John E. Newson

John Newson has served as director of University bands at Howard University since 1993. Prior to his elevation to this position he served as associate director of university bands from 1986 to 1992. He has held the conductorship of the concert, marching and pep bands.

Educated at Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA, Mr. Newson also holds a Master in Music Education Degree from Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe, LA. Under his leadership, the Howard University "Showtime" Marching Band has become a nationally respected marching band. The band has performed across the nation at NFL games and has performed in the 1990 MACY's Thanksgiving Day Parade. In 1999, the "Showtime" band performed at the Kennedy Center's Annual Music Festival and recorded its first CD under the title of "Showtime" which will be released in the early part of the spring 2000 semester.

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