Flags and scores were high as the Dartmouth High marching band took first place in the New England Scholastic Band Association fall show hosted at a full Memorial Stadium on Oct. 23.

More than 20 schools from across the state, split into five divisions, came to town on Saturday to compete in the nearly six-hour event.

Dartmouth competed against four other division teams, earning the only platinum medal of the night with a score of 96.9. The team was also given the honor of “best percussion and color guard” of the night. 

“This was a very, very good show,” junior trumpet player Cohen Walsh said.

This year’s theme was “petals and thorns” and featured music from Scheherazade, “El tango de Roxanne” from Moulin Rouge, and “Kiss From a Rose” by Seal.

Music Director Ian Flint explained the idea is to showcase the contrast between the jagged edges of thorns, along with the beauty and elegance seen with the petals  and how the two sides fit.

“The show’s an evolution on how those two things fight against each other and make something that eventually comes together,” he said.

Walsh credited the music department with working especially hard this year to create one of the more interesting shows he’s performed in during his high school career.

“It’s complex, it’s deep, it’s really good,” he said.

Sophomore color guard member Jesse Walker said he especially enjoys being able to perform in front of large crowds after last year’s virtual shows.

“It feels good to be back with friends and live out these moments again,” he said.

Flint is also grateful for the return to large crowds and constant travel with the band.

“This is more like what we do,” he said.

The band will travel to New London, Conn. on Oct. 30, followed by a trip to Reading on Oct. 31 for the US Bands New England Regional Championships.

On Nov. 6, the Indians will return to Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey for a chance to win the national championship.

“We’re back to the Meadowlands,” Flint said. “We’ve got a great group this year.”