Finley’s Frank Battista is a Professional Drummer, Too

Frank Battista is a really interesting guy. He’s a great conversationalist, possessing the ability to discuss just about any subject from politics and sports to the latest in fashions and even the space program. Few teachers can match his popularity with both students and his colleagues.

Mr. Battista has been a Huntington UFSD music teacher since September 2001. A graduate of Massapequa High School, he obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees at The Aaron Copland School of Music at CUNY Queens College.

The longtime Huntington faculty members undergraduate degrees are in music education and music performance while his master’s degree is in music education.

Mr. Battista currently serves as Finley’s eighth grade concert band director, honors symphonic band director and ukulele club faculty adviser. He even manages the lights and sound for the Finley drama club. The J. Taylor Finley Middle School music teacher has always played an important role in the Huntington Blue Devil marching band program.

A member of the high school’s marching band staff for 20 years, Mr. Battista has taught in the district’s summer arts enrichment program for 14 years.

Mr. Battista is currently the drummer for the northeast’s premier Cake tribute band, “Is It Cake?” The “real” Cake is an alternative/funk rock band formed in California in 1991. It’s been called one of the most underrated 1990’s bands.

Mr. Battista’s tribute band has played around town and across Long Island and both he and musicians who comprise the group are all well-regarded.

“Mr. Battista is an instrumental team member who provides meaningful insights and ideas to broaden our department and program at Huntington,” said Dr. Robert J. Wottawa II, district director of fine and performing arts. “He is always willing to help and support our children and offers his kindness to all who simply ask.”