Drumroll, please: Indoor percussion snares semifinals spot at virtual competition

This article appeared in the Dartmouth Week by Kate Robinson – editor@dartmouthweek.net – Mar 7, 2021 . To view the original article, please click here.

Dartmouth High School indoor percussion performing “The Web”

Dartmouth High School indoor percussion performance 2

Dartmouth High School’s gym — home to sports victories and defeats, and even the last town-run Covid vaccine clinics — rang out on Sunday afternoon to rolling drums and crashing cymbals.

The winter indoor percussion season is in full swing, and Dartmouth’s world-class group has already made it to the semifinals to compete against six other schools in their division from across the US.

“These kids look like professionals,” noted percussion instructor and Assistant Band Director Tom Aungst. “They’re highly motivated — that’s the most impressive thing.”

Although the band normally travels to compete before massive audiences in stadiums all over the country, this year everything is a little bit different, with tournaments held virtually.

The percussion ensemble tapes their performances to send to competitions at the national and international level in three different circuits, including one based in the Netherlands.

So far they’ve made it to the semifinals of the Winter Guard International competition.

On March 7, the kids were taping a performance of “The Web,” a spider- and technology-filled show with sparkly costumes and glimmering lights, for a US Bands competition that sees more than 500 ensembles competing across 20 states.

Show Coordinator Darcie Aungst explained the theme as a double entendre.

“I just thought it would be cool, that play on the web — it’s the interweb, and also a spider’s web. You get kind of stuck to both,” she noted. “Like getting addicted to your phones…It’s very relevant now, I think.”

Aside from the empty stands, Tom said that not much else has changed.

“Basically, we’re doing exactly what we normally would do,” he said. “Except we’re not performing in person, and we’re not going anywhere. Everything is virtual.”

Students all wear masks and maintain social distancing during practices and performances, and they seem to have adapted well to safety precautions and other Covid-related issues.

“It’s going better than I thought it would,” said the percussion instructor. “We’ve had kids in and out because of Covid, but we just kept going. Kept focused.”

“We’re getting better each week,” he added. “It’s a good group. Really talented!”

Results from the semifinal rounds are expected by April 10, when the group will learn if it has moved on to the finals.

Panera Fundraiser – March 13th

Saturday March 13th  from 4 – 8 PM

Help support Dartmouth School Music Association

Order online at panerabread.com and enter code PRFUND at checkout. You can also bring this flyer or show a digital version to the cashier when ordering at the cafe to ensure your organization gets a portion of the proceeds.

Where: 84 N Dartmouth Mall Drive, North Dartmouth, MA 02747

When: Saturday March 13th

From 4 PM – 8 PM

** NEW ** Dartmouth Logo clothing

Get your new Marching Band and Color Guard Logo clothing here! Order Now and show your DARTMOUTH spirit sporting some NEW great Logo gear!

Make checks payable to:  DSMA.
ALL ORDERS ARE DUE TO THE MUSIC BOX or VIA EMAIL TO ANDREALEE101599@GMAIL.COM BY THE END OF THE SCHOOL DAY ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4TH!!!

Click here to view the Color Guard order form. Click here to view the Marching Band order form.

Marching Band New Logo
Color Guard New Logo

DSMA Commemorative Ad Book

Now through Friday, Nov. 20, 2020!

The scholarship committee would like to celebrate the 2020 virtual fall competition season with a commemorative ad book. The book features each fall competing group and includes the ads previously purchased.

The books are $5.00 each. All proceeds go into the scholarship fund that directly supports eligible seniors continuing their education beyond high school. We are asking you to preorder your ad book. All orders are due by Friday 11/20. The books will be ready the week after Thanksgiving.

To preorder your ad bookPaying online:

  1. Use the online DSMA payment page
  2. Under the Fundraiser section, it says “Scholarship Fund-ad book”
  3. Enter the number of books and the student’s name

Paying with cash or check:

  1. Use the Google Form
  2. Fill out the form
  3. Put the payment in an envelope labeled with your child’s name and “DSMA AD BOOK”
  4. If at the high school your child can put in in the DSMA box located in the music office.  If at the middle school your child can give the payment to a band teacher