The Mineola High School Mustangs Marching Band and Rockettes completed a remarkable season by achieving a new benchmark. Because of Mineola's impressive progress over the past three years, the New York State Field Band Competition (NYSFBC) advanced the young marchers to a much higher competitive class this year. The MHS unit faced their fiercest competition yet at the NYSFBC Championships in Syracuse, and still managed to march away with the number five spot.

Under the guidance of band director Harold Watson, assistant director Anthony Romeo and Rockettes instructor Anthony DeMarino, the Mustang marchers have delivered stellar performances throughout this past season, taking first or second place at every competition. Contributing to the young musicians' success on the field was their spectacular routine. The Mustangs' 2004 show was "La Nouba" from Cirque Du Soleil-a complex and elaborate production that engaged the imagination from beginning to end.

"The Marching Band and Rockettes closed this season with the two most exceptional and exciting marching shows ever performed by our unit," says Rob Ratner, district supervisor of fine arts. "The students have worked hard and inspired each other to achieve excellence." Ratner says that the key to the marchers' success is cooperation. "They work as a team," he explains.