D’Angeleau Newsome, a 2014 Belmont alumnus, recently performed in the featured drumline at the 2019 Superbowl Halftime Performance of Maroon 5’s “Girls Like You.” A percussionist and musical instructor, Newsome was selected to perform alongside Equinox Percussion, a competitive independent group hired outside of Atlanta for the recent show.
While at Belmont, Newsome studied biology with a pre-med emphasis, but he’s been a long-time musician. After a recent move to Kansas City to pursue a master’s degree in biomedical sciences, Newsome said he wasn’t sure he’d find himself performing before a crowd again – especially a crowd of 80,000+. “My goal is to attend medical school at Kansas City University in the Fall,” he said. “So I never thought I’d have the chance to keep performing. The idea of doing so at the Superbowl was a no-brainer! It’s easily the coolest, most exhilarating experience I’ve had to date.”
After getting over the sheer volume of eyes that would watch his performance both in the stadium and at home, Newsome said he was able to take a moment and reflect on the entirety of the experience. “I was able to think about the roster of instructors, peers and students through the years that have inspired me and fueled my passion for music and music education,” he said. “I am honored and humbled to have had the opportunity to represent them all on such an immense stage.”
