Band Directors
Lee Newman
Director of Bands
Mr. Lee Newman has served as the Director of Bands at Norcross High School since 2011. His duties include directing the Wind Symphony, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Blue Devil Marching Band, and teaching International Baccalaureate music classes. During his time at Norcross, Mr. Newman has continued a proud tradition of excellence. The program has grown from 240 students to well over 350 students participating in band during his tenure. Mr. Newman’s ensembles have been invited to perform at the Georgia State Honor Bands of Distinction, 64th Annual UGA January Music Festival, the 2015 and 2018 Music for All Southeastern Regional Concert festival, and the 2018 Yamaha National Concert Festival. Mr. Newman has served in multiple leadership roles including NHS Fine Arts Department Chair, District 13 Band Chair, and District 13 Chair.
Prior to his appointment at Norcross, Mr. Newman was the Director of Bands at Elbert County Comprehensive High School in Elberton, Georgia from 2003-2011. Mr. Newman has received two degrees in music education from the University of Georgia (BMus 2001 and MMed 2003). While at UGA, Mr. Newman studied conducting with Dr. John Culvahouse and Professor Alan Crowell and trumpet with Dr. Edward Sandor. He continues to be active as a freelance performer and private lessons instructor.
His professional affiliations include the National Band Association, Georgia Music Educators Association, and the National Association for Music Education. In his free time, Mr. Newman enjoys running. He and his wife, Katie, have been married since 2003. They have two children, Charlotte (14) and Clark (9).
Email Mr. Newman.
Maria "Mimi" Phillips
Associate Director of Bands
Maria “Mimi” Phillips currently serves as Associate Director of Bands at Norcross High School in Norcross, Georgia. Prior to joining the Norcross Band Staff, Ms. Phillips taught at Harrison High School in Kennesaw, Georgia as Assistant Band Director. During her time there, the Harrison Bands performed at the Music for All Southeastern Regional Concert Festival and the GMEA In-State Conference. At Harrison, Ms. Phillips served as Woodwind Caption Head, and the marching band was named Bands of America Regional Champion.
Ms. Phillips graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. During her time at KSU, she studied flute with Christina Smith and voice with Leah Partridge. She performed with the Wind Symphony, Women’s Choir, Marching Band, and Concert Band.
While at KSU, Ms. Phillips served as the first drum major for “The Marching Owls” and helped colonize the Iota Psi chapter of Tau Beta Sigma as founding Treasurer. She student taught at Allatoona High School in Cobb County with Mrs. Cecilia Clark and Mr. Mark Gurnow.
Her professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education and Georgia Music Educators Association. Ms. Phillips currently resides in Duluth, Georgia.
Email Ms. Phillips.
Tyler Roquemore
Director of Percussion
Tyler attended Georgia Southern University where he earned a dual bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Music Performance in the Fall of 2018 under the direction and guidance of Dr. Matthew Fallin. Alongside his traditional collegiate music education, he also participated in DCI with 2 World Class Drum Corps including Spirit of Atlanta in 2014 and 2015, then Carolina Crown in 2016 as a member of the Front Ensemble. He also participated in the WGI Independent World Class ensemble Atlanta Quest from 2015-2017 as a member of the Front Ensemble.
Upon graduation from his undergraduate degrees, Tyler worked as a freelance percussion educator in Duluth, and Alpharetta, GA from 2018-2019. During this time he worked as a staff member for the Atlanta Quest front ensemble as well as serving as the front ensemble coordinator for the Atlanta Quest’s WGI Open Class group Q2. In 2019 Tyler was granted an assistantship with Georgia Southern University as a band area graduate assistant while pursuing his master’s degree in Music Technology. While there he studied recording studio techniques, sound design and synthesis techniques, mixing and mastering audio, digital audio and video manipulation, and music programming languages under the direction and guidance of Dr. John Thompson and earned his Masters in the Spring of 2021.
Upon graduation with his master’s, Tyler returned to working as a freelance percussion educator, coordinator, and sound designer while working with East Cobb Middle School, Hightower Trail Middle School, and marching band/ indoor drumline for Milton High school. On the weekends, Tyler spends most of his time working with the Atlanta Quest organization, teaching both the open class and world class groups. Currently, Tyler Lives happily in Alpharetta with his girlfriend Amberleigh and cat Leo DiCatrio. In their off time they enjoy going on walks, hiking, going on spontaneous adventures and playing with Leo for quality entertainment.
Email Mr. Roquemore.