BPA stands for Band Parent Association. Similar to a school PTA, we focus on supporting band students and staff to have a strong and successful band season. 

The Band Registration fee pays for snacks & meals during band camp, season band shirts, props, audio equipment, maintenance, supplemental uniform items, band banquet - you name it! 

We offer a variety of ways for parents to support their students. Options range from donating items for band camp and snacks to assisting during football games and competitions. Parents can sign up to chaperone events and carry equipment as part of the pit crew.  Before the season starts, help is needed to fit and alter uniforms. At the end of the season, parents can join the band banquet committee and help order/serve food, create games, decorate the cafeteria, and set up/clean up.  Any help is greatly appreciated. It takes a village to have an amazing season!

Please visit our VOLUNTEER page for more information on volunteering opportunities. 

Yes – Uniforms are provided for each participant in the band and color guard. Uniforms are sized during band camp and assigned to students for the season. 

A band t-shirt will also be distributed to each student. Students will be expected to wear the shirt when traveling and at various events throughout the season.

Each student is responsible for purchasing their uniform shoes for the Marching Band or Color Guard. Order forms are distributed at the beginning of Band Camp and need to be returned promptly to the Band Directors, so shoes will be available for our first competition.

There are sometimes extra pairs of marching band shoes available; they are not guaranteed. These extra pairs are donated and gently used from previous band members.

Each day the students arrive at 7:30 am and go through marching basics.  Depending on the weather, the students will be hard at work practicing and memorizing the music, have sectional practice, and learn how to put the show together.   Breakfast is served around 9:00 am and lunch around 1:00 pm.

Students will need their instrument/equipment, sneakers, light clothing, sun protection (like sun screen and a hat), and a water bottle. Students will have access to water to refill water bottles.

Students should wear old sneakers, as they march on a dry dirt field and the sneakers get ruined.

Some band members recommend bringing extra socks, deodorant, and hair ties.

We offer a breakfast that consists of bagels, muffins, yogurt, fruit, snacks, juice, and water.  The lunch menu varies each day as we purchase food from local vendors such as Jersey Mikes, Cafe Amici’s, Moe's Southwest Grill, Bella Pizza, and Joe’s Meat Market.  Vegetarian options will be available.

Note: Students should eat dinner at home, as it is not provided by the Band Parent Association.

A marching band show takes a lot of time for students to learn whether it is their first or fourth year in the band.  They need to memorize music, learn how to march properly so they can play while moving, and memorize the formations according to the music.  The weather affects the daily planning of band camp where students cannot go outside to learn drill if it is too hot or raining.  The evening sessions offer more opportunities for the directors to plan accordingly if weather is a concern.  

Note: Students should eat dinner at home, as it is not provided by the Band Parent Association.

Students and families are responsible for transportation to and from FHS for practices and competitions. 

Buses are provided for away football games and competitions. Students will meet at the high school before games and competitions and will return to the high school for parent pick-up. The band directors use the app Remind to inform parents of the estimated arrival time after each game/competition.

 Please note that students are responsible for unloading the trailer/buses, putting away uniforms, and putting away instruments/ equipment before they are dismissed. 

Consider travelling with us on buses as a Chaperone. Check our Volunteer page for details.

Typically there are sectional practices prior to Friday evening games, immediately following the school day.  There will be a break between practice and games - usually 30 - 60 minutes. There is one small microwave in the Uniform Closet for reheating or preparing food brought from home.  

Consider donating microwavable Cup Noodles, Ramen Cups, or Mac & Cheese for band members.

The Band Director, Mr. Berz, will send out alerts through Remind - an application you can download to your phone for such alerts. Your student will receive a Classroom Code needed to join the group alerts. This will help you stay informed of Bus arrival at FHS and any last minute information your Band Director needs to share. 

Competitions are ticketed events with an entrance fee charged at the gates. The FHS Marching Band competes with other marching bands across NJ, in the USBands organization. Check our Season Schedule calendar for Competition dates and links to venue information.

Consider volunteering as a Bus Chaperone or Pit Parent (equipment pack & setup) - there is no fee for volunteers travelling with the Marching Band & Guard.