Newtown Winter Guard and Winter Percussion members are practicing their skills in preparation for the upcoming competition season. These teams are part of the Newtown Marching Band & Guard program.

The Varsity Winter Guard, made up of 12 members in grades eight to 12, is working on its show “Hypnosis.” The ten-member Junior Varsity team, grades five to eight, is practicing its routine “It’s Coming,” depicting a conflict between good and evil. Both groups are under the direction of Color Guard Program Director Grace McKinley. Varsity and Junior Varsity guard groups will compete in the Musical Arts Conference (MAC) competition at Masuk High School, Monroe, on January 26.

The Newtown Winter Extravaganza, featuring 19 visiting color guard units from 14 schools, will be held on Saturday, February 2, at NHS, 12 Berkshire Road. Gates open at 4 pm, and the event will begin at 4:55 pm. Newtown Winter Percussion will perform in exhibition following the color guard competition. Food, baked goods, candy, and air-grams will be available for purchase. Tickets will be $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $8 for children under age 10. Proceeds support these musical, artistic, and athletic programs for Newtown students.

Newtown Winter Percussion is also training for its winter competitions. Led by Winter Percussion/Winter Programs Director Ricky Grasso, this 27-member group consists of bass, tenor, and snare drummers as well as cymbal players on the floor (called the battery), and members of the front ensemble who play synthesizer and mallet and auxiliary instruments. Winter Percussion is a dynamic blend of percussion and dance that is judged for its musical ability, precision, and performance. The 2019 show is called “Look Up.”

Having won the MAC Percussion Championship in its division in 2018, Newtown Percussion will be attending the WGI World Championship Competition in Dayton, Ohio, in April 2019. The ensemble will be holding various fundraising activities throughout the next few months to help offset travel expenses. Visit nhsbandguard.com/donate to donate online or mail donations to NHSBPC, c/o NHSWP 2019 Dayton Fundraiser, Box 3333, Newtown, CT 06470. NHSBPC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

For more information about winter guard and winter percussion, visit newtownbandandguard.weebly.com.