From its recorded November 7 performance in the v-USBands Grand Finale event, the Newtown Marching Band & Guard learned this week it had placed first in its division.

The news came the week after the Newtown Marching Band & Guard earned bronze in the recent v-USBands National Championships in its division.

The v-USBands Grand Finale online event featured performances from 69 ensembles from across the United States. The competition is organized into three performance categories: Concert or Visual Ensemble/Standstill/Pep Band, Creative Class, and Marching Ensemble/Band. NHS Marching Band & Guard competes in the Marching Ensemble/Band category, where this year there were 47 teams in four divisions, defined by size of the ensemble. The groups are scored in music, visual, and overall effect. With an overall score of 96.83, its highest of the season, the NHS Marching Band & Guard earned a first place finish in their division.

Chris Tomsa, the music judge commented, “Outstanding style, attention to style and idiom that frankly I just don’t hear very often, at times it was stunning.” Tomsa said the following about saxophone soloist Matthew Calorossi: “Just wonderful stylistic interpretation of soloist, wow, really well done.”

Marc Craft, the overall effect judge, commented, “Really well done, the music excellence that came across really generated great musical effect, the color guard supported all the musical events that occurred on the field, visual design and effect was excellent, the percussion played really well, great groove and great feel, the performers really achieved effects wanted, great communication, emotion and engagement... Loved that superimposing (drum major) pose at the end... Congratulations Newtown, you are incredible!”