Tightly gripping the First Place Class V Open trophy, Newtown High School drum major Rachael Fuchs was beaming after the NHS marching band and guard’s win at Cheshire High School on Saturday, October 11.

“This is great!” the Rachael said, as she and fellow drum major Humza Hashmi congratulated the 136 musicians and guard members.

Competing against formidable rivals Southington and Wethersfield high schools, Newtown scored 83.9, besting Southington by 1.15 points and winning captions for best Guard, Music, Visual and Effect at the USBands event.

Performing in a fog that rolled in during their show, band members joked that “Mother Nature” wanted to get in on the act, adding to the haunting music of Newtown’s show, “Arachne.”

The audience’s reaction at the webs being spun at the end if the show thrilled the staff.

“They get what we’re trying to do,” said instructor Bob Findley, who hinted that Newtown has even more visual tricks in store.

Junior Becky Romano, a flute player in wind ensemble who also now plays the vibraphone, said this season has been an inspiration to her as a person and as a musician.

“This season has opened my eyes to what it possible to accomplish. Who knew I could learn a new instrument and such a challenging piece of music? I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of something so amazing,” Becky said.

Newtown’s next appearance is this Saturday, October 18, at NHS for the Annual Joseph P. Grasso Festival. They will also be competing on October 25 at the USBands New England Championships held in New Britain.