Huntington Band Fest Better Than Ever for 200 Students

Huntington UFSD’s 12th annual Band Fest was better than ever as hundreds of students spread across grades 5-12 turned out at the high school last Saturday.

The day began at 9 a.m. with a fantastic performance by the high school jazz ensemble directed by Wally Avellaneda. Sporting their Band Fest t-shirts, the younger students enthusiastically clapped for the high school jazz soloists.

The students then split into sectional rehearsals by instrument. Ashley Berrell (general music teacher at Jefferson and Southdown) taught the low brass/low woodwind sectional; Grant Schmidt (Finley band director) taught the horn/saxophone sectional; Katherine Adams (fourth grade band director) taught the clarinet sectional; Chelsea Jablon (sixth grade band director) taught the flute sectional; Andre Rizutto (high school band director) taught the trumpet sectional; Jason Giachetti (high school band director) and Frank Battista (Finley band director) taught the percussion sectional.

“It was a great event,” Huntington Superintendent Beth McCoy said. “The students and staff did a fabulous job!  The concert was amazing and it is such a unique and special experience for our students.  A huge thank you to you and the entire department on organizing such a terrific event.”

During the sectional rehearsals, the band directors were assisted by Huntington High School wind ensemble students to teach 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 Jack Abrams students,” Ms. Jablon said. “The high school students not only taught notes and rhythms, but they were extremely eager to share their passion for the band program.”

Mr. Rizutto 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. Anyone walking through the high school during game time could feel the building shake from the powerful pride in the voices of 200 students chanting “Go Blue.”

A pizza lunch came next, coordinated by the Band Parent Association of Huntington. The success of the band parents’ efficient efforts could be matched only by their sincere kindness throughout the day.

The Band Fest Festival Band came together on stage for a mass rehearsal. The students rehearsed the three new pieces professionally and diligently with great comradery. The high school wind ensemble sat among the festival band and played the new pieces beside them.

The festival band also had the opportunity to watch and listen with amazement while the wind ensemble rehearsed their advanced repertoire. Many of the younger musicians could be seen fingering along trying to catch some of the advanced notes as the older students played.