For the first time this season, the Newtown Junior Winter Guard beat the Bethel Junior guard to bring home gold at the Saturday, March 8, Musical Arts Conference (MAC) competition at Shelton High School.

Scoring a 66.3, the fifth and sixth graders from Reed Intermediate School improved their score by more than two points from the previous competition to best Bethel by 0.2 points.

Instructor Bob Findley, along with Juniors coaches and Varsity members Nina Bonvini, Makenzie Casey and Kayleigh Granville, were all smiles after their performance of “Groovin’ Girls,” a 1960s/1970s themed show that features dance along with flag and rifle work.

“I’m just thrilled for them,” Findley said.

The Newtown High School Varsity also took home gold, improving their score two points from their last competition to earn a 75.3. 

On Saturday March 15, all three guards — Juniors, JV and Varsity — will be held at Norwalk High School. The competition starts at 1 pm and will be followed by a Winter Percussion competition that will include the NHS Winter Percussion.

Information can be obtained by visiting musicalartsconference.com.