Blue Devil Band Wraps Season, Plans for Future
November 6, 2023
The Huntington High School Blue Devil marching band wrapped up its competitive season with a strong fourth place finish in the New York State Field Band Conference’s Large School 2 division at the state finals in Syracuse.
“The Huntington Blue Devil marching hand had a wonderful 2023 season,” said Andre Rizzuto, the band’s director. “The band worked so hard in every little aspect of the season since day one of training camp back in late August. Each rehearsal was better than the last and that goes for each performance as well. The members took the show and turned it into something beautiful and it was just amazing to see what the members were able to do with the show over the course of the season.”
The band’s assistant directors Patrick Neary and Mallory Martilla were both ecstatic with the Blue Devils’ performance in Syracuse.
“Every year I am amazed by the improvement of our students between band camp and championships, but this season in particular a large portion of our new members are middle school students,” Mr. Neary said. “I saw an immense growth in them throughout the season not only as performers, but as individuals. They have become incredible young men and women and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them and the program. Seeing the looks of pride, and joy on the faces of the students after our championship performance is a memory I will never forget.”
The band continues to rebuild their ranks, which were thinned during the pandemic related shutdown that affected programs across the state.
“As an alumni of the program, it is amazing to see the tradition and pride continue to develop over the years,” Ms. Martilla said. “Our goal is very simple: Every child deserves to reach their potential. Every year our students passion and commitment continue to make their potential limitless. Every year at championships, we ask them to do one thing: Have your best show to date. And this year, they certainly did, This moment and feeling connects us all for generations. The HBDMB has been a home to many. The community, alumni and staff are so proud of this year’s program and all they have accomplished.”
Planning for next year’s edition of the band is already well underway. The group hopes to continue adding to its ranks of musicians and color guard members.
“The Huntington Blue Devil marching band looks to keep growing in membership for the future and looks to growing artistically each year,” Mr. Rizzuto said. “I’m so proud of what the band was able to accomplish this season and all the hard work the kids put into the season is the reason behind our success. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us along the way. And a special thank you to the Band Parent Association of Huntington for everything they do for our kids. Our final thank you goes out to the Huntington Union Free School District for all the love and support the district gives to our children and our program.”
