John Newson

John E. Newson, Sr., has served as Director of University Bands at Howard University since I 993. Prior to his elevation to this position, he served as Associate Director of University Bands from 1986 to 1992. And, he has held the conductorship of the Concert, Marching, and Pep Bands. 

Originally from Rayville, Louisiana, and educated at Southern University in Baton Rouge. Louisiana. Mr. Newson holds a Master of Music Education degree from Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe, Louisiana. He taught in the public school systems of Louisiana and Detroit and previously served on the faculties of Prairie View A&M University in Texas, Albany State College in Georgia, and Morgan State University in Maryland. In addition to his many achievements as a band director, he is also an accomplished clarinetist. 

The Albany State College Marching Band awarded Mr. Newson the Appreciation of Service Award; the Outstanding Young Men of America, 1979; the Broadcast Music, Inc., 1979, for outstanding service. He has received letters of appreciation from school principals, the Alumni of Morgan State University. University Band Directors, and the Morgan State University President, to name a few. 

While director at Morgan State University, Mr. Newson was an influencer and sponsor for the chartering of the Eta Gamma Chapter. Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity and the Epsilon Omega Chapter. Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority. He subsequently was granted honorary membership in to both of those chapters. Mr. Newson also served as District IX Governor of Kappa Kappa Psi from 1983 to 1987. And, was also the Colony Installation Officer for Boston University's Theta Beta Chapter, Kappa Kappa Psi in 1984. Additionally, Mr. Newson was granted honorary membership into Howard University's Zeta Iota Chapter Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America in 1991. 

Under Mr. Newson's leadership, the Howard University "Showtime" Marching Band has become a nationally respected marching band. In addition to home and away Howard University football games and special event performances, the marching band has a travel schedule that has included performances at numerous NFL games. Some of those performances have been for the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Washington Redskins, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Baltimore Ravens, to name a few. "Showtime" has participated in numerous Classics. such as. Circle City. Orange Blossom. Gateway, Big Apple, and more. And, "Showtime" has participated in over fifteen Battle of the Bands performances, including the Honda Battle of the Bands in Atlanta, Georgia and the Battle of the Real HU in Hampton, Virginia. These performances were of such a high caliber that they have received both national and international attention resulting in invitations extended to participate in the 1990 Shrewsbury Music Festival in London, England, as well as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, the 56th Presidential Inaugural Parade for President, Barack Obama in 2009, the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial unveiling on the National Mall. In 1999. "Showtime" performed at the Kennedy Center Annual Music Festival and recorded its first CD under the title "Showtime" which was released in early Spring 2000. And the band has traveled to Bermuda on two occasions for the Bermuda Independence Day Parade and Battle of the Bands. Additionally, the (this information was not transcribable from his PDF document). 

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For over 150 years Howard University has displayed superiority in nurturing and educating the brightest professional men and women around the globe. Following the footsteps laid before them, the Howard University "Showtime" Marching Band is dedicated to developing leaders for America and the global community. 

The "Showtime" marching band has a deep and long tradition of creating both great musicians and exceptional organizational leaders. Students and alumni of "Showtime" have held leadership positions as resident assistants, state club presidents, HUSA president, homecoming coordinators, and Hilltop Newspaper staff editors. Additionally, this organization continues to support consistent individual and group development via both its Spring Band Camp for DC area high school students and the Leadership Institute for all current marching band leaders. 

Known for its stellar stereophonic sound, kaleidoscopic precision drills, and dazzling dance routines, the "Showtime" marching band is the spirit of the university. Under the leadership of the Director of Bands, John E. Newson, Sr., and Associate Director, Kelvin Washington, hard work, determination, and a diverse repertoire are the foundation for the high-stepping, innovative productions performed for students, alumni, and spectators. Annual on-campus performances include the Freshman Pining Ceremony, Midnight Madness, Homecoming Pep Rally, and Accepted Students' Day. 

Nicknamed "Showtime" by Mr. Newson in 1988 while still an Associate Director, the marching band continues to live up to its name 30 years later. Some acknowledgements and accomplished performances throughout the decades include being named one of USA Today's Top IO H BCU Marching Bands, music video performance with R&B/rap artist Lil Kim, and participating in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, the 56th Presidential Inaugural Parade for President Barack Obama, the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial unveiling on the National Mall. 

Over one hundred members strong, the "Showtime" marching band is one of the largest student organizations at Howard University. Membership in "Showtime" is not limited to music majors as it is open to all undergraduate students interested in percussion, brass and wind instruments, and auxiliary.