Winter Guard Competition This Weekend

By Tanjua Damon

If you have not made plans for Saturday night and are looking for fun-filled entertainment, then the Color Guard Show at Newtown High School is the place for you.

The Newtown High School Winter Guard will be hosting the fourth annual statewide color guard competition on Saturday, January 27, beginning at 5 pm. The event is co-sponsored by the winter guard and the Newtown High School Band and Color Guard parents. The cost for the event is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors and students.

Over 12 color guards from Connecticut and neighboring states will compete during the evening. Each group performs a five to eight minute performance using a combination of choreography and flag, rifle, and/or saber drills and will be judged on their performance including visual effect and precision.

“It’s a performance of the color guard,” Ellen Hopkins, coordinator, said. “They dance to music.”

Both the varsity and junior varsity guards will perform on Saturday. Since they are the hosts of the event, they will not be eligible to win the competition, but they will receive feedback from the judges.

The varsity guard is under the direction of Kristen Andersen, Kristen Bobfindley, and Katie Hughes. They will perform to “Art After Dark.” Captains of the varsity guard are Kara Kunst and Lesley Janutolo, and co-captains are Anna Cozby and Becca Cing.

The junior varsity is under the direction of Lisa Jensen, James Dumas, and Allyson Hopkins. They will perform to “Grease.” The captains of the junior varsity are Vicky Cardoso and Aileen Kerns and the co-captains include Sarah Devellis and Sarah Robichaud.

“It’s a fun activity for these girls,” Mrs Hopkins said. “I have so much fun watching the girls.”

Everyone from the community is encouraged to attend the competition, which begins at 5 pm on Saturday, January 27, at Newtown High School.