Noise Ordinance Exception Extended for High School Bands

The Brick Memorial Marching Mustangs band. (Photo: Brick Memorial Marching Mustangs)

The Brick Township council this week decided to continue its suspension of the township’s noise ordinance so the two high school bands in town can hold outdoor practices without violating the law.

Last fall, one neighbor called police after they said they were disturbed by the band’s frequent practices. Afterward, the school district worked with the band and neighbors to reach an agreement on appropriate practice times, and the council adopted a list of those practice and competition times during which the ordinance would be suspended.

“When they separate into different groups, the noise is definitely less, but when they come together at the end of practice, they need to use the playing field,” said Joanne Bergin, the township administrator, explaining that outdoor practices on the field are a necessity for the band. “It’s lined, and it fits the entire band at one time.”

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“We’re going to ask the school board to post [the schedule] on their site so everyone knows it’s available,” said Council President Paul Mummolo. “Hopefully we have all the dates added, and let the music begin!”

“It’s a win-win for everybody,” said Mayor John Ducey. “The kids get to practice when they need to, and the residents know the times and the dates.”

The resident who complained apparently suffered from some type of medical condition and was sensitive to the noise, Mummolo said.

The schedule “is not different from years past,” said Bergin. “This is what they have been scheduling and practicing for 20 years. The difference is that we have a schedule that has been put in place.”