Trustees Name Thomas Gellert Interim Director

Huntington School Board members have voted unanimously to appoint Thomas Gellert as interim district director of fine and performing arts, effective January 9. Trustees took the action this past Monday night during a public meeting in the Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School auditorium.

Mr. Gellert’s career in public education has spanned 44 years. He obtained a bachelor of music performance degree at Manhattan School of Music in 1983 with a specialization in horn. He earned a master of music degree in music education at Manhattan School of Music in 1984. He studied for his state administrative license at New York University, garnering a professional diploma in 1989.

Mr. Gellert worked as director of bands, 7-12 in Babylon for 14 years before assuming the position of director of music, K-12 at Garden City in 1998, where he created music theory and AP Music Theory courses. He also served as Garden City Middle School’s eighth grade band director.

He later served as Harborfields’ district director of music, art, technology and FACS education for 15 years. He again created music theory and AP Music Theory programs; was an independent study instructor for senior conducting students; and oversaw all aspects of the district’s K-12 fine and performing arts programs.

Mr. Gellert also serves as an adjunct professor/off campus supervisor for music education students in Nassau and Suffolk.

He serves as the managing editor of the New York State School Music Association’s School Music News publication, a position he has held for more than 30 years. He has been an officer on the organization’s executive council since 1994 and has been an advisor to 15 NYSSMA presidents.

Mr. Gellert retired as the Huntington Community Band’s music director after 18 years. He returns each summer to guest conduct the band during their concert season in Heckscher Park.

A lifelong resident of the Town of Huntington, Mr. Gellert is a graduate of Huntington High School.