Westhill Percussion Ensemble Wins Championship, Sets School Record

Information via Stamford Public Schools

STAMFORD, CT — Westhill High School’s percussion ensemble earned a victory at the Winter Guard International (WGI) Dartmouth Regional on March 8, earning the title of Percussion Scholastic A Class champions. Westhill Percussion achieved a score of 88, surpassing the competition by 4.225 points and setting a new school record.

The win marks the first time in Westhill history that its percussion ensemble has reached this level of competitive success. The achievement also propelled the team to second place in the national rankings for Scholastic A Class programs, trailing only Clinton High School in Mississippi.

This year’s performance, titled “Song of Sirens,” incorporates a blend of musical and visual elements, with students playing marimbas, quad drums, cymbals, and other instruments while executing choreographed movements. The team’s captains include seniors Richard Baer, James Palmer, and Jackeline Gallegos, along with junior Lewis Jean. The ensemble is led by a coaching team of 10, which includes Stamford Public Schools alumni Jeffrey Martinez (class of 2022) and Carmen Lopez (class of 2021).

Westhill Percussion is set to compete at the WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio, in April, where students will perform in a large arena setting against ensembles from across the country. The program is currently fundraising to help offset costs associated with the trip.

Indoor percussion combine elements of music performance, marching, and theatrical presentation. Groups are judged on musical performance, visual presentation, and overall show design. At the Dartmouth Regional, Westhill competed against schools from Rhode Island, New York, and Connecticut.

“The benefits of participating in these competitions extend far beyond simply learning to play an instrument,” said Blair Roberts, Westhill High School’s director of instrumental music, in a news release. “Students are developing valuable skills in time management, problem-solving, and teamwork that will serve them well in other aspects of their lives.”

WGI Sport of the Arts is the world’s premier organization producing indoor color guard, percussion, and winds competitions. WGI also serves as the governing body for the indoor color guard, percussion, and winds activities.

There were more than 40,000 participants at the regional level, and more than 12,000 participants at the Sport of the Arts World Championships held in April 2024.