Drum Major and parents walking on football field

Indian Bandwagon, Inc.

Indian Bandwagon, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1980, dedicated to supporting the student-musicians and color guard members of the Toms River High School South Marching Indians through volunteering, fundraising, and community.

What's Coming Up in the Next Two Weeks?

Below are the events that are scheduled for the next 14 days. These events update on a 1-hour delay.

Friday, October 16
Football: Away @ TR North
03:30 PM • 📍 1245 Old Freehold Rd, Toms River, NJ 08753

<ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">The truck will hopefully arrive during the school day so we can start loading before school ends; otherwise, no later than 3:30</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Leaders report at 3:30, everyone else 3:45</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Inspection 4:25, leave 4:30</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Pregame show approx. 5:30</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Otherwise, it’s a “regular” football game</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">We should be able to keep the truck packed for tomorrow!</p></li></ul>

Saturday, October 17
ToB: Jackson Township
11:30 AM • 📍 125 N Hope Chapel Rd, Jackson Township, NJ 08527

<ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">11:30 AM - Guard arrives for hair; <b><i>your makeup should be done at home!</i></b></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">12:30 PM - Everyone else arrives; <b><i>musicians only need to be in bibbers (pants)</i></b></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">12:55 PM - Inspection and depart for Jackson</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">1:30 PM - Arrive, unpack, warm up</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">2:50 PM - Back to buses to change</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">3:10 PM - move to truck for plumes</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">3:25 PM - Gate</p></li><li dir="ltr"><b><p dir="ltr"><b>3:40 PM - We’re on! GO SOUTH!</b></p></b></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">4:00 PM - Change and free time!</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">4:45 PM - Everyone in away stands for retreat and awards</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">5:15 PM - Load up and head home</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">5:50 PM - Return home, unload, clean so everything is Monday-morning-ready</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">6:20 PM - Announcements and dismissal</p></li></ul>

Monday, October 19
HS/IS Music Rehearsal - Parades
06:00 PM • 📍 08753

HS/IS Music Rehearsal - Parades

Monday, October 19
HS/IS Guard Rehearsal - Parades
06:00 PM • 📍 08753

HS/IS Guard Rehearsal - Parades

Tuesday, October 20
Competition Band Full Rehearsal
06:00 PM • 📍 08753

Competition Band Full Rehearsal

Thursday, October 22
Competition Band Full Rehearsal
06:00 PM • 📍 08753

Competition Band Full Rehearsal

Friday, October 23
Football: Away @ Pinelands (NO SHOW)
04:00 PM • 📍 590 Nugentown Rd, Little Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08087

Football: Away @ Pinelands (NO SHOW) -- Doors open at 4:00 PM; inspection at 4:20 PM

Saturday, October 24
ToB: Region Championships @ Woodbridge
07:00 AM • 📍 1 Samuel Lupo Pl, Woodbridge, NJ 07095

ToB: Region Championships @ Woodbridge

Tuesday, October 27
Combined HS/IS Parade Practice
06:00 PM • 📍 08753

Combined HS/IS Parade Practice

Thursday, October 29
Football: Possible Playoff/Consolation Game
12:00 AM • 📍 08753

Football: Possible Playoff/Consolation Game

Thursday, October 29
Combined HS/IS Parade Practice
06:00 PM • 📍 08753

Combined HS/IS Parade Practice

Friday, October 30
Football: Possible Playoff/Consolation Game
12:00 AM • 📍 08753

Football: Possible Playoff/Consolation Game

Swipe left to see more events.

We Honor Our Class of 2027 Seniors

Matthew G. portrait
Meagan L. portrait
Evan S. portrait
Luke C. portrait
Zachary W. portrait
Ronan L. portrait
Frankie C. portrait
Taemok H. portrait
Eva R. portrait
Christopher G. portrait
Allie G. portrait
Abigail S. portrait
Isabella M. portrait
Madison J. portrait

What We Do...

Family of 5 celebrate their senior band member

The Indian Bandwagon, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated entirely to supporting the student-musicians and color guard members of the Toms River High School South Marching Indians. Through active volunteerism and strategic fundraising, we bridge the gap between institutional funding and the real-world costs of running a championship-caliber marching arts program. We ensure that our students have the resources, equipment, and community backing they need to achieve excellence on and off the field.

Meet Our Directors and Instructors

Christopher Test portraitChristopher Test
Laura Carattini portraitLaura Carattini
Stephanie Chelston portraitStephanie Chelston
Danni Mahon portraitDanni Mahon

Parents

Welcome to the Bandwagon Family!

If your child is a member of the Toms River High School South Marching Indians or Color Guard, you are officially a member of the Indian Bandwagon! Marching band is unique—it thrives on family involvement. The Bandwagon isn't just a committee; it's a community of parents, guardians, and families who come together to ensure our students have an incredible, rewarding season. Whether you have hours to spare each week or can only help out at a single home game, there is a place for you here. Your support—whether through fundraising, logistics, or cheering loudly from the stands—is what keeps the Pride of Toms River moving forward.

TRHSS Band

Get Involved: Find Your Place on the Field

It takes a village to move a marching band. No matter your background, professional skills, or availability, we need your help! Here are just a few ways parents make the magic happen:

  • Pit Crew & Logistics: Help move heavy instruments, percussion equipment, and field props onto the field before performances and safely back to the trucks afterward. No musical experience required—just a willingness to push a cart!
  • Chaperoning & Hospitality: Travel with the band to away games, competitions, and parades. Chaperones help keep students safe, organized, and hydrated.
  • Uniforms & Wardrobe: Assist with fitting uniforms at the start of the season, managing minor repairs, and ensuring the band looks sharp before they step under the stadium lights.
  • Fundraising & Concessions: Participate in our seasonal fundraisers or help staff event tables. Every dollar raised directly lowers student fees and funds vital equipment.

Alumni

Once an Indian, Always an Indian: Welcome Back!

The traditions, the camaraderie, the sound of the stadium echo on a crisp Friday night—the bond shared by alumni of the Toms River High School South Marching Indians spans generations. Since 1937, the Pride of Toms River has left its mark on the marching arts, and that legacy belongs to you.

The Indian Bandwagon believes that your connection to the band shouldn't end at graduation. Our alumni are the keepers of our history and a vital foundation for our future. Whether you marched five years ago or fifty years ago, your continued passion and support ensure that today's student-musicians can experience the same life-changing traditions that you did.

Senior Group Photo

How Alumni Can Support the Legacy

  • Keep the Tradition Alive (Donations): Your tax-deductible financial contributions help us fund senior scholarships, purchase new instruments, and maintain the high standard of excellence the program is known for.
  • Lend a Hand (Volunteer): Our larger events, home competitions, and special anniversary seasons always benefit from the experience of veteran band members. Come back out, reconnect, and help us run a smooth operation.
  • Stay Connected: We love keeping our alumni network updated on current season achievements, upcoming show designs, and alumni-specific events (like homecoming performances or anniversary celebrations).

FAQ