Participate in Huntington’s Performing Groups & Honors Ensembles

Huntington High School students on every grade level have an opportunity to participate in numerous performing groups and honors ensembles.

Membership in all honors ensembles is by audition, with priority given to students who are enrolled in one of the high school’s major performance courses, including band, orchestra, choir and chamber choir. Students not enrolled in a performance course may also audition if a seat is available.

For more information about any of the groups, send a message to department director Kimberly Musial at kmusial@hufsd.edu.

The performing groups and honors ensembles include:

A Cappella Choir

The a cappella ensemble performs music of several genres, including pop. The groups perform at several venues throughout the year including concerts at the high school. Skill in sight-singing is highly desired, as there is no piano used and students must constantly use their musicianship skills. Rehearsals are held two hours a week after school.

Jazz Ensemble

Rehearsals are held one evening per week. All styles of jazz are studied including swing, Latin, bebop, rock and contemporary. Development of improvisation skills is a priority. Attendance is mandatory. This honors ensemble is by audition only. Several performances within and outside the district are planned each year. This is a highly selective ensemble.

Wind Ensemble

This is an advanced level band which performs level VI music. Rehearsals are held one evening per week. Attendance is mandatory. This honors ensemble is by audition only. The wind ensemble will perform at several school concerts and special functions throughout the year.

Orchestra Chamber Ensemble

Along with the high school Orchestra, there is also a chamber ensemble; a highly advanced and select group. Membership is by audition or through teacher’s invitation. Rehearsals are held one evening per week. The repertoire is college level. Occasionally there are pieces with some wind parts. Several performances in and out of school are planned throughout the year.

Winter Percussion

This program is designed to teach students the advanced techniques of concert and marching percussion performance. Rehearsals are held one evening per week, January through June, and are open to all students in grades 7-12. Competitive Marching Band students are required to participate.

Color Guard/Winter Guard

The color guard is an auxiliary unit of the marching band open to both male and female students. The color guard performs precision movements with flags, sabers, and wooden rifles creating a vitally important visual show for the band’s field and parade competitions.

The color guard begins training during the summer and performs throughout the fall season. They also perform in several spring parades and rehearse winter guard techniques during the winter months. Students who have an interest in music or dance are encouraged to audition. Students who are registered for Band may also audition for color guard. Auditions take place during the winter months of the previous year. New students may join at this time.

Highsteppers Dance Team

The Highsteppers are a competitive dance team competing in dance, kickline and pom routines as part of the Dance Team Union and Long Island Dance Team Association. The team also performs at home football and basketball games. Auditions for Highsteppers take place in the spring. Members may also participate in the marching band’s color guard as there are no scheduling conflicts.

Tri-M Music Honor Society

This is a service organization. Students must be in grades 10-12 and be an outstanding member of a school music ensemble. This includes membership in one of the extra non-credit music groups. Students must participate in the NYSSMA Festival to be eligible for and maintain membership in Tri-M. Students must attend meetings and perform at least ten hours of service to the music department each year. Applications are available from the Tri-M advisor.