Ensembles

Our performing arts program includes annual theatrical performances in the intermediate, middle and high schools as well as theater arts electives in the high school. Students interested in dance competition may audition for the Highstepper dance team or Step team.

highsteppers

Music And Performing Arts Leadership

Kimberly Musial

Kimberly Musial

Director of Fine and Performing Arts

Kimberly Musial has been Huntington UFSD’s director of fine and performing arts since July 2024. She obtained a BM degree in viola performance at the University of Houston in 2002 and went on to engage in graduate studies at Longy School of Music in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She earned an MS degree in arts administration at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia in 2006.

Proficient in conversational French, Ms. Musial holds an advanced certificate in music education from CUNY Queens College and an advanced certificate in educational administration from St. John’s University. She completed the emergency medical technician-paramedic program at Stony Brook University in 2020.

Prior to coming to Huntington, Ms. Musial was director of orchestras in Levittown, a position she also previously held in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District. She was chairperson of music at Woodland Middle School in East Meadow and was director of orchestras and an instructor of interdisciplinary arts at the Portledge School in Locust Valley. She also worked as a leave replacement orchestra teacher in Levittown.

Ms. Musial has worked as president and artistic director of Luminous Sounds in Kings Park since June 2014. The company employs 30 of the New York City area’s most sought after professional musicians and performs at approximately 75 weddings and public concerts annually.

Ms. Musial has also worked as a private viola and violin instructor in Texas, Massachusetts, Virginia and New York. She also served as an executive assistant with the Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts.

Ms. Musial has served as an EMT-paramedic in Commack, Coram and Setauket. She has also been an adjunct lecturer at Stony Brook University since January 2021.

Course Offerings and Listings

Huntington HS

Music And Performing Scope and Sequence

Year by Year course offerings

Freshman year

Courses

  • Choose 1 Course from Below
  • Junior Band
  • Junior Band Competitive Honors
  • String Orchestra
  • Concert Choir
  • Music Theory
Required 1 Credit
Sophomore year

Courses

  • Choose 1 Course from Below
  • Junior Band
  • Junior Band Competitive Honors
  • String Orchestra
  • Concert Choir
  • Chamber Choir Honors
  • AP Music Theory
Junior year

Courses

  • Choose 1 Course from Below
  • Junior Band
  • Junior Band Competitive Honors
  • Symphony Orchestra
  • Symphony Orchestra Honors
  • Concert Choir
  • Chamber Choir Honors
  • AP Music Theory
Senior year

Courses

  • Choose 1 Course from Below
  • Junior Band
  • Junior Band Competitive Honors
  • Symphony Orchestra
  • Symphony Orchestra Honors
  • Concert Choir
  • Chamber Choir Honors
  • AP Music Theory
Note: To fulfill the graduation requirement of one credit in Music, students may take Band, Concert Choir, Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra, or Music Theory.

The courses and performing groups of the Music Department are designed to meet the needs, interests and talents of all high school students. The courses present the students with opportunities to study music from a technical aspect, learn to understand and appreciate music through listening, and develop self-expression through participation in the various instrumental and choral performing groups.

Students who plan to specialize in music or music education as a career are urged to begin music theory studies as early as possible during their high school years. It is also recommended that students specializing in music should engage in maximum participation in one or more of the music performing organizations.

BAND - Offered to grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Course #640 - Junior Band (9/10); Course #640H - Junior Band Competitive Honors (9/10); Course #641 - Senior Band (11/12); Course #641H - Senior Band Competitive Honors (11/12) (1 Year - 1 Credit) 5 periods weekly Prerequisite: Satisfactory progress in Middle School or by audition. These courses each satisfy the one credit in Music required for graduation. The Band program is a comprehensive program which includes community events and concert band training and performances. Students, during the first quarter, must elect to be in the Competitive Marching Band or Pep Band.

Students who wish to participate in the Competitive Marching Band will prepare a field show, which is performed at a variety of competitions regionally throughout the fall and at halftime performances during all Saturday home football games. Competitive Marching Band members are required to attend two evening rehearsals per week as well as Saturday and Sunday practices and performances during the first quarter. Competitive Marching Band members receive a weighted grade for this additional work and commitment.

The Huntington Blue Devil Marching Band has earned national acclaim as one of the finest competitive bands on Long Island. To date, the band has multiple top awards in the NY State Field Band Conference including 2nd place in 2018 and 2017 and LS3 State Champions in 2014. The Band also performed in the Main Street Parade in Disney World in 2017.MEDIA ART - Course #620 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 5 periods weekly Offered to grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Recommended for students interested in a course of study in the digital arts such as computer graphics, photography, cartooning, and animation. Prerequisite: None This entry level course will explore some of the most innovative and exciting modern art movements through the use of digital media. Students will be introduced to the basics of animation, and programs including Photoshop and Illustrator. This course is a great foundation for any student looking to continue their exposure in Computer Graphics, Photography or Video. This course satisfies the one credit in Art required for graduation.

