The Newtown High School Marching Band & Guard traveled on October to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., to compete in USBand’s 2021 Yamaha Cup.

The daylong competition stretched from 9 am to 10:30 pm and is considered one of the premier competitions in the country. Under the bright lights of the Jets’ and Giants’ home field, the Nighthawks turned in an electrifying performance on Saturday of its show “Everest” to the delight of the crowd. The Nighthawks were uncontested in the Group III-Open division and scored 76.60, besting their score of 75.30 the prior week.

The Nighthawks endured heavy rain and wind on October 4 to continue preparations for the 25th annual Joseph P. Grasso Festival, the band’s home show coming up on October 16. Gates open at 5 pm and the show runs 6 to 8:45 pm. Tickets are $12 adults, $7 children. Students from Reed Intermediate and Newtown Middle School can attend for a $2 discount when they present the flyer recently e-mailed to families from the district central office.

Presently, NHS Marching Band & Guard members are selling Lyman Orchard pies through October 18 as a fundraiser. To support the Nighthawks, e-mail dawn.roman.weide@gmail.com for pie selection, pricing, and delivery details.