For The Band And Color Guard The Beat Goes On

By Susan Coney

The Newtown High School Marching Band and Color Guard, under the direction of band director Kurt Eckhardt, assistant marching band director Frank LaBanca, and drill instructor Bob Findley, held intensive practice sessions last week in the back parking lot of the high school.

Being a member of the marching band calls for substantial commitment on the part of the individual student. The marching band members were required to attend Band Camp last week, which was held from 8 am to noon, as well as from 6 to 9 pm daily. Practicing in the beautiful summer weather last week was a bit easier since band members were allowed to wear their comfortable, summer clothes; however marching band members are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their new uniforms, thanks to the support of the Newtown Board of Education and the band parent organization. The uniforms are scheduled to arrive in October.

According to Michelle Hiscavich, director of music for Newtown Schools, the marching band is busy getting ready for the Labor Day Parade, home football games, and the Musical Arts Conference competitions. The band will also be traveling to Baltimore in October to participate in the USSBA competition.