The Newtown High School Marching Band & Guard earned first place in its division at the USBands Competition on Saturday, September 22, at New Milford High School. The judges awarded the group first place with score of 84.025 in Group IV Open, 7.3 points higher than the second place score.

For the first time this season, the band and guard performed the full four movements of its show, “The Climb.” In prior competitions, only the first three movements were show-ready. Also debuting this week were the new flags and guard uniforms. The fitted dark jackets were removed during the last movement to reveal light-colored tops symbolizing success.

The guard, led by coach Connor Kovach, is comprised of 19 members. The team includes two seventh grade members and nine eighth grade students from Newtown Middle School. The remaining eight are in high school.

Early in the show, guard member Maddie Kistner performed a trust fall from the center staircase into the awaiting arms of band members. The NHS varsity cheerleaders taught them how to safely complete this move during band camp ahead of the 2018-19 school year.

The annual Joseph P. Grasso Marching Band Festival home show will take place on Saturday, September 29, at the Blue & Gold Stadium, 12 Berkshire Road. Competing high school bands will be from Shelton, Bethel, Danbury, Westhill, Brien McMahon High School, and New Milford. Gates will open at 5 pm. Performances will begin at 5:55 pm and will last a total of approximately three hours. Cash-only entrance fee is $12 for adults, $7 for seniors/students, and children under 5 will be admitted for free. Food, merchandise, and baked goods will be available for purchase. The public is invited to attend.

For more information about the Newtown Band and Guard and its events, visit newtownbandandguard.weebly.com.