Dartmouth High’s Marching Band and Color Guard got in some last minute practice Thursday night ahead of their trip to the Metlife Stadium in New Jersey for the USBands National Championship.

Some marched precisely in formation in a chilly parking lot behind the High School as others practiced percussion and throwing flags as Band Director Bill Kingsland supervised.

Kingsland seemed cautiously optimistic. The band has a lot to live up to because it has won national championships for the last two years.

“The scores have been good, and we haven’t laid back any on the preparation,” Kingsland said. “We’re going last in our class which is usually a good thing so you have the last say.”

Kingsland said that because each show’s music and movements are so different, it is hard to say that the band is building on its success each year. But the training that gets them there is the same, and starts early — often in the sixth or seventh grade.

Kingsland also expressed his gratitude to the other staff who coach different sections of the band and color guard: Tom Aungst, Mike Raynor, Addison Kaeterley, and Tyler Kingsland.

“I think everybody’s well prepared,” Kingsland said. “Everything is going in the right direction.”

The band will perform at 8:45 on Saturday night.