West Palm Beach Jazz Hero
Florida
Wes Lowe is an inspiring music educator and the Director of Instrumental Arts at The King’s Academy, where he has been a catalyst for the growth of jazz both on campus and in the community. Since joining in 2016, Wes has revitalized the entire instrumental program, with a particular focus on the Jazz Ensemble, which has grown into a nationally recognized flagship program . . . doubl[ing] in size and secur[ing] prestigious performance opportunities, including collaborations with world-class artists. . . .Lowe’s innovative use of technology, including social media, video, and audio recordings, has expanded the program’s visibility, generating thousands of online views, selling out shows and even producing a Grammy-considered album.
Wes’s partnerships with organizations like Yamaha Music Corporation and The Society for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook have provided students with exceptional experiences . . . His commitment to preserving the legacy of jazz is evident in his work with top composers, commissioning over 20 new jazz works.
. . .Whether through his visionary leadership in developing opportunities for his students like his annual Night of Jazz concerts that sell out to standing-room-only audiences or the development of current student and alumni ensembles like The Annie Matot Jazz Quintet or his groundbreaking work with the Palm Beach Symphony and other esteemed partners, Mr. Lowe’s influence is felt far beyond the classroom.
— Mickey Smith Jr.
2020 GRAMMY Music Educator Award Recipient
As one of his students, I can speak firsthand to how dedicated Mr. Lowe is to the field of jazz He gave up so much of his free time over the past couple summers and during the school year to work and manage an extracurricular student jazz quintet. He helped us by finding and/or arranging music for our group as well as securing gigs all across the state.. . at each event helping us set up and making sure everything went according to plan. He also produced a jazz album with us called Love Covers, which is out on Spotify and Apple Music. You can see pictures and videos from our website (that he helped create) of all the different performances and events that Mr. Lowe made possible for us.
Even with me being a former student of his, he still is invested in helping me succeed within the jazz performing community. And this isn’t just unique to me. He invests in all of his students no matter if they are a current student or a former student of his. He helps his students set up gigs and performance opportunities in order for them to be successful after they graduate from his program. . . His Jazz Ensemble was the first high school jazz band to ever perform at 54 Below Supper Club in New York City, and they were invited back next year because of their amazing performance and professionalism.
. . .[His studehnts] graduate with a deep appreciation of the historical significance of jazz as well as unrivaled performance opportunities all across the country . . .Mr. Lowe is deserving of recognition because he is devoting his time and energy to making jazz valued, important, and “cool” for all his students. Check out the jazz program as well as Mr. Lowe’s bio at www.tkajazz.como
— Annie Matot
. . . I met Wes when I was invited to be a guest and clinician at his school, The King’s Academy last fall by his coworker Mickey Smith, Jr, and I was really impressed while I learned about the ways Wes was building up his community through the medium of jazz.
Wes’s philosophy that music can inspire students to become dynamic leaders is evident in the work he does every day. He regularly takes his student bands to perform at retirement homes and community centers, providing opportunities for young musicians to experience the joy and emotional impact of their music on others. These concerts are opportunities for students to witness firsthand the profound connections that music can create.
Wes actively seeks out extracurricular opportunities that encourage his students to give back. . . . [he] ensures that his students understand the importance of using their talents to support and uplift others. Through his leadership, Wes has instilled a deep sense of pride and responsibility within his students—teaching them that music is not just about performance, but about making a positive impact in the world.
Wes’s commitment to both music and community is a testament to his character. He consistently fosters an environment where students are encouraged to grow as individuals and as contributors to a greater cause. He is a true champion of community-building through the arts, and it is an honor to support his nomination for the JJA Jazz Hero Award.
Bethany Robinson, 2022 JJA Jazz Hero
Director of Jazz, Purdue University
