Mineola Marching Band wins 7th state championship

Nassau Mineola Marching Band wins 7th state championship By Larissa Fuentes … Comments Posted on November 10, 2026 Mineola Mustangs Marching Band Director Ken Kamping and Mineola Drum and Flag Majors celebrate their championship win. Mineola Public Schools The Mineola Mustangs Marching Band captured its seventh New York state championship on Nov. 1, winning the 2026 New York State Field Band Conference Championship at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse. Competing in the highly competitive SS1 division, the Mustangs earned a score of 94.025 to secure the championship, marking their fourth SS1 title in the past five years. The latest victory adds to the program’s history of success and reinforces its standing among New York’s top marching band programs. The Mustangs also captured the SS1 championship in 2025 , when they earned a score of 95.050, setting a division record, according to the district. The program previously won the division in 2022 and 2023, making its latest victory another milestone in a sustained run of success. Following the competition, the students returned to Mineola High School to a celebratory welcome from families, friends, school staff and community members. Cheers erupted as the band arrived with the championship trophy, recognizing the months of preparation, rehearsals and teamwork behind the winning performance. Band Director Ken Kamping, the marching band staff and student performers were recognized by the district for their dedication and hard work throughout the season. The championship marks another milestone for the Mineola music program, which has continued to build on its tradition of competitive excellence. The fourth SS1 title in five years also highlights the consistency of the Mustangs’ success in one of the state’s competitive marching band divisions. The district congratulated the students and staff, noting that their musicianship, perseverance and commitment helped bring another state championship home to Mineola. About the Author All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines . Schneps Media does not endorse the views shared by readers in our comment sections.