The Musical Arts Conference (MAC) Winter Guard Championships were held at Trumbull High School on Saturday, March 30. The event marked the culmination of the Newtown Color Guard’s award-winning winter season for both winter guard teams.

Newtown Junior Varsity Winter Guard donned blue and white dresses while spinning their flags and rifles during its show “It’s Coming.” The group earned a score of 85.88 and placed first.

The Varsity Winter Guard team performed its show “Hypnosis” in their teal, silver, and black costumes around a bright red hypnotist’s couch. The group placed fourth with a score of 85.68.

Senior and color guard captain Emma Farrington, who has been involved in color guard since she was 12, shared what she has learned through the activity.

“You can always do something; you just have to practice and work hard to achieve it. That is why I love doing this activity,” said Emma. “I’ve learned so much and have become a better person because of it. I made so many new friends that I will never forget.”

Following its outstanding performance at the WGI East Power Regionals on March 23, Newtown Winter Percussion was promoted from the Scholastic Marching A division to the Scholastic Open division. The group debuted in its new class at the MAC competition in Trumbull on March 30. Newtown came in second place with a score of 90.15.

Director Ricky Grasso expressed his thoughts and encouragement after the show.

“You did what you needed to do; you made a statement in open class,” Mr Grasso said to the students. “The staff is proud of you. The judges all had positive remarks. You broke 90 your first time in a new class… I’ve always known you to be fighters, I’ve always known you to reach limits you didn’t think were possible. I’m so excited to see what we can make together during these last two weeks.”

Mr Grasso created the script and overall design of the percussion performance, “Look Up,” by thinking of ways for people to relate to the topic of loneliness and become emotionally invested in the show.

Newtown Percussion will next compete in the local MAC Percussion Championships on Saturday, April 6, at Westhill High School in Stamford. The following week, the group will travel to Dayton, Ohio, for the WGI Percussion World Championships.

For more information about winter guard and winter percussion, visit newtownbandandguard.weebly.com.