Grasso Marching Band Festival

Set For October 4

The Joseph P. Grasso Invitational returns to Newtown High School’s Blue and Gold Stadium October 4 for its eighth annual marching band competition.

Nine field bands and color guards will compete before a panel of eight judges in accordance with the standards determined by the Musical Arts Conference (MAC), a nonprofit coalition of music educators.

The festival begins at 6 pm and features performances by high school bands from across the region, including Brookfield, New Milford, Mahopac, N.Y., and Onteora, N.Y. Guest bands compete for place and trophies.

The judges review each band’s performance in terms of musical and visual effectiveness on a 100-point scale. The Newtown High School Marching Band will present an exhibition performance of their program, “A Tribute to Bob Fosse.” As the festival host, judges will score the Newtown band, but their scores will not be included in the competition.

The festival was named in honor of the founder of Newtown schools’ band program, Joseph P. Grasso. His successors, including new director Kurt Eckhardt, continue to grow and develop the Newtown band program.

The 2003–2004 Marching Nighthawks features 87 musicians and 18 color guard under the direction of Mr Eckhardt, Frank LaBanca, and Robert Findley. “The Grasso Festival is a chance for marching bands from Connecticut and New York to showcase their creative efforts,” said Mr Eckhardt. “The Marching Nighthawks are looking forward to performing in front of their hometown. This very special group of young people has been putting in many hours of practice to make their show entertaining and competitive. Their dedication, leadership, work ethic, and team unity have been outstanding!”

Mr Eckhardt has been a band director for 25 years. After graduating from the Lawrence Conservatory of Music, he taught grades 5–12 in the Kohler and Marinette school systems of Wisconsin. As a graduate assistant, Mr Eckhardt directed the fifth Jazz Ensemble at the University of Illinois, where he earned his master’s degree in music education. In Connecticut, Mr Eckhardt was the Manchester High School band director for four years, then for 15 years at Joel Barlow High School in Redding before joining Newtown’s program last November. An active trombonist, Mr Eckhardt performs in regional jazz, orchestral, theater, and various other groups. The Newtown resident has two children, ages 10 and 14.

Frank LaBanca, assistant director, joins the marching band staff from Stamford High School. He is a new biology teacher at Newtown High School. Previously, Mr LaBanca was the head drill instructor of the UConn Marching Band and a drill instructor for Norwalk High School. “I am consistently impressed and inspired by our students’ dedication and work ethic,” said Mr LaBanca, a Newtown resident. “They strive for excellence.”

“It’s going to be a fantastic show,” agreed festival Chairperson Elise Ashey. “I hope the community comes out to support all of the bands! It will be an exciting evening of pageantry, music, and color.”

Blue and Gold Stadium gates open at 5:30 pm. Cost is $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. Food and refreshments will be available. For more information, contact Mark or Elise Ashey at 270-7869 or visit www.musicalartsconference.com.