The Newton Marching Eagles continued their 2026 competition season with a strong performance at the Effingham Marching Hearts Invitational, earning second place in Class 3A, fourth place overall, and the Outstanding Percussion award.
The honor was especially impressive for Newton’s percussion section, which earned the highest percussion score of the entire competition.
The performance marked another step forward for the Marching Eagles, who described Saturday’s performance as their best performance of the season so far.
Newton’s 2026 production, “Redemption,” explores themes of regaining what has been lost, breaking free from bondage and making amends. The production features How Great Thou Art, the Doxology (Old One Hundredth), Franz Biebl’s Ave Maria and Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral.
The 2026 instructional staff includes Brian Ridlen, Jeffrey Finley and Kristie Finley, with Josh Milliman and Elise Wright working with the color guard, Jordan Hartigan directing percussion, and Emma Nadler, Emily Ross and Sydney Zumbahlen serving on the visual staff.
The Marching Eagles will continue preparing “Redemption” for the remainder of the competition season, including the 35th annual Newton Marching Eagles Band Classic on Oct. 24.
