The Newtown High School Winter Percussion began its fourth music season with a competition at New Milford High School on Saturday, February 20.

This year's show is called Outbreak and features the songs "Toxic" and "Radio Active."

There are 27 student musicians in the ensemble with percussion instruments that include drums, cymbals, xylophone, marimba, and electronics. The performance blends music, choreography, costumes, and theatrics to communicate the Outbreak story. Choreography was created by NHS alumni Ricky Grasso and Jess Sideleau.

The 2016 NHS Winter Percussion group received first place in overall effect and visual effect at the competition.

Both the Winter Percussion and Winter Guard will compete at a regional competition hosted by Newtown High School, the "home show" of the season, also known as the Newtown Winter Extravaganza, on Saturday, March 26. More than 20 high school teams from Connecticut and Massachusetts will be in attendance.

The group invites the community to attend and share in the excitement at the home show on March 26 at NHS, 12 Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook.

To make the show a success, the group welcomes volunteer participation. Contact the Band Parents organization by e-mail at for more information.info@nhsbandguard.com