The Newtown High School Marching Band & Guard scored 80.5 in a Group Two Open competition at New Milford High School on September 24, earning the first-place score and topping the group’s previous competition score.

The band will continue to add elements to its show for the next scheduled competition on October 1 at Naugatuck High School. On October 8 the band and guard will travel to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where it will compete in the Ludwig Musser Classic along with over 50 bands among several divisions.

NHS Band Parent Corporation president Dianna Pategas said, “These are 45 of the hardest working kids in Newtown, and I am so proud of them. Every week their show evolves with more precision in the music, more difficulty in the drill, and a greater degree of artistry. Over the course of a 14-week season, our students and their incredible instructors create something larger than themselves.”

The NHS Marching Band and Guard is preparing to host the annual Joseph P. Grasso Marching Band Festival on October 15. Beginning at 6 pm, 11 area bands will perform at Blue and Gold Stadium. The festival traditionally brings back several of the band and guard alumni to join the group as the members enter the home field. The evening culminates with the senior band and guard members receiving special recognition. Tickets are $12 for adults, $7 for students and seniors, and children under 5 are free.

Band Director Aaron Ovsiew said, “I am so proud of our Band and Guard students. They have been working tirelessly throughout the season to create a truly beautiful show. I see our students, as guided by our dedicated staff, pushing themselves to achieve our vision. I am excited to share the positive, hopeful, and uplifting story of “The Circles All Around Us” with the Newtown community at the Grasso Festival on the evening of October 15 at NHS. The band and guard can’t wait to see you there!”

More information on the NHS Marching Band & Guard is available on its website newtownbandandguard.weebly.com.