All three divisions of Newtown Winter Guard, Juniors, Junior Varsity (JV) and Varsity, came home last Saturday night, March 28, proudly wearing championship medals.

Competing in the Southwest Conference (SWC) Championships and USBands Winter Guard/Winter Percussion Regional held at Bunnell High School in Stratford, the Newtown units all claimed first place, much to the delight of their cheering families, friends, and coaches.

The biggest upset of the event was when Newtown’s JV guard defeated Bunnell, a varsity level guard that normally competes in a higher division than Newtown during regular season Musical Arts Conference (MAC) shows. Instructor Kayleigh Granville, who is also a member of Newtown’s varsity guard, couldn’t wait to hug her charges when they exited the floor after such a strong performance.

“You did great!” Kayleigh said to the 22 guard members from Newtown Middle and High Schools.

Earlier in the day, the NHS Winter Percussion also competed at Bunnell and narrowly missed first place and being named SWC champs by less than one point. As the season winds down, percussion instructor Dave Brush predicts an exciting finish when Newtown competes on Saturday, April 4, at the MAC Winter Percussion Championships being held at Westhill High School in Stamford.

“I know these kids, and I know they are going to give it all they’ve got,” Mr Brush said.

The competition kicks off at 1 pm. Tickets are $15 adults and $10 for students and seniors.