Gill Set to Lead Huntington Art & Music Education

Sarah Gill has had a lifelong appreciation for the value and importance of high quality arts education and the role it plays in the life of students of all ages. The Huntington High School graduate took over this week as the Huntington School District’s director of fine and performing arts. She replaces Joan R. Fretz, who retired after a 36-year career.

“I grew up in Huntington and had the good fortune of receiving outstanding training in the Huntington School District music program, participating in All-County and All-State, New York State Summer School for the Arts and outside programs such as Julliard Pre-College and New York Youth Symphony,” Ms. Gill said. “Each of these experiences, thanks to outstanding educators and individuals, supported each other; assisted me in becoming who I am today and provided a solid foundation for many rewarding professional and personal adult experiences.”

Ms. Gill comes to Huntington from the Westbury School District where she began working as a music teacher in 2008, teaching music technology and music theater. She became Westbury’s district chairperson of music in 2009. She created Westbury’s first chapter of Tri-M, the national music honor society and served as the organization’s faculty advisor.

“I am a creative, innovative team builder and leader with a strong work ethic,” Ms. Gill said. “My diverse background of skills and professional experiences allows me to think outside the box to find positive solutions to challenges and continually strive for excellence in all areas. I am passionate about the arts as a means to transform and develop the individual and personally committed to the success and flourishing of arts education.”

A member of Huntington’s Class of 1989, Ms. Gill earned undergraduate and graduate degrees at Mannes College of Music at New School University. She obtained an advanced certificate in music education at Brooklyn College, a certificate in music technology at Five Towns College and an advanced certificate in educational administration at Stony Brook University.

Ms. Gill worked at International Creative Management talent agency from 1995-2000 as a booking agent, managing a team, organizing tours, overseeing contract negotiation and execution and developing educational outreach. She worked in New York City from 2000-2008 as a part-time teacher and with the NYC Ballet and Manhattan New Music Project, handling special projects, curriculum development, grants, outreach and festivals.

Ms. Gill maintains memberships in the National Association for Music in Education, New York State School Council of Administration in Music Education, TI:ME (Technology in Music Education) and Phi Delta Kappa.