“Last year we had a very successful season,” said Guard Director Helen Woods. “We were the 2004 Music Arts Conference [MAC] Champions for our show, ‘Everything that has a Beginning has an End,’ set to the music of The Matrix.”

She described Varsity’s Van Helsing performance as “very dark.”

Varsity Captain Amanda Krause, a sophomore at Newtown High School, agreed.

“Our show is definitely a very intense, more mature one,” said Amanda. “It’s completely different from what most guards in the area are doing.”

Amanda and Varsity member Connie Ricciardi, a Newtown High junior, are also serving as instructors for the fifth and sixth grade Cadet division this year.

“The kids are getting there,” said Connie. “It’s been a bit challenging because a lot of them have never been to a competition before so it’s hard for them to gain a full idea of what the experience is like.”

Still, Amanda said, the Cadets are working hard and are just as dedicated as the older, more experienced JV and Varsity divisions.

“We’re looking forward to another exciting year,” said Ms Woods. “Everyone has been working really hard. There is a lot of dedication. We already came in first in our first competition [of the season] this past January 15.”

Admission for the January 29 show is $7 for adults and $5 for students/seniors. Food will be available. Fore more information, contact Newtown High School at 426-7646.