Nighthawks Marching Band Ends

Competitive Season On A High Note

The late night practices every Monday and Thursday. Extra sectional, colorguard, and drumline practices. Saturday practices, brown bag dinners, and the road trips. A dedicated group of 130 students started learning the repertoire, “Jazz – Kenton Style” just three months ago.

On Saturday November 3, the music, the marching, the flags, all that practice wowed the crowd at the MAC (Musical Arts Conference) Division I, IV, and V Championships in Norwalk. Newtown placed third out of 12 bands with an impressive score of 96.0. This is the highest score achieved in finals competition in Newtown Marching Band history.

By the response of the audience, Newtown was undoubtedly the crowd favorite. The only three words on one judge’s score sheet were “Bravo Bravo! Bravo!”

“Everyone was really into it,” said trumpet player John Ehlers. “We gave it our all and we were almost perfect. It’s a very satisfying end to our competitive season.”

Norwalk High School won the Division V Championship with a score of 97.6 and Arlington High School (La Grangeville, N.Y.) scored 97.4 to take second place. Both Arlington and Norwalk have rich histories of strong marching band programs.

High School Principal Bill Manfredonia congratulated the Nighthawks Marching Band students and staff on their successful season.

“It is amazing what you have accomplished against bands that practice three and four week nights each week,” said Mr Manfredonia referring to Arlington and Norwalk.

“We’re no longer Norwalk’s shadow,” said Drum Major Sarah Adams-Shepard. “We have arrived.”

Band director James Dumas congratulated and thanked the students and staff for their hard work at the banquet held Sunday.

“Back in August I didn’t think this group could rise to the level of last year’s band who did such an excellent job with ‘City of Angels.’ But despite some tough sessions, this band surpassed every goal and challenge I put before them. We’ve had a highly successful season.”

 “These kids work so hard,” said band parent Marsha Moskowitz. “No one sits the bench. Everyone has to pull together, focus, and perform their best. And it’s great how they encourage each other. They are a real team.”

“You are among the best in the state and in the entire northeast region,” said Mr Manfredonia to the band at their banquet on Sunday. “You truly are the pride of Newtown.”

The Nighthawks Marching Band will perform “Jazz – Kenton Style” one last time during half-time at Friday night’s footballs game at the Blue and Gold Stadium.