NHS Marching Band Season

Full Of Triumph And Tragedy

By Tanjua Damon

The Newtown High School Marching Band season has come to an end, but not without triumph and tragedy that added inspiration for the entire band to mark one of their best seasons ever.

With the loss of one of their own, Gregory Chion, in late October, the band found the stride and energy to continue.  The marching band was inspired to compete and win in memory of their lost friend.

On Saturday, November 18, the Newtown Marching Band finished its season placing second behind Norwalk at the Eastern Marching Band Championship at Kennedy Stadium. The band came home with two other prominent awards – Best Drum Majors in Class IV and Director of the Year.

 “I have to honestly say, despite all the tragedy, this is the best season I’ve seen here,” Director James Dumas said. “We did what we wanted to get accomplished from day one. I attribute that to the kids. We decided not to do that [throw in the towel] and push forward. That to me spoke volumes about these kids.”

The band performed to the Broadway theme, “City of Angels,” not knowing how fitting that would be half way through the season. Drum Majors Andrew Portnoy and Aly Themel, both seniors, believe Greg Chion was with them on Saturday and was part of their giving the performance of a lifetime. Greg was also a drum major in the band this season.

“It makes me feel very proud,” Andrew said. “It’s something we worked hard for all season.”

The season as a whole was successful for the Nighthawks – one to put in the record books.

“The season went very well. We had a couple ups and downs with Greg,” Andrew said. “This past performance was great. I think he would be very proud. People went on to work harder and try to work for excellence. I think it was a lot about focus and they performed what was inside them.”

Aly felt the season was went well and a lot was accomplished even though it was an emotional season for the entire band.

“It [receiving drum major award] feels great. I did it for Greg more than anything,” she said. “He was definitely with us. I feel we had a successful season. Our performance was excellent on Saturday. After Greg passed away, we really focused more.”

Even Mr Dumas knew that Andy and Aly would have to give a little extra this season.

“They had a really hard job this year,” he said. “They had to make up for not having an extra person.”

Mr Dumas said the band accomplished a great deal this season. Their final performance showed that and even more Saturday night.

“We are where we wanted to be and the growth we wanted to see. What happened on the field Saturday went beyond the expectations of the staff. It went beyond what we envisioned,” he said. “It was very fitting for them. I would think without a doubt that Danbury was our most emotional performance [on the weekend of Greg’s death]. But on Saturday, all the emotion the show was designed to do, was there.”

Mr Dumas talked about his own award for Director of the Year with characteristic modesty. The award is based on the growth of a band program throughout a season.

 “It was very rewarding for me to win Director of the Year. It was really nice,” Mr Dumas said. “I attribute it to the kids. These kids are the ones who have grown. I was very honored to get it. There are so many directors in this area that are equally deserving. I feel they [students] won it for me.”

For next season, Mr Dumas wants the marching band to make another leap forward and add to the program by possibly taking a few more road trips to other areas.

“We want to make another jump. We are looking at going more on the road, branching out,” Mr Dumas said. “The kids really enjoyed it. There were a different set of eyes and ears.”