Cover Story: Dartmouth HS
Nov 4, 2009
By Angela Capton
It’s been a long journey to the top for Jeremy Ventura, who is pictured on the front cover of the 2009 Percussion Scholastic World Championships DVD. Ventura began drumming in fourth grade and has been at it ever since. The constant challenge of refining techniques and mastering demanding shows, like Dartmouth’s 2009 production, have kept his passion for the activity burning brightly.
The 2009 season was a challenging one for members of the Dartmouth High School drum line. The show’s concept and physical demand, paired with the difficult music and a focus on member performance quality, brought the members closer together. “In order to achieve this [show], we motivated each other and ourselves, maintained a positive attitude, continued to get better with every repetition we did,” Ventura reflected, “and most importantly, believed in ourselves, the staff, and the show.”
The hard work and perseverance paid off with an unforgettable Championships performance. The members felt confident and took the floor ready to give the audience an outstanding show. Ventura recalls, “There were points in the show where we couldn't hear the person next to us because the crowd was so loud. Those are the best feelings that one can get during a performance.” He went on to say that the performance was great because of the amount of energy and heart shared amongst the members. The strong bond and determination they built throughout the season was carried through to their victorious, finals performance.
After spending four years as a member of Dartmouth High School’s drum line, Ventura now attends Salve Regine University in Newport, RI where he studies Administration of Justice and International Studies. Even though Ventura has his eye set on academic achievement, he can’t stifle his love for percussion. In addition to being a staff member of two high school drum line programs and offering private lessons to local students, he plans to audition for Carolina Crown’s drum line this summer.
Ventura’s obvious passion and commitment to the activity has carried him through his percussion career and will continue to do so in his future endeavors. From the fourth grade beginner to the world class musician he has become today, Ventura has a lot to offer; his history with hard work and success can encourage his high school students to follow in his footsteps. Also, the musical community can expect great things from Ventura as he continues his percussion career in other world class ensembles. Ventura will undoubtedly call upon the lessons he learned and the joyous payoff of the 2009 Championship experience whenever he is faced with obstacles in the future.
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