Huntington Middle School Bands

HMS Music Program 'Strikes the Right Chord'

March 25 & 26, 2011

Walking away with numerous top awards, Huntington Middle School’s acclaimed Advanced Orchestra, Jazz Band, Concert Choir, and Wind Ensemble participated in the 2011 Heritage Music Festival.  This prestigious competition took place March 25 and 26 in San Diego. This is Huntington’s seventh year performing in the Heritage Festival.   In each of those years Huntington’s music program has consistently garnered top ratings of “superior,” excellent” and “outstanding” while competing not only against other middle school students but also high school students drawn from California and states as far away as Florida.  For the second consecutive year Huntington School blew the top off by winning the coveted “Festival Sweepstakes”.

Festival Sweepstakes is awarded to the school with the highest combined scores from its participating music divisions, regardless of the age or level of the students.  The Sweepstakes Award demonstrates a music program’s excellence across the board, with distinctions not in an isolated area, but in both the instrumental and vocal divisions.  With over 800 student musicians drawn from 26 music groups, this year’s competition was especially intense.  Competing were 10 choirs, 5 jazz bands, 5 concert bands and 6 orchestras.   Heritage Festivals organizes a series of private nationwide music festivals with over a million middle and high school students having participated since its inception thirty years ago. 

In addition to honors garnered upon Huntington’s Music department as a whole, each ensemble was recognized for its individual excellence with each being judged “superior”.  The Jazz band also earned 2^nd place in its division, while the Concert Choir, Wind Ensemble, and Advanced Orchestra each took first place in their respective divisions.  The Advanced Orchestra earned special distinction by walking away with the Adjudicator’s Award.  This honor is reserved for groups earning an average score of 92 or higher.   Stephanie Cho and Eva Prappas were also recognized for their extraordinary musical ability and sensitivity and each took home a Maestro Award.  Looking to the future, the Concert Choir, Wind Ensemble, and Advanced Orchestra received invitations to attend the national level “Festival of Gold” held next year.

Said parent Apple Hengky who attended the awards ceremony, “I felt so much pride for the kids, the teachers, and the parents who have supported these kids.  The adjudicators were truly blown away, and of course, getting the big Festival sweepstakes trophy confirmed that.” 

The music department at Huntington Middle School is led by Dr. Bill McDaniel, who also directs the Wind Ensemble.  Derek Jamieson leads the Concert Choir as well as the Jazz Band, while Rob Folsom directs the Advanced Orchestra.   Huntington School brought 180 musicians to San Diego, the single largest contingent of students present at the Festival. 

“This event is a true win for Huntington Middle School and the community of San Marino”, said department chair Dr. Mc Daniel  “United we have come together to provide our children with an environment where music flourishes.  The community and instructors should be very proud of our common accomplishments and the gift of music that we have given to our children.”