Newtown High School and many other performing bands from around New England converged on the evening of Wednesday, November 3, at Veterans Memorial Stadium in New Britain to compete in the USBands New England State Championships.

Placing second overall in their division, but placing first in Connecticut State competition, Newtown High School’s Marching Band & Guard scored 90.0 and won a Best Percussion Caption Award, thus becoming Connecticut Group 3 Open Connecticut State Champions.

The team heads to Nationals this Saturday, returning to Metlife Stadium in Rutherford, N.J., for that competition.

The NHS Marching Band & Guard captured first place in its division last year, following a virtual competition that featured performances from 69 ensembles from across the country. NHS competed in the Marching Ensemble/Band division against 46 other teams.

This year the NHS Marching Nighthawks are performing a show called Everest, which depicts the story of human struggle and explores the ambitions, desires, tribulations, and ultimately triumphs that climbers face on their way to the summit.