The Mineola High School Mustang Marching Band and Rockettes started their competitive season off with a roar this past weekend. Celebrating a first place finish out of six bands in their class at the NY State Field Band Conference competition at Copiague HS on Sept. 14 and a first ranking in all of New York State. Their score of 70.9 was more than three points over the next closest competitor putting the band in a coveted lead position in the densely packed and talented group of bands.

"We had a very strong season last year with a second place finish at the NY State Championships. We decided that it was time to challenge the kids and try to push ahead of the competition with a much more difficult

program than we have ever attempted," said Harold Watson, the Marching Band director. "What's even more exciting is that the kids have risen to meet this challenge. We had a well-attended summer rehearsal season and our strongest band camp yet. We were hoping to set the pace for an exciting and successful season at this first and very important show."

Speaking of paces, the show, entitled "The Dance of the Matador" is an action-packed, Spanish-theme show, that reaches fast tempos in just the

first two minutes.

As the premier performance ensemble in Mineola High School, the Mustang Marching Band and Rockettes will be representing our community in nationally televised events and performances throughout the year. You can cheer them on during their fall season at numerous home football games, the NYC Columbus Day Parade, the Newsday Marching Band Festival and 10 competitions, including our own home competition at the Town of North Hempstead Park-Denton Avenue on Oct. 18 at 5 p.m., culminating at the NY State Championships in Syracuse on Oct. 25 and 26.

For more information about the Mineola Mustang Marching Band and Rockettes, visit http://mineola.k12.ny.us - click on High School, then Activities, then Marching Band or click on Music Parents on the High School page.