Band Gets Ready To Kick Off New Season

The Newtown High School Marching Band held its fourth annual mini camp all day Saturday, September 8, to prepare for the opening of their competitive season. Student musicians and color guard members began assembling on the high school parking lot at 7: 30 am.

Band Director James Dumas and his staff started camp promptly at 8 am with high energy and high expectations. In the afternoon, the band practiced on grass for the first time this season, covering the football field with their intricate formations. By 3:45 pm they were ready to show their stuff to a crowd of supportive onlookers.

“It was a great day,” Mr Dumas said. “The kids were focused and they worked hard. A lot of things came together today.”

During the midday break band members and their families enjoyed a barbecue picnic sponsored by the Band Parents Association. While the kids munched on hot dogs and sprawled under the trees, parents had a chance to meet informally. The cleanup crew consisting of band members and parents was sure to collect all bottles and cans for redemption after the picnic. The can and bottle collection drive is the band’s largest ongoing effort to raise funds throughout the year.

The marching band will perform its field show before the home crowd at half time during this Friday night’s football game. The marching band’s first official competition of the season is this Saturday at Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk.