Donna Newth

Having been interested in music at an early age, I began playing the organ at age 7.  I graduated from the University of Delaware in 1980 with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Applied Organ (organ performance).  While at the University, as a senior, I was granted the copyright permission to arrange 17 Barry Manilow songs for SATB choir and various instruments.  This was the highlight of my musical career.

I became the full time organist at Peniel United Methodist Church in 1986 and later went on to become the choir director and handbell director.  The handbells offer a new challenge because I not only direct, I also ring the bells at the same time.

In 2002 I joined the First State Force Law Enforcement Band as the administrative assistant and soon began playing percussion.  In September of 2005 I moved to keyboards.  This offered another new challenge as I had been classically trained and contemporary music is a whole new realm for me.