Gwinnett County Youth Wind Symphony

Mrs. Maria Hesketh

Maria Phillips Hesketh is an accomplished music educator who currently serves as Associate Director of Bands at Norcross High School in Norcross, Georgia. With a passion for teaching and a commitment to excellence, she is dedicated to helping her students develop their musical abilities and achieve their goals.

As the lead teacher for the NHS Symphonic Winds and the NHS Concert Band, Mrs. Hesketh is responsible for guiding her students through a rigorous and rewarding curriculum. In addition to her work with Norcross High School, she is an active member of the music education community in her county and district. She serves as a GCPS High School Band Lead Teacher, a conductor of the Gwinnett County Youth Wind Symphony, and the Winds and Percussion Coordinator for the Gwinnett County Youth Symphony.

Before joining the Norcross family, Mrs. Hesketh taught at Harrison High School in Kennesaw, Georgia, where she played an instrumental role in the success of the school’s music program. As Assistant Band Director, she helped the Harrison Bands achieve impressive results, including performances at the Music for All Southeastern Regional Concert Festival and the GMEA In-State Conference. As Woodwind Caption Head, Mrs. Hesketh contributed to the marching band’s achievement of the Bands of America Regional Champion title.

Mrs. Hesketh holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Kennesaw State University, where she excelled academically and musically. While at KSU, she studied flute with Christina Smith and voice with Leah Partridge, and performed with several of the university’s premier music ensembles, including the Wind Symphony, Women’s Choir, Marching Band, and Concert Band. As the first drum major for “The Marching Owls”, Mrs. Hesketh played a vital role in establishing the university’s marching band culture. She also helped colonize the Iota Psi chapter of Tau Beta Sigma as its founding Treasurer.

Mrs. Hesketh is an active member of the National Association for Music Education and the Georgia Music Educators Association. Her commitment to music education and her students is evident in everything she does, from her tireless work in the classroom to her ongoing efforts to advance the field. She currently resides in Norcross, Georgia with her husband, Daniel.

Mr. Lee Newman

Mr. Lee Newman has served as the Director of Bands at Norcross High School since 2011. His duties include directing the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Blue Devil Marching Band, Brass studies, Leadership, and teaching International Baccalaureate music classes. During his time at Norcross, Mr. Newman has continued a proud tradition of excellence. Mr. Newman’s ensembles have been invited to perform at the Georgia State Honor Bands of Distinction in 2013, 64th Annual UGA January Music Festival in 2014, the 2015, 2018, and 2020 Music for All Southeastern Regional Concert festival, the 2018 and 2020 Yamaha National Concert Festival, and the 2021 and 2022 Georgia Music Educators In- Service Conference. Mr. Newman has served in multiple leadership roles including NHS Fine Arts Department Chair, Gwinnett County High School Band Co Lead Teacher, District 13 Band Chair, and District 13 Chair. He was also named the Norcross High School Teacher of the Year for the 2019-2020 school year. In April of 2023, Mr. Newman was inducted into the Norcross High School Foundation of Excellence Hall of Fame!

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 performer, clinician, and leadership consultant.

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 (15) and Clark (9).