Welcome & Overview

The Mighty Marching Pirates is Fernandina Beach High School's award-winning marching ensemble. From halftime shows to parades and competitions, we bring spirit, tradition, discipline, and musical excellence to the field. 

Who Can Join & When?

• Grade levels eligible to join are 9th-12th graders
• No prior experience required
• Recruitment begins April 
• Season begins May 1st and ends in November
• Color Guard will host auditions in May
• Marching Band will host a Mini-Camp the day before the Shrimp Festival parade. 

Reoccuring Yearly Events

• June - Summer Band Days (4 days total) (non mandatory, but highly recommended!)
• July - Pirate Invasion (usually in the morning)
• July - Band Camp! (Typically runs 2 weeks before school begins)
• July - First 1/2 of fair share is due
• July - Band Clearance paperwork and sports physicals due prior to band camp
• August - "Friends & Family Showcase" (last day of band camp) 
• August - Football Season Begins!
• Football games are on Friday nights from August to the end of October.
• August - 2nd half of fair share due
• August - Letterman Jacket & Show Shirts orders collected
• September - Homecoming 
• September - First Love Fall Festival
• October - "Mid-Season Camp"
• Friday night rehearsal & Saturday morning rehearsal
• Community Showcase midday on Saturday
• Spirit Night at Jersey Mike's after showcase
• October - Senior Night (usually last home game)
• October - FBMS joins the MMP to perform at 2 home games & MMP go to 2 home FBMS Football games
• October - Marching Competitions on Saturdays
• November - Marching MPA on first Saturday (usually)
• November - Symphonic, Jazz & Winter Guard after school rehearsals begin
• November - fall break, "Holiday Sounds" begin
• December - Lighted Christmas Parade
• December - Holiday party
• December - Christmas Concert
• January - Holiday Sounds end
• January - MLK Parade
• April - Mini Camp (after school) & band parent social (typically the Wednesday before Shrimp Festival)
• April - Guard & Drumline practices begin
• April - Pirate Percussion & Color Guard meeting
• April - Sugar Pointe Music Festival
• April - Band Trip (in spring or November)
• May - Spring Concert
• May (Friday) - Band Banquet
• May - Shrimp Festival parade. Meet at Central Park Gazebo at 5pm (Thursday before shrimp festival)
• May - Intent to March due
• Registration & $50 deposit
• May - "Band Signing Day" (Mandatory BPA Meeting for all families). Notary will be available to help with paperwork.