JOHN E. NEWSON, Director of the Howard University Marching and Pep Bands, in the College of Fine Arts/Office of University Choirs and Band since 1986. He was born, raised and educated in the northeast Louisiana area, and it was there where he followed his dreams to produce a successful band program.
Mr. Newson graduated from Southern University in 1969 and later returned to northeast Louisiana to serve as band director at Thomastown High School. He earned an advance degree in music education from Northeast Louisiana University.
Mr. Newson has served on the faculty at Praire View A&M; University, Albany State College and Morgan State University. He also worked in the public school systems of Louisiana and Michigan. Some of the organizations Newson is affiliated with are Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Fraternity, Tau Beta Sigma Honorary Sorority, College Band Directors National Association, ect. He held the position of Govenor of the District IX Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity in 1983-86. Mr. Newson is also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
Mr. Newson received awards and honors from the Broadcast Music Inc., Outstanding Young Men of America and city and state officials.
Newson has carried several of his bands to perform at many NFL regular scheduled games and play-off games in the NFL. His bands performed in a baseball play-off and the Thanksgiving Day Macy's Parade.
December 4, 1994, Mr. Newson presented the Howard University "Showtime" Marching Band to the west coast. The "Showtime" Marching Band participated in the first Southern Expolsion/Battle of the Bands in Oakland, California.
Under Mr. Newson's leadership, The "Showtime" Marching Band has become the best band in the land!
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