Farmingdale HS Marching Band Partners With Calhoun Drum Academy: 'Music For Everyone'

FARMINGDALE, NY — The Farmingdale School District announced an "exciting and heartfelt" collaboration with district alumnus Brian Calhoun and his Calhoun Drum Academy, also known as the All Abilities Drumline.

The nationally recognized ensemble brings together people of all abilities through the power of music.

The 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," Calhoun said in a news release. "As a former Daler and proud Farmingdale alumnus, 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!"

Calhoun and his drumming team will join the Farmingdale Marching Band throughout the summer for joint rehearsals, forging connections and preparing for the 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 plans to speak to students about the Calhoun Drum Academy, the mission behind the film, and the importance of inclusion in the arts. He will 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.

The finale is scheduled to take place at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 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," Superintendent Paul Defendini stated. "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."

The Calhoun Drum Academy "All Abilities Drumline" is set to return for a special encore performance at halftime on Saturday, Oct. 18, when the Dalers take on Massapequa. The district called it a "fitting celebration of inclusion, community pride, and musical excellence."