The Newtown High School Winter Guard and Winter Percussion groups both recently participated in competitions.More information about the NHS Band and Guard is available on its website newtownbandandguard.weebly.com.

The Winter Guard performed at Shelton High School in a Musical Arts Conference (MAC) competition on March 10. Both Varsity and Junior Varsity teams demonstrated agility and athleticism while tossing, spinning, and twirling flags, sabers, and rifles. The groups' carefully choreographed shows are performed to music, which are judged for equipment, movement, design, and general effects analysis. Judges provided show critiques in conjunction with scores, which are reviewed by respective coaches and teams. Both the Varsity and Junior Varsity meet twice weekly at Reed Intermediate School for three-hour practices, as well as on Saturdays prior to competitions. While Junior Varsity did not compete this past weekend, the Varsity team performed its show, "Stormy Weather," at the WGI Eastern Power Regional held March 17 to 18 in Bethlehem, Penn., and scored 72.95 in the preliminary event.

The Winter Percussion competed in a USBands event at East Haven High School on Saturday, March 17. It placed first in its division with a score of 85.6, overcoming the odds after an electronic equipment failure. The winter percussion group, comprised of 23 high school and four middle school students, begin its show, "Moving Forward," with original music composed by staff members Kevin Thompson and Bryson Teel. Drumline and cymbal members perform visual dance components including spins, jumps, and backbends while playing their instruments in a show fully choreographed by their director, Ricky Grasso.

All three groups have a very busy schedule on Saturday, March 24. The two guards and the Winter Percussion will compete at a USBands event at Bunnell High School in Stratford, as well as at a MAC event at Norwalk High School.