The Annual Grasso Band Festival

The Joseph P. Grasso Invitational returned to Newtown High School’s Blue and Gold Stadium earlier this month. The eighth annual marching band competition featured nine bands and color guards competing before an eight-judge panel.

The judging was based according to the rules and standards of the Musical Arts Conference (MAC), a nonprofit coalition of music educators.

The festival included performances by high school bands from Brookfield, Bridgeport, Danbury, Jonathon Law, Mahopac (NY), Masuk, New Milford, and Onteora (NY). Newtown High School’s Marching Band presented an exhibition performance of its program, “A Tribute to Bob Fosse.” The 2003–03 Marching Nighthawks fields 87 musicians and 18 color guard under the direction of Kurt Eckhardt, Frank LaBanca, and Robert Findley.

The festival was named in honor of the founder of the band program in the Newtown school district, Joseph Grasso. Mr Grasso taught in Newtown schools from 1960 until his retirement in 1992. His successors Jack Zamary, James Dumas, and Kurt Eckhardt continued to grow and develop the Newtown band program.

“In addition to being one of our major fundraisers, our home shows gives our kids a chance to shine on their home field and show the community the pride, commitment to excellence, and unity they share,” said Band Parent President Louann Cardodso.

Mark Ashey, who, along with his wife Elise, co-chaired the Grasso Festival, added, “It was a great venue for all student musicians and performers to ‘show their best stuff’ and receive judges’ feedback.”

The band parents are particularly grateful for the Blue & Gold Boosters who gave up their evening to cook and serve food; the Newtown High School Technology Club, who kept the microphones on, improved the sound to the stands, and taped the entire show; Newtown Parks and Recreation; and Principal Bill Manfredonia and Music Director Michelle Hiscavich for their continued support.