The Mentor High School Fighting Cardinal Marching Band (FCMB) closed out its 2025 season on the biggest stage of the year: the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) State Marching Band Finals. With competition weekends beginning on October 25 and continuing on November 1, the band performed for state-level adjudicators, showcasing the culmination of months of dedication, rehearsal, and musical growth.
Directed by Mr. Stephen Poremba with assistance from Mr. Ben McMurtrie, the FCMB spent the fall traveling, performing, and refining their show in preparation for this moment. From Friday night football games to adjudicated competitions across Northeast Ohio, every performance this season served as a stepping stone toward states.
A Summer Built on Sweat and Sound
Before the first football game or competition ever kicked off, the FCMB was already hard at work. Students spent August rehearsing five days a week in the heat—learning drill formations, memorizing music, and building the foundations of their field show. That dedication continued into the school year, where rehearsals often stretched into the evening, long after most students had gone home.
The time, effort, and endurance required to perfect a competitive marching production are more than most audiences see. It’s not just playing an instrument; it’s marching, marking time, counting beats, remembering field coordinates, and performing—all without dropping a note.
A Show That Represents Mentor
This year’s production, titled “The Moon Always Follows Me Home,” built on the band’s tradition of combining musicianship, visual design, and crowd-pleasing performance. The show featured drill formations, musical moments, and choreography designed to keep both judges and spectators engaged.
Over the course of the season, the FCMB performed at Canton Hoover, Avon Lake, Brunswick, and multiple football games, including Senior Night at home. Each performance provided opportunities to refine the show, add new details, and push for higher competition scores—and it paid off. The band concluded their season at the OMEA State Marching Band Finals, finishing strong and proud of their hard work. At the contest, the FCMB received a Superior rating of 1, the highest score available.
Community and Cardinal Pride
The FCMB isn’t just a competitive ensemble; they’re one of the most recognizable presences in the Mentor community. On Friday nights, they lead halftime with energy and precision. At away games, they fill unfamiliar stadiums with sound and school pride.
Beyond football crowds, the band also travels to elementary schools during the fall to perform for younger students, helping inspire future musicians and encouraging participation in Mentor’s fine arts programs. Their performances bring excitement to the schools and introduce younger students to marches, pop tunes, and the full spectacle of a marching production.
The band was even featured on local television this September during a Friday Football Fever segment highlighting their spirit and solidifying their visibility in the community.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Fighting Cardinal Marching Band has been participating in OMEA adjudicated events for many years, earning a strong reputation for high performance. From 2017 through 2020, the band earned Superior ratings—the highest score possible—for three consecutive seasons. Their history also includes memorable moments, such as performing at Mentor High School when President Barack Obama visited in 2012.
With so much tradition behind them, the FCMB entered this year’s state finals with a proud legacy and a commitment to excellence—and left it all on the field.
Reflections from the Season
This year’s marching band season was filled with hard work, dedication, and unforgettable moments. From early morning rehearsals to late-night performances, the band gave their all both on and off the field. To reflect on the journey, a few members shared their thoughts about how the season went, what they learned, and their favorite memories.
Cardinal Nation: How would you describe this year’s marching band season overall?
Student 1: This year’s marching band season was really memorable and full of growth. We faced challenges early on, but everyone worked hard to improve and come together as a team. By the end of the season, you could really see how much stronger and more confident we’d become both musically and visually.
Student 2: This season felt like a journey—we started as a group of individuals and ended as a family. Every performance was a reminder of how much passion and dedication we share.
Student 3: It was challenging but rewarding. There were long rehearsals and tough days, but seeing our hard work pay off made it worth it.
Cardinal Nation: Did you feel the band improved throughout the season? How so?
Student 2: Definitely. At the beginning, our timing and marching weren’t always in sync, but as the weeks went on, our sound became cleaner and our formations solid. Everyone got better at listening to each other and adjusting as a group, which made our performances more polished and powerful.
Student 4: Yes, in every way. Our music grew more expressive, our marching more unified, and our energy more confident. You could see the pride in everyone’s faces by the final show.
Student 5: Absolutely. We got tighter musically, our drill looked cleaner, and everyone became more disciplined about showing up and putting in effort.
Cardinal Nation: How did your section grow this season?
Student 3: Our section grew a lot in both skill and teamwork. We learned to communicate better, help each other during rehearsals, and push one another to do our best. By the end of the season, we were more confident and connected, which showed in how well we played together.
Student 4: We learned what it means to trust each other. Mistakes don’t define us—it’s how we supported one another. By the end, it wasn’t just about playing notes; it was about creating moments together.
Student 6: We got more focused and dependable. Everyone started taking ownership of their part, and that made rehearsals way smoother.
Cardinal Nation: What improvements do you hope to see next season?
Student 1: Next season, I’d like to see us start strong right from band camp—focusing on fundamentals and consistency early on. I also hope we can improve our endurance so we can keep our energy up throughout every performance.
Student 6: I hope we keep that same drive but focus even more on connecting emotionally with our audience. I want every show to tell a story people remember.
Student 7: I’d like to see stronger communication between sections and maybe some new leadership opportunities for younger members.
Cardinal Nation: What was your favorite memory from this season?
Student 3: My favorite memory was our final performance of the season. You could feel all the hard work and emotion come together, and seeing the crowd’s reaction was amazing. It was one of those moments where you realize how much being part of the band really means.
Student 7: My favorite memory is when we all had to be at school at 3 in the morning. Though it was really early, I felt that our whole group had a lot of fun.
Student 8: Probably the first competition where everything finally came together. The excitement and pride afterward made all the hard work feel worth it.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 season comes to a close, the Fighting Cardinal Marching Band leaves behind another chapter of excellence, teamwork, and pride. From the first note of summer rehearsals to the final chord at state finals, every moment reflected the band’s dedication to growth and artistry.
With eyes already on next season, one thing is certain—the rhythm of Cardinal pride will continue to echo across the field for years to come.
