Outstanding And

Gifted Students

To the Editor:

We would like to take the opportunity to congratulate the Newtown High School Marching Band and Color Guard on winning the MAC Class IV Competition, Saturday, November 12, at Kennedy Stadium in Bridgeport. This group of 90 musicians and 19 color guard collectively with its talents and determination went undefeated this season. The students have added 17 trophies of pride to the showcases in the high school.

This success could not have been achieved without the guidance and talents of our music director, Kurt Eckhardt, and the visual direction of Bob Findley. Their interpretation of “Cosmic Nights,” our musical program, inspired these talented students to bring accreditation to our musical department with the collaborated help from color guard instruction by Helen Woods, Cathy Brauer, and Alyssa Belcher; percussion instruction by Hans Broecking, Steve St Georges, and Richard Lake; visual instruction by Frank LaBanca, Bob Waterhouse, and Jamie and Bart Healy.

As parents of a freshman, this was our first introduction to the high school programs and boy, we are hooked.  The Newtown High School Band Parents rock!  They are supportive of the musical arts as well as their children’s accomplishments.

We were just as impressed with the leadership and genuine guidance given by the upper classmen.  On Sunday, at our awards banquet, we were privileged to hear from the drum majors, the field captains, and the section leaders.  As they were speaking in reflection of their year, they all took the opportunity to not only thank, but encourage, the under classmen for a job well done.

We are very proud to have our daughter be a part of this outstanding group of gifted students.  We hope you encourage your child to continue their musical aspirations, at Newtown High School.

Sincerely,

Graceann and Christopher Hanulik

10 Bresson Farm Road, Sandy Hook                  November 16, 2005