Blue Devil Marching Band Still Ecstatic
Members of the Huntington High School Blue Devil marching band are still collectively glowing after finishing third in the New York State Field Band Conference state championships at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. It's an achievement the group will long savor.
The hardworking musicians and color guard members that comprise this year's band were led by drum majors Laura Ironman, Jonathan Wood and Brian McConnell and a talented crew of section leaders along with and an exceptional group of advisors.
"I'm extremely proud of all of our student leaders this season," said Brian Stellato, who serves as the Blue Devil marching band's co-director along with colleague Jason Giachetti. "They were outstanding role models, in terms of work ethic and enthusiasm."
Messrs. Stellato and Giachetti have been assisted by a dedicated line-up of adult musicians and performance artists, some of whom have been with the Blue Devil band for many years. "We have the finest professional marching band staff around," Mr. Stellato said.
In the run-up to the state championships, the Blue Devils fared well in various competitions around the metropolitan area as well as participating in two local parades and performing at halftime of varsity football games and at Huntington High School's fall pep rally. "The 2012 HBDMB put out a sound which was huge in volume and huge in quality," Mr. Stellato said.
As is always the case, the trip to Syracuse for the state championships was the highlight of the Blue Devil band's competitive season. Finishing third in New York was especially gratifying for both the student-musicians and color guard and the band's staff.
"Every member walked off the Carrier Dome field with 'that feeling,'" Mr. Stellato said. "They had done their best and had eyes filled with pride."