Dartmouth High School marching band and color guard reached for the stars this season and now these students have found themselves among them.

“A tradition of excellence,” is what Music Director Ian Flint called Dartmouth’s record of success, having been named national champions in their division of the USBands competition for the fourth year in a row. 

This marks the band’s 13th win, including eight titles since 2016, according to Flint, marking Dartmouth the most distinguished in USBands history. The band competes in the Open Class Division IV, which is the top classification for its size.

Facing the pressure of this decorated past, Flint said the students “stepped up.”

“Carrying on that tradition says a lot,” he added. “It doesn’t happen without a lot of hard work. It’s a thing that takes years and years to develop and the students put that time in and … it pays off in the end.”

Going against 13 other groups from across the country, Dartmouth came out on top, scoring a 97.65 and winning captions awards for best percussion, music, visuals and overall effect.

Flint recalled the nervousness among the staff and students while awaiting the award results at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. One of their toughest competitors, a school from Virginia, was also competing that day and Flint said he had a feeling Dartmouth would be going head-to-head with them.

“It was great to come out on top, especially against a great competitor like that,” he said.

This win marks the end of the bands’ fall season, but Dartmouth can still catch some performances at football games and in the community before the indoor band begins competing in March. 

Flint attributed the success of the band not only to the students and staff, but the parents and school community who have continued to support the organization. 

“It takes everything kind of coming together to make that happen,” he said.