Dartmouth High’s percussion ensemble went on an emotional rollercoaster of its own by going face to face with the best the high school percussion scene has to offer.

The 49-member percussion ensemble closed out its competitive season with a fifth-place finish in the Winter Guard International World Championships in Ohio with 94.600 points. The three-day competition from April 20-22 had Dartmouth musicians facing off with 24 other schools across the country in the World Class division – the top division in the program.

“The World Class are the group that sets standards really high,” explained director Thomas Aungst. “We compete with the best high school percussion groups in the country.”

The percussion ensemble is no stranger to competition, appearing in the World Championships for the past 19 years, winning first place five times, and finishing three times in the top three.

This season’s performance, called “Emotional Rollercoaster,” included segments depicting a range of emotions, from happiness to anger and sadness. Performers spent months learning the routine, participating in smaller competitions, and giving performances locally.

Aungst said the strong commitment of students, parent volunteers, the Dartmouth School Music Association, and tech and creative crews all support the program, which is entirely self-funded, along with a talented group of musicians and performers.

With the season officially over, student performers enjoy a break for the next few weeks before launching into preparations for next year. Work begins even before the end of the school year.

“It’s really a year-long process,” Aungst added.