Hope After Tragedy: Farmingdale HS Marching Band To Play At Homecoming Game: Preview

FARMINGDALE, NY — Farmingdale High School's homecoming festivities are scheduled to kick off at 6:15 p.m.

While Farmingdale is set to host Baldwin in a football game, all eyes will be on the marching band during its halftime show. The band is set to take the field just two weeks after the Sept. 21 bus crash that claimed the lives of two educators: Gina Pellettiere, 43, of Massapequa, and Beatrice "Bea" Ferrari, 77, of Farmingdale.

The bus overturned in Orange County, injuring more than 40 students, state officials said. The bus was transporting the marching band to its annual band camp in Greeley, Pennsylvania. Pellettiere was the band director, while Ferrari chaperoned band camp every year.

There was a sense among the community that the Daler Marching Band would not perform at all this year after losing its conductor, a woman who many current and former students mourned. But earlier this week, in the band room, the students started practicing.

"I mentioned roughly a week ago that our band would play again, and it would be the most beautiful music ever," Superintendent Paul Defendini wrote. "They did not disappoint ... Take the time to check it out. I promise that this simple 45-second video will inspire you. Our 9th-grade band, symphonic band, and wind ensemble broke out their instruments and played with gusto. They sang and cheered. They were out of their seats dancing. They played with their hearts and souls. They played for Bea and Ms. P, and it was indeed the most beautiful music I have ever heard. Our kids are amazing, they are showing us the way, and it is not surprising that they are doing it together."

The homecoming pregame show starts at 6:15 p.m., featuring the marching band playing the National Anthem and the school's fight song.

The varsity football team's game vs. Baldwin kicks off at 6:30 p.m. At halftime, the marching band will take the field.

The Pep Rally starts at 5 p.m., but seats are limited in the gymnasium.

"Let's unite as a Daler family and show the world our resilience and ability to band together. Can't wait to see you all tonight!" the district wrote on Facebook.

Related:

• Thank You, 'Ms. P': Honoring The Music Teacher And Her Impact On Us
• Gina Pellettiere's Rise To Farmingdale Band Director
• Remembering Gina Pellettiere: Farmingdale Band Students Share Memories
• 'Life Of The Party': Beloved Farmingdale Music Teacher Laid To Rest
• 'The Most Beautiful Soul': Farmingdale's Bea Ferrari Mourned
• Fundraisers For 'Ms. P's' Son, Farmingdale Students Hurt In Bus Crash
• LI Students Critically Injured In Bus Crash In 'Less Critical Care'