Dr. Glen Edward Newton creates music that audiences enjoy hearing and musicians like to perform. His extensive experience with big bands, brass bands, concert bands, orchestras, trombone choirs, and other musical ensembles informs his appreciation of what makes musicians eager to play his works. His leadership of the Roseville Big Band since 1989 gives him insight to music that entertains audiences of all ages. His years as a performer on numerous instruments give him an understanding of what makes a composition playable by good amateur musicians.

Born in Big Rapids, Michigan (USA), in 1947, Dr. Glen Edward Newton is a third-generation composer. Whereas his mother and grandfather were both known for their compositions for piano and violin, Glen focuses on music for wind instruments and jazz ensembles. He began writing original works for instrumental and vocal ensembles in sixth grade. Since then, his compositions have been performed by concert bands, orchestras, vocal ensembles, jazz bands, and brass ensembles in the United States and abroad.

Glen has directed the Roseville Big Band (www.rosevillebigband.org) since 1989. His compositions for the band include the band's theme song, Dance to the Big Band Swing.

Glen plays trombones—from soprano to bass—and euphonium, piano, and timpani in the Minneapolis Trombone Choir and has contributed numerous compositions to their repertoire. He also plays trombone and cornet in traditional jazz bands and fills in on brass and percussion in local orchestras.

He plays euphonium in the Sheldon Theatre Brass Band (STBB), based in Red Wing, Minnesota. The STBB gave the premiere brass band performance of Agnus Dei and several of his other compositions, including Bur Oak Suite, The Express, and Christmas is Just 'Round the Corner . The STBB’s CD Black, White, and Blue includes Glen’s musical depiction of the folk hero John Henry as a 21st century Brass-Driving Man.

Glen is a Retired CISSP (Certified Information System Security Professional). Throughout his career he has made time for musical activities. While earning his Ph.D. in computer science, Glen found the time to sing in a barbershop chorus, writing the script for one of their shows, creating arrangements sung by the district champion barbershop quartet, and covering some of his school expenses by playing guitar in a combo.