While at Iowa State University, he was an active member in many performing ensembles including Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band and Percussion Ensemble. He studied conducting techniques and rehearsal strategies privately with Assistant Director of Bands Matthew Smith. As a percussion student, he performed extensively with the ISU percussion ensemble, The Des Moines Percussion Group and studied under Director of Percussion Dr. Barry Larkin.

Mr. Newhard was captain and co-captain of the Iowa State Drumline from 2001-2004 and was president of the ISU GROOVE Drumline Club from 2003-2005. As a participant in the Drum and Bugle Corps activity, Mr. Newhard performed in the Bass Drum line of both the 2003 Dubuque Colts Drum and Bugle Corps and the 2001 Chops Drum and Bugle Corps in Minnesota.  As an instructor, Mr. Newhard spent three years as Caption Head of the Colt Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps percussion program as well as instructed high school drumlines in Cedar Rapids, Humboldt, Manchester, Johnston, Des Moines, Ogden, and Minneapolis and has arranged marching percussion for schools across the midwest as a part of Thoughts In Progress staff.

Under the direction of Co-Director of Bands Mr. Thad Driskell, Mr. Newhard student taught at Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School in the fall of 2005. After student teaching he worked for Youth & Shelter Services for 18 months in various positions mentoring and educating youth about drug use and abuse in the Ames community.  Prior to teaching at Ogden he spent one year at Pekin community schools in Southeastern Iowa.

He is an active member of the Percussive Arts Society and the Iowa Bandmasters Association.