Dalers Kick Off the School Year with Band Camp at Pine Forest

Excitement filled Pine Forest as the Dalers launched the 2025–2026 school year with an unforgettable Band Camp experience. Over the course of three days, student musicians, the Dalerettes, and the Daler Guard immersed themselves in intensive rehearsals designed to sharpen their skills, build precision, and strengthen teamwork.

The camp was more than just practice—it was a chance to create lasting memories, forge friendships, and ignite school spirit. Students returned home energized and inspired, ready to showcase their talents at football games, parades, and community celebrations throughout the season.

“Band Camp is where everything comes together,” said Greg Warnokowski, Director of Fine and Performing Arts. “It’s not just about learning music and choreography—it’s about building confidence, developing leadership, and creating a family atmosphere that supports every student.”

For the students, the experience was both challenging and rewarding. The long hours of rehearsal pushed them to refine their performances, but the camaraderie and fun that filled the camp created a sense of belonging and pride. By the end of the three days, the group had grown closer and felt united in their mission to deliver an unforgettable season.

The Farmingdale High School Marching Band will take the field alongside the Varsity and JV Cheerleading squads during Farmingdale’s Homecoming Football game against Herricks on Friday, September 26, at 6:30 PM. Additionally, the district wants to remind community members about its meaningful collaboration with alumnus Brian Calhoun and the Calhoun Drum Academy’s nationally recognized All Abilities Drumline. This ensemble unites individuals of all abilities through the power of music.

This inspiring partnership is being documented by award-winning New York City filmmakers, with a feature-length film slated for completion in 2026. As part of this collaboration, the community is invited to a major public event, Marching for All—a unified performance by the 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 film's emotional centerpiece.

The Farmingdale School District officially began the 2025–2026 school year on September 4 under beautiful, warm, sunny skies. Superintendent Paul Defendini, principals, administrators, and teachers warmly welcomed students and families back to campus.

The excitement of opening day was clear as students stepped off school buses and entered their classrooms, eager to reconnect with friends, share summer stories, and take in the changes that come with a new year.

To build on this strong start, the district—together with the support of the Farmingdale PTA—has planned a full schedule of engaging and informative events throughout the fall, ensuring students and families are set for a successful school year ahead.

On August 27, 2025, Farmingdale High School welcomed the Class of 2029 at Freshman Orientation. Principal Jed Herman greeted students and encouraged them to get involved in school life to make the most of their four years—reminding them that the time will go by quickly. Students also had the opportunity to tour the building, meet faculty, and prepare for an exciting first year as Dalers.

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)