While many students spent their summer mornings catching up on sleep or hanging out with friends, the members of Mentor High School’s Fighting Cardinal Marching Band (FCMB) were already out on the practice field. Five days a week, nearly the entire summer, these students dedicated themselves to perfecting their show, rehearsing music, running drills, mastering intricate formations, and fine-tuning every musical detail under the hot sun.
Marching band isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes endurance, precision, and focus. Every eight-count matters. Every step must align perfectly. Every note needs to blend seamlessly into the ensemble. What the crowd sees on Friday nights – a confident, high-energy halftime performance – is the result of months of hard work, teamwork, and determination.
This season, the FCMB’s efforts have earned well-deserved recognition. On September 19, the band was featured on WKYC Channel 3’s “Friday Football Fever” with David Greenberg, highlighting the pride, energy, and tradition they bring to every game.
Then, just a few weeks later, on October 12, all that dedication paid off once again when the FCMB earned a Superior Rating of “One” at the Buckeye Invitational, hosted by The Ohio State University. This achievement, the highest possible rating, represents not just musical and visual excellence, but the strength and unity of the entire program.
For these students, performing inside Ohio Stadium, home to “The Best Damn Band in the Land,” was a moment they’ll never forget. It was the culmination of long rehearsals, summer commitment, and months of growth as a team and as musicians.
Marching band, for the FCMB, is more than an extracurricular activity; it’s a family built on discipline, perseverance, and shared passion. Every note, every performance, and every victory reflects the pride they carry as representatives of Mentor.
Student Voice: Life in the FCMB
Cardinal Nation: Do you think people realize how much work goes into a band?
Freshman, Hailey Brunkala: No, I don’t think people really realize how much work goes into band. This is my first year, and I was honestly shocked by how much time and effort it takes. We practice so much, and there’s a lot to remember. It’s harder than it looks, but it’s also really fun.
Cardinal Nation:What makes marching band special compared to other school activities?
Brunkala: Marching band is amazing. It’s a giant community, and we are all there for each other.
Cardinal Nation: What’s the best part about being in FCMB?
Brunkala: The best part about it is that you make tons of new friends and meet a lot of new people.
Pride in Every Performance
From being featured on local news to earning the highest honors at competition, the Fighting Cardinal Marching Band continues to make Mentor proud. Their journey, from early morning rehearsals to performing under the lights of Ohio Stadium, shows what happens when passion meets persistence.
Through every challenge and every triumph, one thing remains true: the rhythm of Mentor’s pride marches strong.
