The first ever Huntington Band Fest is planned for Saturday, April 20 at Huntington High School. Band directors recently announced details of what is expected to be a well-attended event.
The festival is geared toward student-musicians in grades 5-8. It is billed as a “great opportunity” for those students who want to experience what it’s like to be in a full ensemble with renowned high school wind and jazz musicians. All district band students in grades 5-8 are invited to participate in the festival.
“Band Fest will be a fun and unique event with kids of all ages learning from one another, culminating in a group concert at the end of the day,” according to a letter sent to band students.
The tentative schedule has a 15-minute registration period at 9 a.m. followed by introductions and a performance by the Huntington High School jazz band at 9:15 a.m. in the auditorium. Participants will then head into sectional lessons, which will be grouped according to specific instruments. The sessions will be taught by high school band teachers, who will be assisted by high school wind ensemble members. “They will work on the music they will be given in advance once they are registered,” according to the flyer.
The day will also feature “game time,” which will include the always popular march-off, a type of listening/follow-the-command contest. Following lunch, participants will meet en masse on the high school stage to rehearse their music as a complete band, along with high school musicians. The entire group will perform at 3 p.m. Families and friends are welcome to attend the culminating concert.
A $20 fee payable to the Huntington High School Band will cover various costs. A Band Fest t-shirt will be given to all participants.
