Marching Band Wins State Title to Cap Undefeated Season
It almost seems like destiny. The Huntington High School Blue Devil marching band culminated an undefeated season by winning the New York State Field Band Conference championship and Governor’s Cup on Sunday at Syracuse’s Carrier Dome.
Huntington’s state crown capped off an undefeated fall season that saw the Blue Devils win titles at six regional invitational competitions. The band, which traces its roots to 1934 came into the 2014 campaign aiming for the state title and held nothing back along the way.
“This was a truly amazing season in every way,” said Jason Giachetti, who serves as the band’s co-director along with music faculty colleague Brian Stellato. “It was the perfect storm with a great band, a great staff and a great show.”
Huntington’s score of 88.70 easily outdistanced the rest of the 10-team field in the “Large School 3” division. Horseheads (86.40), West Seneca (85.70), Sachem (82.95), Rome Free Academy (80.55), Hilton (80.20), Walt Whitman (80.05), Greece (77.70), Suffern (74.40) and Auburn (73.90) trailed the Blue Devils.
“This is an outstanding finish to a perfect season for a wonderful group,” Huntington Superintendent James W. Polansky said. “It is incredibly well deserved. The band’s hard work, commitment and family-like approach are a true recipe for success and should serve as a model for all.”
This year’s field show Firebird was dedicated to Adam Spector and Gene Bennett, both longtime supporters of the Blue Devil marching band. Several hundred family members made the trek to Syracuse for the state finals. The championship performance can be viewed by visiting this link: http://youtu.be/jHjkRuUxYtw.
“This championship was well deserved,” Mr. Giachetti said. “It was the result of endless dedication, commitment and hard work. We are so unbelievably proud of our students.”
In addition to the co-directors, Huntington’s marching band staff includes Noel Borden, Jessica Castaneda, Alex Prince, Frank Battista, Jessica Torres, Joan Borden, Dan DeOliveira, Michael Alfieri, Michael Marchena and Samantha LoBue.
After a Saturday morning rehearsal at Huntington High School, the Blue Devils departed for Syracuse. The band had a Sunday morning rehearsal at Liverpool High School before heading to the Carrier Dome. Its performance kicked off at 2:38 p.m.
Huntington’s 2014 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. Holly Grabowski, Marina Siegel and Jack Blakley comprise the front ensemble leadership. 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.
The Blue Devils have steadily climbed in the state championship standings over the past four years. After a runner-up performance last fall, there were high hopes for the current campaign. Through a mini-camp and full summer band camp, the musicians and color guard members kept their collective sights aimed high.
“This was an incredible journey for our seniors who traveled from last place, to fourth, third, second and now first,” Mr. Giachetti said. “They are the epitome of the tradition of excellence of which Huntington prides itself.”
Marching bands compete in divisions at the state championships based upon the size of the school. Each band receives a plaque with the highest scoring band in each division earning the Governor’s Cup.