Grasso Marching Band Festival Set For October 8

On Saturday, October 8, the Joseph P. Grasso Invitational returns to Newtown High School’s Blue and Gold Stadium for its tenth annual marching band competition.

Nine field bands and color guards will compete before a panel of eight judges according to the rules and standards of the Musical Arts Conference (MAC), a nonprofit coalition of music educators.

The festival features performances by high school bands from Bethel, Bridgeport Central, Brien McMahon, Masuk, Naugatuck, New Milford, Norwalk, Ramsey (N.J.), and Shelton. 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, “Cosmic Night.” 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 the band program in the Newtown school district, Joseph Grasso. He taught in Newtown from 1960 until his retirement in 1992. His successors Jack Zamary, James Dumas, and Kurt Eckhardt continued to grow and develop the Newtown band program.

The 2005-2006 Marching Nighthawks fields 90 musicians and 19 color guard, under the direction of Kurt Eckhardt, Frank LaBanca, and Bob Findley. “The Grasso Festival is a chance for marching bands from Connecticut and surrounding states to showcase their creative efforts. The kids from every program work hard to put on a show filled with pageantry, energy, and good music,” Mr Eckhardt said. “The Marching Nighthawks of Newtown High School are looking forward to performing in front of their home town,” he continued.

“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.”

Frank LaBanca added, “I am consistently impressed and inspired by our students’ dedication and hard work ethic. They strive for excellence enhanced by their positive attitude.”

“It’s going to be a fantastic show and I hope the community comes out to support all of the bands,” said festival co-chairperson Sue Aiello. “It will be an exciting evening of pageantry, music, and color,” added co-chairperson, Barbara Webb.

The gates at Newtown High School’s Blue and Gold Stadium will open at 5 pm. The cost is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. Food and refreshments will be available. For more information contact Sue Aiello at 426-1694, Barbara Webb at 426-0365, or check the MAC website at www.musicalartsconference.com.