The Newtown High School Marching Band & Guard competed at the USBands National Championships at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J., on November 5.

The group competed against seven other bands in the Group 2 Open competition, which was the largest field they had competed in this season. On the unusually balmy day for nationals, the band moved onto the field close to noon to perform its show “The Circles All Around Us,” which is based on the children’s book of the same name.

It was the band and guard’s final performance of the season.

As drum major Ben Belmuth signaled the start of the performance, the musicians began playing with smooth clarity as the color guard glided across the field spinning flags and tossing rifles. Despite a technical error with sound, the team continued with its top-notch performance, completing the program with the same energy they brought to MetLife Stadium for the event.

Newtown earned a bronze medal with a score of 91.250, higher than any score the group earned this season.

Band Director Aaron Ovsiew expressed pride in the students, saying “Congratulations to all band and guard members on a successful nationals performance, beautiful show, and fantastic season. Thank you to all students, parents, staff, and volunteers for your dedication and hard work.”

Although the fall season is finished for the year, the Winter Guard season kicks off in just a few weeks. In the winter season, Newtown has varsity and junior varsity teams that will compete indoors from February to April.

Practice for the winter season begins on November 28 and 29. For students in grades five to twelve who are interested in finding out more about the Winter Guard program, there will be an information session on November 21 at NHS, 12 Berkshire Road, at 7 pm.