The Newtown High School Nighthawks Marching Band & Guard took first place in its division in dual competitions on Saturday, October 24.

First up for the Nighthawks was a day competition at Brookfield High School, where they took top honors in the categories of Best Music, Best Visual, and Best Overall Effect.

At Danbury High School’s Jamboree of Bands night event, the Nighthawks garnered awards for Best Music, Best Visual, Best Color Guard, Best Percussion, and Best Overall Effect.

USBands judges praised the NHS band for its “very mature sound,” and noted that the members are “very well trained” and “playing at a very high level.”

The Marching Band & Guard performed its show “Pharaoh’s Legacy” at both events.

Visual Performance judges cited a “nice sense of pulse and timing within your color guard” and a “nice interpretation from everybody.”

Band Director Kurt Eckhardt said that the Nighthawks are seeded number one in the upcoming New England States Championships in New Britain on Saturday, October 31.

Based upon the quality of the Marching Band & Guard’s recent performances, Mr Eckhardt said, “We may get the highest score we’ve ever gotten. We may beat some bands we’ve never beaten.”