Students who wish to participate in the Pep Band will prepare music during the first quarter for four Saturday home football games as well as tentative playoff games. Rehearsals will take place during the school day.

All band students will audition for seating in concert band at the end of the first quarter. The JUNIOR BAND consists of students in 9th and 10th grade and performs level III-IV music. The SENIOR BAND consists of students in 11th and 12th grade and performs level V-VI music. The two concert bands perform at several school concerts and special functions throughout the remainder of the school year.

REQUIREMENTS:All members of the Band course are required to participate in either Competitive Marching Band or the Pep Band for the first quarter.

Dates for rehearsals and performances will be posted online as soon as these dates are available.

IMPORTANT: Students who choose to participate in the Competitive Marching Band MUST attend the Summer Band Camp. For questions about rehearsal and performance requirements, please contact Mr. Stellato at bstellato@hufsd.edu.

CONCERT CHOIR - Course #643 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 5 periods weekly Offered to grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: An interest in singing and a simple voice test. Concert Choir is a course for students who would like to study proper vocal technique, sight-singing and music literacy while preparing and performing musical selections from a variety of styles, cultures and languages. Attendance at rehearsals, rotating group voice lessons and concerts is mandatory for all students. This course satisfies the one credit in Music required for graduation.

CHAMBER CHOIR HONORS - Course #644H (1 Year - 1 Credit) 5 periods weekly Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Satisfactory progress in Concert Choir and successful audition. Open to exceptionally skilled students with teacher’s recommendation and successful audition. The Honors Choir is a small select choir that presents concerts in the community as well as joining with the Concert Choir in their concerts. Attendance at all extra rehearsals and concerts is mandatory. Members are expected to attend voice lessons every week. The Chamber Choir is a NYSSMA level V and VI performing group and consistently performs at a high level of musicianship. Students are required to learn their own program music as well as the concert choir repertoire. Chamber Choir students receive a weighted grade for their additional commitment.

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - Course #646 SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HONORS – Course #646H (1 Year - 1 Credit) 5 periods weekly Offered to grades: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Satisfactory progress in high school string orchestra or NYSSMA V A+ rating. Open to exceptionally skilled 10th graders with teacher recommendation. The course includes the study and performances of great masterpieces of orchestral compositions, developing playing skills, and understanding compositional ideas. This course satisfies the one credit in Music required for graduation.

There are at least three evening concerts per year, each performance preceded by an evening dress rehearsal. Students are required to be at all concerts and dress rehearsals. Students may also audition for Chamber Orchestra, an advanced string ensemble that rehearses at night.

The Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra consistently performs music at a level V and VI.

NOTE: Advanced members of the Symphony Orchestra may audition to participate in Symphony Orchestra Honors - Course #646H. Students who successfully audition for the Honors course are required to participate in the Chamber Orchestra and an Honors String Quartet. These activities require the preparation of a significant amount of additional music as well as participation in numerous community service performances. Students in Symphony Orchestra Honors receive a weighted grade for this additional commitment.

STRING ORCHESTRA - Course #645 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 5 periods weekly Offered to grades: 9, 10 This course is for all 9th and 10th grade string students. This orchestra experience includes the study of NYSSMA Level III - V string literature. In addition, the Concert Orchestra studies several symphonic orchestra pieces and performs with the Symphony Orchestra. Concert Orchestra performs at least three evening concerts per year, each preceded by an evening dress rehearsal. Students are required to be at all concerts and dress rehearsals. This course satisfies the one credit in Music required for graduation.

MUSIC THEORY - Course #648 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 5 periods weekly Offered to grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Recommended for students who have an interest in music. No previous music reading experience is required. Required for: Regents Music Sequence This course presents a study of basic music theory: fundamentals, chords, four-part composition, dictation, and rhythmic training. It is the first course of a major sequence. This course satisfies the one credit in Music required for graduation.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) MUSIC THEORY - Course #649 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 5 periods weekly Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12 Recommended for: The music major - 2nd course music major sequence. Prerequisite: Music Theory I or approval of instructor. This course presents advanced concepts of music theory and a major concentration of the development of the ear. AP Music Theory is designed to enable the student to understand music theory in depth. This course prepares the student for college study of music or for serious music understanding and research. Students will be required to take the Advanced Placement Music Theory Exam at the completion of the course. This is a full year, college level course which receives a weighted grade.

SPECIAL AND HONORS ENSEMBLES: Membership in all Honors Ensembles is by audition, with priority given to students who are enrolled in one of the High School Major Performance Courses (Band, Orchestra, Choir, or Chamber Choir). Students not enrolled in a performance course may audition only if a seat is available.

A CAPPELA CHOIR The a cappella ensemble performs music of several genres, including pop. The groups perform at several venues throughout the year including concerts at the High School. Skill in sight-singing is highly desired, as there is no piano used and students must constantly use their musicianship skills. Rehearsals are held two hours a week after school.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE Rehearsals are held one evening per week. All styles of jazz are studied including swing, Latin, bebop, rock and contemporary. Development of improvisation skills is a priority. Attendance is mandatory. This honors ensemble is by audition only. Several performances within and outside the district are planned each year. This is a highly selective ensemble.

