The members of the Mineola High School Rockettes Winterguard are at the top of their game this season. Having taken first place in a recent competition in Haledon, NJ, the Rockettes are now poised at the top of a growing list of more than 30 competitors vying for the National Judges Association Gold Medal, given at the All-Chapter Championship this April. The Rockettes' score of 72.6 puts them nearly two points ahead of their closest competitor, Gateway High School from Pennsylvania.

"This achievement is unprecedented for an ensemble with only a single year of competitive experience," Faculty Advisor Anthony DeMarino says. "We are beating teams with a long history of excellence." Rockettes co-Captain Megan Greene agrees. "It's really exciting to have all of this hard work pay off," she enthuses. "We've been rehearsing year round-sometimes up to 14 hours a week-to put the finishing touches on our show, and now it feels like it's really coming together."

Co-Captain Lisa Granath states, "More important than the scores or the placements is when our competitors walk up to us and say 'We loved your show.' That's when we really feel good." Co-Captain Stephanie Ferreria adds, "As soon as our music gets going, we electrify the audience and draw them in. The most exciting thing is when they begin to respond; it really pushes you as a performer."

You can see this ensemble in their only local competition on Saturday, March 27 at Copiague High School. This year, the Rockettes are exploring the dance techniques of both the French and Argentine tangos with their routine Tango: Sensation, set to the classical string and piano music of Yo Yo Ma and composer Piazzola.