A powerful partnership brings students of all abilities together on the field and on the screen
The Farmingdale School District is proud to announce an exciting and heartfelt collaboration with district alumnus Brian Calhoun and his Calhoun Drum Academy (All Abilities Drumline), a nationally recognized ensemble that brings together individuals of all abilities through the power of music. This partnership will be featured in a professional documentary currently being filmed by award-winning New York City-based filmmakers, set to be completed in 2026.
The documentary, which aims to redefine ability and promote inclusion, will capture a series of powerful moments at Farmingdale, including a culminating performance and community celebration. At the heart of the film will be the connection between Calhoun’s All Abilities Drumline and the Farmingdale High School Marching Band, culminating in a joint performance of “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond.
“This partnership will be a shining example of how General Education and Special Education can come together through Music Education,” said Calhoun Drum Academy Director Brian Calhoun. “As a former Daler and proud Farmingdale Alumni, I believe Farmingdale is the perfect district for this unique partnership. I hope that our joint collaborations will help inspire students and educators throughout the district, the greater Long Island community, and people all throughout the world, that music is for everyone!”
Leading up to the event, Calhoun and his team of drummers will join the Farmingdale Marching Band throughout the summer for joint rehearsals, forging connections and preparing for their highly anticipated performance. To build excitement and awareness within the school community, Calhoun will also lead two in-school assemblies at Farmingdale High School in late September. During these sessions, he’ll speak to students about the Calhoun Drum Academy, the mission behind the film, and the importance of inclusion in the arts. He’ll also use the assemblies as an opportunity to personally invite students from the school’s special education program to join the drumline on the field during October’s big performance.
The collaboration will culminate in a major public event: “Marching for All,” a unified performance by the Calhoun Drum Academy's “All Abilities Drumline” and the Farmingdale High School Marching Band. This powerful finale will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM on the Farmingdale High School Turf Field and will serve as the emotional centerpiece of the film.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Brian on this project, said Superintendent Paul Defendini. “It perfectly reflects our district’s values — celebrating diversity, fostering inclusion, and giving all students a chance to shine. The fact that these moments will be documented and shared nationally makes it even more meaningful.”
Want more? The Calhoun Drum Academy “All Abilities Drumline” will return for a special encore performance at halftime on Saturday, October 18, when the Dalers take on Massapequa — a fitting celebration of inclusion, community pride, and musical excellence.
About Brian Calhoun and the Calhoun Drum Academy: Brian Calhoun is a world-renowned percussion educator who has had great success teaching both general education and special education students (children, teens, and adults). Brian is an inclusion advocate who founded the Calhoun Drum Academy and its All Abilities Drumline to provide integrated performance opportunities for individuals of all abilities. His group has received national attention for its innovative and inclusive approach to music education. Website: https://www.briancalhoundrums.com/ Socials: @BrianCalhounDrums (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok)