The Newtown High School Winter Guard and Percussion hosted the 19th Annual Winter Extravaganza on Saturday, March 26.

More than 100 volunteers, over months of preparation, made the event possible. Proceeds from the Winter Extravaganza benefit the NHS Winter Percussion and Guard.

Fifteen guard ensembles kicked off the morning portion of the NHS home show, followed by eight percussion ensembles performing.

With packed spectator stands, the Newtown Junior, Junior Varsity, and Varsity teams culminated with exhibition performances, not for competition, under the direction of Bob Findley and Kurt Eckhardt. The guard program concluded with a recognition ceremony with community guests in attendance, including Superintendent of Schools Joseph V. Erardi, Jr, and NHS Principal Lorrie Rodrigue.

Three senior guard members were honored during the ceremony: Junior Coach Sarah Coleman, who competed in four winter seasons and three fall; Junior Varsity Coach Amanda Glaser, who competed in three winter and fall seasons; and Junior Coach Liz Wolf, who competed in three winter and fall seasons.

Sarah, Amanda, and Liz, thanked those who have supported the program on behalf of the whole Winter Guard.

Community members are welcome to attend the April 2 MAC Color Guard Championship show at Trumbull High School. A full schedule for the Winter Guard is available online at musicalartsconference.com.

Newtown's Winter Percussion finished in second place, with a score of 90.8, at the Winter Extravaganza out of the eight competing band ensembles.

Winter Percussion also honored seven seniors who will be graduating in June: Marie Randle, Becky Romano, Jimmy Buck, Molly Begg, Lucas LaDestro, Talyn Keoni, and Aimee Talbot.

The Winter Percussion has two more shows for the season, including one at Trumbull High School on April 2 and one at West Hills High School on April 9.

The Varsity Color Guard is also preparing for the Winter Guard International Championships in Dayton, Ohio, scheduled for April 7 to 9. At the championships the world's best guard units compete over several days, whittling down the field to the finals. Newtown's Varsity team makes the trip out to Dayton every year after fundraising.

The Varsity Color Guard also traveled to West Branch, N.J., on March 19 compete in their second Color Guard Regional Championship of the season. The New Jersey event boasted 66 different guard units from across the eastern part of the United States competing in six different classes. The team finished sixth with a score of 73.2.