Blue Devil Band Captures Fourth Place at State Championships

Many months of hard work paid off for the Huntington Blue Devil marching band, which captured fourth place in the New York State Field Band Conference state finals in Syracuse on Sunday.

Huntington scored 87.950 points, trailing only Hicksville (91.150), Webster (90.750) and Orchard Park (88.875). The Blue Devils edged out Jamestown (87.025), West Senaca

The band’s drum majors, Lily Wasoski, Jack Semelsberger and Kayla Murillo were all happy with the Blue Devils’ performance in the state finals. So was band director Andre Rizzuto and his staff.

“The band did spectacular,” Mr. Semelsberger said. “I’m endlessly proud of this band and the effort they put in truly showed up on the field.”

The 2023 field show was titled “Children of Zeus.” The show band ushers audiences on a trip back to Ancient Greece to explore the gods and goddesses they worshiped. Beginning with Zeus, the God of the Sky, weather, fate and law; known more commonly to the people of Greece as the King of the Gods. The show then focuses on Athena, the Goddess of Warcraft and Wisdom. Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. Hephaestus, the God of Fire, Smiths, Craftsman and Metal Working and Hermes, the God of Travelers and Guiding Souls. These gods and goddesses are direct children of Zeus and highlight the show through each of their distinct traits.

“The band performance was amazing,” said Katherine Estrada, co-leader of the pit section. “I truly believe that everyone can say that it was our best run. The musicality, performance and energy were through the roof.”

The Blue Devils left for the state championships on Saturday and Huntington was the first to perform on Sunday in the Large School 2 division.

“I could not be more proud of the band and I think everyone agrees that it was our best performance to date,” Ms. Wasoski said. “The band members really put in so much hard work and dedication and it shows. I can’t lie; I was crying happy tears after the show was over. I’m so proud to say that I’m the drum major for the Huntington Blue Devil marching band.”

Hours after the band’s performance had ended, the drum majors, musicians and color guard members were still pumped up.

“We did absolutely outstanding,” Ms. Murillo said. “Our score and place truly represented and reflected how our band did this season. I’m proud of the band this season and so excited to see what it does these next few years.”