Brian Stellato Appointed Director of Fine & Performing Arts

Huntington School Board members have appointed Brian Stellato to serve as Huntington UFSD director of fine and performing arts effective December 13. He has been the department’s coordinator since April.

“I’m so honored to be named director of fine and performing arts,” Mr. Stellato said. “The Huntington School District has a long and proud history of tremendously accomplished art and music programs. Huntington students have so many wonderful opportunities to involve themselves in the arts and I’m hoping to look at ways that we can even expand on these opportunities moving forward.”

A familiar face around the district, Mr. Stellato came to Huntington High School as a band director in the fall of 2006 after holding teaching positions in the Southampton and Sachem school districts. He has directed the junior symphonic high school band comprised of freshmen and sophomores, the high school wind ensemble and the Blue Devil marching band for many years.

“Mr. Stellato has done an outstanding job in his role as department coordinator and we are now thrilled to have him on board as a director,” Superintendent James W. Polansky said. “The knowledge and skills he possesses, the relationships he has formed, and, as importantly, his love of all things Huntington make him an excellent fit. I know that he will accomplish terrific things to the benefit of all students in the years to come.”

Mr. Stellato obtained a bachelor’s degree in music education at the University of Delaware and a master’s degree in liberal studies with a concentration in education at Stony Brook, where also earned an advanced graduate certificate in educational leadership and administration.

“This is my 17th year working in the Huntington UFSD,” Mr. Stellato said. “My wife Jenny and I live right here in the Huntington community. Jenny grew up here in Huntington. We love this community and we’re proud to be a part of it. Our daughter Ellie is a third grader at Washington Primary School and loving every minute. Our youngest daughter Olivia is three years old and will be coming to our amazing Huntington schools soon enough!”

Mr. Stellato has been an instructional staff member for the George N. Parks Drum Major Academy, the nation’s foremost leadership summer program, helping band members improve and develop their leadership, communication, conducting and teaching skills in order to become a stronger asset to their school program. He has also served as the coordinator of Huntington UFSD’s summer arts program, provided in collaboration with SCOPE.

“It’s important to me that we work to strength the relationship between the Huntington arts department and the arts community here in the town of Huntington,” Mr. Stellato said. “Last week, we had a great Huntington High School student visit to the Heckscher Museum of Art and we’re already working on an opportunity, later in the year, to feature many of our music students at one of the museum’s First Fridays. These types of community events and this type of collaborative relationship with the community are some of the many aspects of my new role that really are special and exciting.”

Now appointed as the department’s director, Mr. Stellato is excited to be able to engage in long-term planning and thrilled to be able to work with what he considers to be a strong team.

“I’m truly blessed to have this opportunity to support our amazingly talented teachers, students and programs and I’m so thankful for all the support that everyone has given me over the past several months,” Mr. Stellato said. “A special thank you to Mrs. Sandy Rabinowitz and Mrs. Janet O’Neill in the district art and music office. Their help has been priceless and continues to be each day.”