The Newtown Marching Band & Guard performed in the USBands competition on Saturday, September 21, at New Milford High School and earned first place with a score of 83.5 in the Group IV Open class.

The color guard debuted its new uniforms for the 2019 show. The black and white striped outfits with orange vests complement the theme “Life Sentence.” The ensemble also completed all three musical movements for the first time in competition. Each week, additional movements, bodywork, and details are added. The adjudicators provide feedback on music and performance, which the band uses to make improvements each week.

The marching band also performed at the Newtown Arts Festival on Sunday, September 22, playing the music from this year’s show as well as their parade music.

Next weekend, the Newtown Marching Band &Guard will compete at the US Marine Corp Invitational, to be held at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis, Md. More than 30 ensembles will be performing at this regional event.

The annual Joseph P. Grasso Marching Band and Guard Festival home show is scheduled for Saturday, October 5, at Newtown High School’s Blue & Gold Stadium, 12 Berkshire Road. The event is open to the public. Gates open at 5 pm; the show begins at 5:55 pm, and it will run approximately two and a half-hours. Tickets are $12 for adults, with lower pricing for seniors and students.

Donations for the Mega Band Family tag sale will be accepted the evening of Friday, October 18, from 6 to 9 pm, at the Newtown High School cafeteria entrance. The annual tag sale will be held on Saturday, October 19, from 9 am to 2 pm (no early birds). Contact info@nhsbandguard.com with questions or large donations pick-up requests. No mattresses or pillows accepted.

For more information about the Newtown Marching Band & Color Guard, visit newtownbandandguard.weebly.com.