WIND ENSEMBLE This is an advanced level band which performs level VI music. Rehearsals are held one evening per week. Attendance is mandatory. This honors ensemble is by audition only. The Wind Ensemble will perform at several school concerts and special functions throughout the year.

ORCHESTRA CHAMBER ENSEMBLE Along with the High School Orchestra, there is also a CHAMBER ENSEMBLE, a highly advanced and select group. Membership is by audition or through teacher’s invitation. Rehearsals are held one evening per week. The repertoire is college level. Occasionally there are pieces with some wind parts. Several performances in and out of school are planned throughout the year.

WINTER PERCUSSION This program is designed to teach students the advanced techniques of concert and marching percussion performance. Rehearsals are held one evening per week, January through June, and are open to all students in grades 7-12. Competitive Marching Band students are required to participate.

COLOR GUARD/WINTER GUARD The Color Guard is an auxiliary unit of the Marching Band open to both male and female students. The Color Guard performs precision movements with flags, sabers, and wooden rifles creating a vitally important visual show for the Band’s field and parade competitions. The Color Guard begins training during the summer and performs throughout the fall season. They also perform in several spring parades and rehearse Winter Guard techniques during the winter months. Students who have an interest in music or dance are encouraged to audition. Students who are registered for Band may also audition for Color Guard. Auditions take place during the winter months of the previous year. New students may join at this time.

HIGHSTEPPERS DANCE TEAM The Highsteppers are a competitive dance team competing in dance, kickline, and pom routines as part of the Dance Team Union and Long Island Dance Team Association. The team also performs at home football and basketball games. Auditions for Highsteppers take place in the spring. Members may also participate in the Band’s Color Guard as there are no scheduling conflicts.

TRI-M MUSIC HONOR SOCIETY This is a service organization. Students must be in grades 10 – 12 and be an outstanding member of a school music ensemble. This includes membership in one of the extra non-credit music groups. Students must participate in the NYSSMA Festival to be eligible for and maintain membership in Tri-M. Students must attend meetings and perform at least ten hours of service to the Music Department each year. Applications are available from the Tri-M advisor.

Music is an important element of a Finley student’s experience. Music is required of every student. At the Middle School, courses are designed for the serious music student who wishes to continue with his/her performing group experience and courses for students who do not wish to perform in chorus, band or orchestral groups.

PERFORMING MUSIC ENSEMBLES: BAND 7 & 8, ORCHESTRA 7 & 8, AND CHORUS 7 & 8 (40 Weeks - alternating days) The Finley Band, Orchestra and Choral programs provide opportunities for our performing musicians to develop advanced skills while performing more challenging music. Complex rhythms, sight-reading, tone quality, balance, and interpretation are some of the many musical components that are stressed. Participation in a large performance ensemble also helps to develop self-discipline, teamwork, and esprit de corps. Our Band, Orchestra and Choral students perform at our annual Winter and Spring Concerts and at other special events during the year. In addition to the class period, students are required to attend a weekly lesson period which rotates throughout the school day as well as all evening dress rehearsals and concerts.

Prerequisite for Band, Orchestra, and Chorus: At least one year of successful participation in a Band, Orchestra or Choral program, or special permission of the director.

Important Note: Students in performance groups will not be permitted to drop or change these courses prior to the end of the first progress report period.

NON - PERFORMING COURSE: GENERAL MUSIC (40 Weeks – alternating days) General Music is required of all students who do not participate in Band, Orchestra or Chorus. Students will learn a variety of musical style including the study of American pop music. Students in General Music will also have the opportunity to learn how to play ukulele, and compose on music composition software. Students will also learn about composers from around the world through artists and composer research projects. General Music may be taken in 7th grade.

Music And Performing Arts Videos and Galleries

HHS Spring Concert

March, 2024

HHS Musicians in Concert with the Symphonic Pops of Long Island

March, 2024

HHS Mid-Winter Concert

February 14, 2024

Music and Performing Arts Galleries and Slideshows

District wide Music and Performing Arts Related Events

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HHS Spring Concert

May 2024

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HHS Spring Concert

May 2024

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HHS Spring Concert

May 2024

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Finley 8th Grade Spring Concert

May 2024

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HHS Mid-Winter Concert

December 2023

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Finley - 8th Grade Holiday Concert

December 2023

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Woodhull - JAS 6th Grade Holiday Concert 

December 2023

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7th Grade Holiday Concert

December 2023

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Chamber Choir

December 1 2023

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Music Department Honors

Our Partners in Excellence

200+

Challenging Academic Courses

14

Academic Departments

30+

Interscholastic Athletic Teams

90+

Colleges and Universities accepting 2020 HHS Graduates