An estimated 700 spectators gathered in the gymnasium at Newtown High School on Saturday, March 7, to cheer on ten Winter Percussion and 30 Winter Guard units at Newtown’s 18th Annual Winter Extravaganza.

Competing in its first home show, the NHS Winter Percussion unit was awarded the first place trophy in the Marching Class division with the score of 79.15.

Amid cheers from the audience the 29-member ensemble performed its “Rainforest” show with precision and enthusiasm, followed by a tribute to its four graduating seniors.

“It is just so great to see these kids grow from week to week, they are just such a terrifically dedicated group, and it’s showing in our scores,” said Director Dave Brush following the performance.

The three Newtown Winter Guard divisions closed the event in exhibition.

Twelve seniors, the largest graduating group from NHS Winter Guard Varsity, were recognized along with their parents prior to the awards ceremony, including three who had been part of Newtown Winter Guard program for the last eight years.

Sarah Braga, Courtney Datin, and guard captain Kelsea Morshuk-Allen joined Newtown Winter Guard as fifth graders in the Reed School, an achievement Director Bob Findley called fantastic.

“With most of our kids, once they join guard they don’t leave. It just gets in your blood,” Mr Findley said.

Newtown Winter Guard is next set to compete at Shelton High School on Saturday, March 14, beginning at 3 pm.