Performer Details
Performer Bio Synopsis
The World Jazz Studies program at Las Vegas Academy of the Arts is committed to inspiring creative minds in the field of America’s true art form, Jazz. Students undergo a rigorous and competitive audition process to be admitted into Las Vegas Academy and to be placed into the appropriate band and combo. The Jazz program has four big bands and offers elective classes in Advanced Instrumental Studies.
The LVA Music Conservatory is a 12-time recipient of the GRAMMY Signature School Award, more than any other school in the country. Recent awards received by the LVA World Jazz Studies program include 2025 DownBeat Awards for Large Ensemble and Outstanding Small Jazz Combo Performance (26-time DownBeat Award winner), and Winner of the 2025 Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival Sweepstakes Competition. They have been invited to perform at The Midwest Clinic four times, the Monterey Jazz Festival three times, and twice at the Jazz Education Network. At the Reno Jazz Festival, LVA Jazz has earned the “Best in State” distinction at every appearance.
Students in the LVA World Jazz Studies program have worked with Bob Mintzer, Joel Frahm, Louie Bellson, Randy Brecker, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Steve Davis, Peter Erskine, Jeff Hamilton, Chris Potter, Nat Reeves, Tom Scott, Marlena Shaw, the Juilliard Jazz Band, Clint Holmes, George Garzone, Jimmy Cobb, and Corey Christiansen, among others.
Las Vegas Academy of the Arts Jazz Band
Conductor's Bio
Patrick Bowen has been the Director of World Jazz Studies at Las Vegas Academy of the Arts since 2001 and Director of Percussion since 1993. Under his leadership, LVA’s jazz bands have performed at prestigious events including the Midwest Clinic, Monterey Jazz Festival, Reno Jazz Festival, Brandon Jazz Festival, Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, and the Jazz Education Network Conference. The school has received 12 Grammy Awards—an achievement unmatched by any other high school in the nation—and has earned 26 DownBeat Awards from DownBeat Magazine.
Bowen is the Principal Percussionist for the Las Vegas Philharmonic and has performed with Celine Dion, Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, Garth Brooks, Harry Connick Jr., Seth MacFarlane, Usher, Elton John, Clint Black, Sheila E., Wynonna Judd, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Don Henley, Andrea Bocelli, David Foster, and many others. A sought-after clinician and adjudicator, he has worked with jazz festivals across the U.S. and Canada, including the Con Brio Music Festival (Whistler, Canada), Hank’s Jazz Festival (El Paso, TX), Reno Jazz Festival (Reno, NV), the Utah All-State Music Festival, and the University of Louisville Jazz Festival.
He holds a B.M. in Music Performance (Cum Laude) from the Hartt School of Music, an M.M. in Music Performance from the University of Montana, and a Teaching Certificate from UNLV. His jazz mentors include Jackie McLean, Nat Reeves, Jaki Byard, and Alexander Lepak. Bowen is endorsed by Crescent Cymbals, Grover Pro Percussion, Regal Tip by Calato, and Toca Percussion.
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