Mineola to Host NYSFBC Competition on Oct. 9

The 160 members of Mineola High School's championship Mustangs Marching Band and Rockettes are ready to begin another winning season. A tradition of snagging top spots in state and national competitions has not made these youngsters complacent. This year, they have prepared their most challenging show yet.

The student performers hone their routine for the coming year at band camp in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Under the guidance of Band Director Harold Watson, Assistant Director Anthony Romeo and Rockettes Instructor Anthony DeMarino, the youngsters practice the drill tirelessly until they've got it right.

Fresh from camp, the Mineola marchers are ready to present their 2004 show, La Nouba from Cirque Du Soleil. La Nouba comes from the French expression faire la Nouba, which means "to live it up." The show is an elaborate production that promises to engage the imagination from beginning to end.

"Our students worked diligently, perfecting their movements on the field," District Supervisor of Fine and Performing Arts Rob Ratner says of the band camp experience. He adds that the final product is the result of a lot of team work. "This year's show is very creative," he explains. "It's a tremendous undertaking that could only happen with the combined support of district staff and parents."

The Hampton Street School will be hosting the annual New York State Field Bank Conference Marching Band Competition, which will be held on Saturday, Oct. 9 at the Hampton Street School.

This year's Long Island based championship competitions are as scheduled:

September 19 Brentwood High School

September 26 Copaigue High School

October 2 Walt Whitman High School

October 3 Levittown High School

October 9 Hampton Stadium

October 17 Huntington High School