The Newtown High School Band and Guard program is celebrating its winter season across all three of its competitive indoor ensembles. From February through early April, the Newtown Varsity Color Guard, Junior Varsity Color Guard, and Winter Percussion Ensemble competed as part of the Musical Arts Conference (MAC), achieving outstanding results and setting a high bar for future seasons.

Newtown Junior Varsity Color Guard, made up of students in grades 5-8, brought home first-place finishes at two regular-season competitions in the Scholastic Middle School Division. Their season culminated in a silver medal finish at MAC Championships on March 29. Their show, “Tale of the Trees,” was inspired by The Lorax, highlighting environmental themes through performance.

The Newtown Varsity Color Guard (grades 8-12) had an outstanding run of their own, presenting “Clue,” a dynamic and theatrical show based on the iconic board game and cult-classic film. With three regular-season victories and a first place finish at MAC Championships in the Scholastic A Division, the Varsity Guard earned their first championship title since 2022 — and only the second title on record since at least 2013.

Not to be outdone, the Newtown Winter Percussion Ensemble delivered with “The Library of Life,” a powerful show that carried them to an undefeated streak from early March through championships. The ensemble won the Scholastic PSA Division at MAC Championships, earning the top percussion score in the entire conference this season. This marks only the second championship title ever for Newtown Winter Percussion and the first since 2018.

The winter programs are led by a hard-working team of staff and educators, including: Becca Tobin, director and designer for both Varsity and JV Color Guard; John Esposito, JV Guard coach; TaylorAnne Turecheck, Percussion director; and Nick Ruel, designer and co-director for Winter Percussion. The programs are additionally supported by Liz Dandeneau, director of bands at NHS, and the Newtown Band Parent Corporation. Through the Band Parent Corporation, NHS was able to host their yearly Winter Extravaganza — a winter percussion and guard competition — this past March, which featured over 40 different groups from across the state.

These achievements speak volumes on not just the students’ dedication and talent, but also the program’s momentum. With only four seniors across all three groups, the future is bright for Newtown’s Band and Guard programs heading into preparation for their fall season.

As the program begins preparations for next year, the band and guard program is looking to welcome new students. All students grades 7-12 are welcome to join the band and guard at NHS, regardless of experience. With strong leadership, high achievements, and a talented and growing student body, Newtown’s Marching Band and Color Guard and its winter programs aim to be an exciting opportunity for young performers looking to join something.

For more information about the band, whether to join or learn about upcoming programs, performances, and community events, contact Newtown High School Band Director Liz Dandeneau at dandeneaue@newtown.k12.ct.us or email info@NHSBandGuard.com.