This April, a group of 24 dedicated and talented Ponte Vedra High School students have the opportunity of a lifetime: competing on the national stage at the WGI Percussion World Championships in Dayton, Ohio, the highest level of competition for indoor percussion.
After years of excellence and steady growth, Ponte Vedra Indoor Percussion has firmly established itself as a powerhouse at the state level, earning first place at the 2025 State Championships, following third place in 2024 and second place in 2023. Now, with their sights set beyond Florida, these students are preparing to represent Ponte Vedra, and the entire community, among the best percussion ensembles in the country.
Indoor percussion is a demanding performance art that blends elite musicianship with theatrical storytelling. Performed indoors on a gym floor, ensembles use drums, keyboard and pitched percussion, and electronics, all choreographed into a fully staged production.
WGI is known as the “Sport of the Arts,” combining creativity with intense competition. Groups are judged on musical precision, rhythmic complexity, choreography, visual design and overall effect. The result is a seamless fusion of concert performance, dance and athleticism, which is executed live, without any room for error.
The students of Ponte Vedra Indoor Percussion rehearse an average of 20 hours each week during evenings and weekends on top of regular schoolwork, personal responsibilities and countless hours of individual practice at home. Their commitment reflects not only a love of music, but discipline, teamwork, leadership and resilience.
The program is completely student-funded and the national level brings additional expenses far beyond individual dues. Traveling to Dayton, Ohio, and competing at WGI Championships is a major financial undertaking. In addition to personal fees, the ensemble must raise more than $30,000 to cover the full cost of participation, including staff and instructional support, instruments and equipment, props and uniforms, transportation, lodging and meals during the multi-day competition. All of this is essential to allowing the students to perform safely, competitively and at the high standard they have worked so hard to achieve.
This journey to nationals is not possible without community support. Fundraising and donations directly impact whether these students can take the floor in Dayton and showcase their talent on the national stage. Every contribution, large or small, helps bridge the financial gap and sends a powerful message to these students: that their hard work, creativity and dedication matter.
While championships and medals are meaningful, the impact of this experience goes far beyond scores. Competing at the national level exposes students to collegiatelevel performance standards, inspires future careers in music and the arts, and creates lifelong memories and friendships.
By supporting Ponte Vedra Percussion, the community is investing in young leaders, artists and ambassadors who represent Ponte Vedra wherever they perform. Local residents can donate at https://www.gofundme.com/f/ponte-vedra-percussion-dreams-of-nationals.
