Huntington UFSD Band Fest Draws 247 Musicians
May 1, 2025
Huntington UFSD’s 11th annual Band Fest was one of the best ever with 247 students spread across grades 4-12 participating. District music teachers volunteered their expertise, working with the students, who enthusiastically sharpened their skills, rehearsed and later performed.
The day began at 9 a.m. with a spirited performance by the Huntington High School jazz ensemble directed by Wally Avelleneda. Decked out in their attractive Band Fest t-shirts, the younger students were impressed by the talents of the high school musicians. When the ensemble finished, the younger students gave the group a hearty round of applause.
The students then split into sectional rehearsals by instrument. Ashley Berrell (general music teacher at Jefferson and Southdown) taught the trombone/baritone sectional; Chris Scarnato (Finley band director) taught the horn/saxophone sectional; Katherine Schmelter (fourth grade band director) taught the clarinet sectional; Chelsea Jablon (sixth grade band director) taught the flute sectional; Mr. Avelleneda (high school jazz band director) taught the low brass/low woodwind sectional; Andre Rizzuto (high school band director) taught the trumpet sectional and Dr. Jason Giachetti (high school band director) and Frank Battista (Finley band director) taught the percussion sectional.
During the sectional rehearsals, the band directors were assisted by the high school wind ensemble students as they went about teaching Band Fest participants three brand new pieces of music. It was awe-inspiring for the band directors to watch the high school students teach the Finley, Woodhull and STEM musicians. The high school students went beyond merely teaching notes and rhythms; they were genuinely eager to share their passion for the band program.
Mr. Rizzuto and several high school marching band members led the younger students in a “march off” competition. Within one hour, the students learned a series of marching band commands and movements, which they had to remember when directed.
“My favorite thing was the ‘march off, sixth grader, Emily Hiscox said. “Hanging out with the high school kids was really great because you got some behind the scenes action on what might happen in your future if you keep playing. It was the best day of my life!”
A pizza lunch followed the march-off. Coordinated by the Band Parent Association of Huntington, the lunch session allowed students to rest and socialize with one another.
“The pizza was great,” sixth grader Phoebe Cohn said. “I should have ordered two slices! I liked that everybody was together and I got to hang out with my friends.”
“The success of the band parents’ efficient efforts could be matched only by their sincere kindness throughout the day,” Ms. Jablon said.
Following lunch, the 11th annual Band Fest Festival Band came together on stage for a mass rehearsal. Student-musicians rehearsed the three new pieces professionally and diligently and with noticeable camaraderie.
Many of the younger musicians could be seen fingering along trying to catch some of the advanced notes as the older students performed. The wind ensemble played “Eternal Trailblazer” by Rossano Galante in honor of Farmingdale’s High School band director, Gina Pelletiere.
Ms. Pelletiere was a former band teacher in Huntington and a friend to many Huntington teachers. The high school auditorium was filled with excited parents, friends and family members in support of this year’s theme, “Kings and Queens!”
The program included “Another One Bites the Dust,” “We Will Rock You,” and “We Are the Champions” written by Queen and arranged by Huntington music teacher Tara Adams. This popular medley was followed by another royal favorite, “I Just Can’t Wait to be King,” from Disney’s “The Lion King.”
Sixth grader Noe Granados Membreno loved the music selections this year. “I met a new friend named Carlos from the high school who plays the French horn like me,” he said during lessons on Monday.
“Mrs. Adams really outdid herself this year spending countless hours arranging many different parts that were educationally appropriate for students of all levels!” Ms. Jablon. “This differentiated instruction really makes all students attain success while being able to get a sneak peak of what their future musical careers will look like in Huntington!”
The students felt like they were part of the royal band family, wearing their gold crowns throughout the day. They were also bestowed with “crowned jewels” in the form of ring pops before their final performance and had the opportunity to take photos with friends both old and new in front of a medieval castle background during lunch.
“Our favorite activity of the day was definitely the ‘lucky ducks’ give-away,” said sixth grade sisters Amira and Amora Ingram. The twin clarinet players loved their rubber ducks wearing crowns with the “Huntington Band Fest” logo that they received as a keepsake to remember the day.
Sixth graders Ryan Gentile, Parker Garrett and Rosie Carrillo all agreed that the theme was their favorite so far. “We should keep practicing the Band Fest music even though Band Fest is over,” Mr. Garrett said. “We all have to do Band Fest again next year,” Mr. Gentile agreed.
