Keeping with a decades-long tradition, the Mineola Marching Band launched its 2026 season this August with a six-day immersive camp in the Poconos. A total of 120 student musicians and performers, along with their teachers, dedicated countless hours to rehearsing and perfecting every note and step of this year’s imaginative and intricate show.

Beyond the music, band camp offered team-building experiences and memorable activities, including the much-anticipated senior bonfire, that strengthened bonds among learners and staff alike.

The marching band's 2026 program is entitled "Grim." The show is centered around the alternative reasons to "smile," including exploring the creepiness of sinister smiles, the difficulty of smiling through sadness and the determination in confident smiles. The musical centerpiece of the show is the song "Smile" by Charlie Chaplin, which is used throughout the performance. Other pieces of music featured in the show include "Aha!" by Imogen Heap and "Four Sea Interludes" by Benjamin Britten. 

"Our learners have been working hard throughout the summer refining their technique on their instruments and equipment and learning the show music and choreography,” said Band Director Kenneth Kamping. “Camp was where our show really started to come to life. They pushed through rainy conditions throughout the week and made the best of every moment. I am very proud of their hard work and dedication. We are all excited to finish putting our show together and to start performing for audiences throughout the fall." 

The Mustangs return to the field with a formidable championship legacy. Mineola captured back-to-back New York State Field Band Conference titles in 2022 and 2023 and secured another NYSFBC victory in 2025 in the Small School 1 division with a record-setting score of 95.05 – the highest score ever recorded in the division's history.

The Mineola Mustangs Marching Band will open its competition season on Sept. 20 at Brentwood High School, with the season culminating at the New York State Field Band Conference Championships in Syracuse on Nov. 1. The Mineola Marching Band is also proud to once again be performing for Long Island Ducks baseball fans before the game on September 11.