Newtown High School bustled with activity on Saturday, February 22, when 24 color guard units, one wind ensemble, and 12 percussion groups participated in the 2020 Newtown High School Winter Extravaganza.

Color guard and percussion members, alumni, staff, parent and sibling volunteers, and school support staff arrived before 8 am to set up and rehearse for the Winter Extravaganza.

Thirty-three visiting groups from regional high schools and colleges performed at the Musical Arts Conference (MAC) event, in addition to three Newtown groups that performed in judged exhibition.

Newtown Junior Varsity Color Guard, directed by Becca Tobin, performed its show “Apollo 11” and Newtown Varsity Color Guard, coached by Allyson Klubek and Conor Kovatch, performed “Ollie Ollie Oxen Free.” Newtown Winter Percussion, directed by Ricky Grasso, made its seasonal debut of its show “bloom…”.

Seniors Moira McKinley (color guard), Daniel Fitzpatrick (tenor drums), Eric Franklin (bass drum), Annie Minor (cymbals), Ellie Minor (marimba), and Bec Remson (bass drum) were recognized at the event for their years in Newtown band and guard programs.

“Joining the percussion program was one of the best decisions I made in my life,” said Bec, summing up her experience. “I’ve made the closest bonds with the people here, and I know I will always feel at home when I come to practice.”

Distinguished guests at the event included First Selectman Dan Rosenthal, NHS Principal Dr Kimberly Longobucco, Director of Visual and Performing Arts Michelle Hiscavich, Board of Education Vice Chair Dan Delia, and BOE member Deborra Zukowski.

Volunteers worked on the event preparation for months, culminating in a big effort that began on Friday, February 21. Nearly 100 volunteers worked from early morning until late at night on the day of the event to make it run smoothly. Winter Extravaganza Chair Pia Ledina sent out a heartfelt thank you to everyone who had a hand in making the day a success.

“In the end, it comes down to this — I am grateful. Very tired, but oh so grateful to be part of this amazing Band & Guard Community,” Ms Ledina shared.

Upcoming Competitions And Fundraisers

The Newtown Varsity Color Guard and Junior Varsity Color Guard will compete in a MAC event at Bunnell High School in Stratford on February 29. Newtown Winter Percussion will be performing on February 29 as well, but at the WGI Trumbull Regional at Trumbull High School.

Both Newtown Varsity Color Guard and Newtown Winter Percussion will be competing at the WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio, this spring. Various fundraising events will be held around town over the next few weeks to support the event. The next such event will be the Varsity Winter Guard’s Family Dinner Fundraiser on Friday, February 28, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, at Fraser Woods Montessori School, 173 South Main Street. One hundred percent of the proceeds will help to offset travel costs for the color guard’s trip to Dayton. Tickets can be purchased at the door and are $12 for adults, $8 for children ages 5 to 10, under 5 years old are free, and $15 for “to-go” meals. The meal ticket includes baked ziti, meatball, salad, bread, dessert, and beverages.

In addition, any individual or business interested in making a donation toward travel expenses for either color guard or percussion can contact the NHS Band Parents Corporation via e-mail at info@nhsbandguard.com or by mail to NHSBPC, Box 3333, Newtown CT 06470.

The overall organization, Newtown High School Band & Guard, is already planning ahead and has set the date for its annual Mattress Sale fundraiser to be held at NHS on Saturday, May 30, from 9 am to 5 pm.