Kyle Hansen is Huntington’s Music Man
Kyle Hansen has been in Huntington’s fold since his first day of kindergarten at Jefferson Primary School. Wherever he’s gone, the teenager has impressed his teachers and endeared himself to his classmates.
Mr. Hansen will graduate in June with members of Huntington High School’s Class of 2015. It will conclude a great run that has also taken him through Woodhull School and J. Taylor Finley Middle School. He’s been making music every step of the way.
The senior is very closely identified with Huntington’s music program. “I have been playing clarinet since fourth grade and as soon as my high school freshman year began, I became part of the marching band,” Mr. Hansen said. “I can say that marching band has had an incredible impact on my life. It has not only taught me about music, but it also taught me the value of respect, determination, discipline, leadership, friendship, teamwork and pride.”
Mr. Hansen is currently enrolled in Advanced Placement Music Theory, Theatre Arts, Media Arts, Algebra 2/Trigonometry, Economics/Participation in Government, Project Adventure and Competitive Marching Band/Senior Band.
The teenager is headed Kutztown University in Pennsylvania in the fall. Mr. Hansen plans to major in psychology and minor in music.
Mr. Hansen was the Blue Devil marching band’s field major and clarinet section leader this past year. “It was one of the greatest experiences of my life,” he said. “The band had an undefeated season, earned first place in the New York State Field Band Conference and won the Governor’s Cup.”
The senior has also been a member of the wind ensemble, symphony orchestra and pit orchestra, participated in the New York State School Music Association, been inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society and even played guitar with the high school’s jazz ensemble.
“I also have been very involved in the Boy Scouts of America since I was eight years old,” Mr. Hansen said. “I am about to reach the highest rank, Eagle. For my required Eagle service project, I designed and directed the construction and installation of shelving units in the marching band storage closet.”
The teenager said he has enjoyed working with younger Boy Scouts, “helping them advance through the ranks, teaching them Scout skills and becoming better people.”
Mr. Hansen is interested in becoming a psychologist or psychiatrist and working with children who have social and anxiety issues. “Having overcome many similar obstacles myself throughout the years, I have come to appreciate the people who have come to help me become the person I am and I wish to assist children in a similar fashion,” he said.
The Huntington senior has had an enjoyable experience in the district. “The teachers and staff members who I personally have to thank for inspiring and supporting me as a student were Mrs. [Sharon] Weider, Mrs. [Pattye] Sweeney, Mrs. [Joanne] Taormina, Mrs. [Patti] Winslow, Mr. [Todd] Hiscox, Mrs. [Catarina] Cain, Mr. [Christopher] Dugan, Mr. [Brian] Reynolds, Mr. [Robert] Gilmor, Mr. [Michael] Schwendemann, Mr. [Brian] Stellato and Mr. [Jason] Giachetti,” Mr. Hansen said.
As his time at the high school grows short, Mr. Hansen has grown more reflective. “With my experience in high school, my advice to an incoming freshman relates to my senior quote from my favorite musician, James Hetfield: ‘I’d rather regret doing something than regret not doing something,’” the teenager said. “If there’s anything you want, go for it. The only true obstacle for your dreams is yourself. Take advice from others, but don’t worship it. Do what you really want with your life because only you can make a difference.”