Huskies Perform at Lincoln Center

They say to get to Carnegie Hall, do one thing: practice, practice, practice. The Harrison High School Band did that, and on Dec. 19, found themselves at Lincoln Center, performing in the Christmas production of "Babes in Toyland."

For this performance, the classic story underwent a script change by The Little Orchestra Society. Toyland became an old-fashioned New York shop, with a peculiar owner, a new apprentice, and of course, helpful merchandise. The stage at Avery Fisher Hall, along with the Little Orchestra Society, of Lincoln Center fame hosted the Harrison Huskies for the Saturday 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.  shows.

Band Director Fred Pasqua said he is proud beyond words of his students' achievements, and sees every opportunity to perform in the public eye as preparation for a musical life post-high school.

"We are out in the community a lot," Pasqua said, "I want my students to get an idea of what it is like to perform outside the four walls of a school building. Whether or not band members go on to a music career in college, once they leave here, we want them to think of music as an integral part of their lives."

The Harrison High School Band has performed for and received awards from the Peach Blossom Music Festival in Atlanta, the Nashville Music Festival, and the Annapolis Music Festival.

The Huskies have also performed at Yankee Stadium, Giant's Stadium, the Miss America Pageant Parade, and the Parade of Heroes, when the Yankees won the World Series.   

Being no stranger to professional and colorful productions, on Dec. 17 the band put on their annual Winter Concert. But they're not planning on stopping soon.

The New Year will bring an ensemble concert on Jan. 12. In June the band will play at the Harrison High School graduation, which will be co-directed by Pasqua and Charles Briem. The graduating seniors, along with the undergraduate band members, will perform together one last time.