Newtown to Host Annual Marching Band Festival

(Submitted by Robbin Allen)

Seven of the best high school marching bands from Connecticut, including Danbury and New Milford, will take to the newly refurbished football field at Newtown High School on Saturday, Sept. 24 for Newtown’s “Home Show” of the U.S. Scholastic Band Association (USSBA) Marching Band and Guard competition.

The 15th Annual Joseph P. Grasso Marching Band Festival kicks off at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.) The competition, which will start with the Star Spangled Banner, will feature the Newtown High School Marching Band & Guard’s exhibition performance of “In Sania,” selections from the Broadway musical “Jekyll and Hyde.”

Fourteen seniors and their parents will then be honored for their years with the Newtown Marching Band & Guard, under the direction of Kurt Eckhardt.

First Selectman Pat Llodra will be joined by Newtown Assistant Principal Jason Hiruo and former NHS Band Director Jack Zamary to present the trophies to Class II, III, IV, V Open and VA level participants.  Caption awards for “Best Music”, “Best Percussion”, “Best Overall Effect”, “Best Visual Performance” and “Best Color Guard” will also be presented in this Gold Star Show.

The Grasso Festival hopes to attract upwards of a thousand spectators, and is a fundraiser for Newtown's marching band and guard. Band Parents will be hard at work Saturday preparing baked goods, pulled pork, chili served in a bread bowl and macaroni and cheese, along with freshly grilled hamburgers and dogs, all available for sale at the event beginning at 5 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and Seniors. Children 5 and under are free.