Farmingdale High School Marching Band's Triumphant Return to Band Camp
As the autumn leaves began to fall, a sense of resilience enveloped the Farmingdale High School community. Close to 300 Dalers prepared to embark on a journey back to Pine Forest from September 12-15 for Band Camp—a journey that symbolized healing and hope amidst the shadows of tragedy.
It's been a year since a charter bus carrying 40 members of the Farmingdale High School marching band overturned on Interstate 84 in Orange County while en route to band camp. Many students sustained injuries, and sadly, band leader Gina Pellettiere and chaperone Beatrice "Bea" Ferrari lost their lives in the incident. After careful consideration and many discussions, the Farmingdale School District decided it was in everyone’s best interest to return to Pine Forest for Band Camp.
The Farmingdale High School Marching Band is comprised of student musicians, Dalerettes, and the Daler Guard. They perform at district football games, at the Newsday Marching Band Festival, and in village parades. Directors and coaches use Band Camp to cram precision training into a three-day session. Band Camp is the secret ingredient to building camaraderie and school spirit! Everyone comes together, united in their efforts as they strive for success.
On the first night of camp, band directors Mr. David Abrams and Mr. Matthew DeMasi led a tree dedication ceremony to honor the memory of Gina and Bea. They shared touching stories about these two incredible women and the enduring legacy they left behind. As the ceremony finished, it felt like a weight had been lifted, and the band felt a collective readiness to move forward.
“This year’s time at Pine Forest was one of the most spirited and uplifting band camp experiences in history,” said Superintendent of Schools Paul Defendini. “This weekend, our marching band rewrote some important core memories. I speak for the entire staff and chaperone team when I say these brave warrior Dalers have once again demonstrated that there is nothing they cannot conquer together.”
The Farmingdale High School Marching Band will take the field alongside the Varsity and JV Cheerleading squads during Farmingdale’s Homecoming Varsity Football game against Syosset on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 6:30 PM. Additionally, the district wants to remind community members about the upcoming Street Renaming Ceremony. The Farmingdale School District, in collaboration with the Town of Oyster Bay, will hold a special street renaming ceremony on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. This event will honor the late Farmingdale educators Gina Pellettiere and Beatrice “Bea” Ferrari.
In the event of inclement weather, a rain date of October 16, 2024, has been scheduled.