Many Oakmont Students and Teachers know about the fall music program. With Marching Band performing at Football games, Pep Ralleys, and Competitions, it’s hard to miss! But where do they go in the winter? It’s way too cold outside to rehearse their show and you can’t march in the gym. But can you…
Winter Percussion and Guard are both fully indoor competing groups. They both start mid-November and run through April. All competitions are around New England in different schools’ gyms. This season highlights the specific sections’ skills that you would overlook during the fall season. Similar to Marching Band, The winter groups compete in NESBA competitions throughout the season.

Winter Guard is similar to the fall season except it is solely focused on the guard. They are the ones telling the story of their entire show with flag, riffle, and sabre work. This year they are doing a Wizard of Oz-themed show.

Winter percussion is also similar to the fall but it only consists of the Drumline and Front Ensemble. They get to show a more technical aspect that you wouldn’t be able to see in the fall season. This year they are doing an Edgar Allen Poe-themed show, titled “The Haunted Palace”. Here are the competition dates for both ensembles:

3/1/25 – NESBA Winter Percussion/Guard Competition – Dartmouth High School
3/8/25 – NESBA Winter Percussion/Guard Competition – Salem (MA) High School
3/15/25 – NESBA Winter Percussion/Guard Competition – Salem (NH) High School
3/22/25 – NESBA Winter Percussion/Guard Competition – New Bedford High School
3/29/25 – NESBA Winter Guard Finals – Salem (MA) High School
4/5/25 – NESBA Winter Percussion Finals – Dartmouth High School

If you are interested in seeing any of these incredible shows and more please go out and support these groups. They work incredibly hard and love the support!