How did the Mineola High School Mustangs Marching Band and Rockettes celebrate the successful completion of a new benchmark season, during which they advanced to a higher competitive class? They went to Disney World! Adding a feather to their collective caps, the MHS marchers traveled down to sunny Orlando, where they became a part of that Disney magic.

Under the guidance of band director Harold Watson, assistant director Anthony Romeo and Rockettes Instructor Anthony DeMarino, the Mustangs Marching Band and Rockettes played their way down world-renowned Main Street as part of the Come Share a Dream parade. The youngsters wowed the crowds with a stellar performance of their 2004 show "La Nouba" from Cirque Du Soleil, adding plenty of smiles and cheers to "the happiest place on earth."

"This was overall one of our finest outings, from beginning to end," says District Supervisor of Fine Arts Rob Ratner. "Our students' performance was exemplary," he observes, "and their behavior and cooperation contributed greatly to an incredible excursion that they will remember many years after they graduate."

"This experience was invaluable," Watson says. "Playing at Disney is the performance opportunity of a lifetime. Our students got to be a part of a worldwide phenomenon." Drum major Jessica Rowan can sum up her Disney experience in three words: "It was awesome!" The MHS senior says that she was a little worried at first. "I was nervous," she admits. "There were so many people looking at us and I didn't want to mess up." All's well that ends well, however; the outcome? "We didn't mess up and everything sounded great!"