SUPPORTING THE REBUILDING OF THE FHS MARCHING BAND
In March 2026 the Alumni Association received a request for a grant of $10,000 from the second year FHS Director of Music Ms. Kayla Bensler. She is enthusiastically rebuilding the marching band, and was in dire need of new equipment in the form of uniforms and musical instruments. She also asked us if we would spread the word through our Facebook page that she would accept donations from any FHS band alumni.
This request for support personally resonated with one of our Alumni Board members, Colleen Kennedy-Mello ’99 and she said that as a former proud French Horn band member she enthusiastically supported this request because she understands the value of the marching band at FHS. Although her band had only 15 musicians, she remembers the pride that they had playing at football games, especially on Thanksgiving Day and marching in the Memorial Day Parade.
Recently Ms. Bensler sent us a beautiful thank you letter along with a photo of some of her Color Guard in their new uniforms and she described the success that this year’s band has already had participating in local competitions (they won 2nd place in a competition at New Bedford High School in early October) and they have received rave reviews for their performances at half-time of the football games. The new uniforms, as well as the new intricate musical routines that the band has mastered, have had a very positive effect on the school community.
Ms. Bensler informed us that she was overwhelmed by the comments and support that she read on Facebook from former FHS band members, and she thanked the Alumni Association profusely for the support that has been provided. The marching band is looking forward to the remaining football game performances as well as their season showcase on October 31st at FHS Alumni Stadium, the NESBA Finals at Harvard Stadium as well as the Veteran’s Day Parade in Fairhaven.