Wes Lowe

Director of Instrumental Arts – The King’s Academy
Biography

As a passionate music educator and Director of Instrumental Arts at The King’s Academy, Wes Lowe’s motto is simple yet powerful: “Unmatched Experiences.” His mission is to create musical opportunities that go beyond the notes on the page, giving students a deeper appreciation for jazz while equipping them to become both exceptional musicians and inspiring leaders.

Since joining The King’s Academy in 2016, Mr. Lowe has transformed the program into one of the most dynamic and innovative in the nation. Through bold vision and strategic planning, he has doubled the size of the program, revitalized the Jazz Ensemble into the school’s flagship group, and built a reputation for performances that leave lasting impressions on audiences.

His students regularly share the stage with world-class artists such as Wayne Bergeron, Wycliffe Gordon, Wendy Moten, Jeremy Jordan, and Nestor Torres—collaborations that define what “unmatched experiences” look like in action. Through the annual Night of Jazz Concert Series and professionally captured recordings, students not only perform but also gain firsthand insight into the artistry, discipline, and legacy of jazz at the highest level.

Mr. Lowe also coordinates unmatched masterclass opportunities with jazz icons including Arturo Sandoval, Ron Carter, Harry Connick Jr., Michael Feinstein, and Kirk Whalum. These intimate learning sessions allow students to interact directly with legendary performers, gaining inspiration and practical knowledge that shapes their artistry in profound and lasting ways.

A champion of innovation in student jazz education, Mr. Lowe has commissioned more new works in the past three years than any other program in the country, partnering with composers such as Mark Taylor, Scott Ragsdale, Michele Fernandez, Michael Mossman, and Rick Hirsch to expand the repertoire for student ensembles worldwide. His vision is to create literature that is both musically rich and pedagogically accessible, giving students of all levels the opportunity to engage with authentic jazz. Preeminent arranger Mark Taylor affirmed, “I’ve been in this business for 50 years, but listening to The King’s Academy Jazz Ensemble play my charts is truly inspiring… it’s not normal what they are doing as a high school.”

Mr. Lowe’s ensembles have earned national acclaim, including a historic sold-out performance at New York City’s legendary 54 Below Supper Club, hailed by BroadwayWorld as “spectacular, awe-inspiring, and sensational.”

In an effort to prepare and equip his students beyond high school, Mr. Lowe works closely with college professors such as Jeff Rupert from the University of Central Florida and Bethany Robinson from Purdue University. Bethany shared, “Wes Lowe is a music educator who leads with vision, inspires through service, and develops the next generation of leaders through the power of music.”

Another of Mr. Lowe’s key partnerships is with The Society for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook, where he serves as the Young Artist Program Director. Working alongside this nonprofit organization, he mentors and develops the next generation of jazz musicians by providing unique opportunities to professionally record their renditions of jazz standards. These recordings are then broadcast on local jazz radio stations and featured nationally on PBS through Dick Robinson’s Music by the Sea, giving young artists a platform to share their voices and carry forward the legacy of America’s greatest music.

His dedication has been recognized nationally with honors such as Yamaha’s “40 Under 40” Music Educators, Jazz Journalists Association’s Jazz Hero Award, Palm Beach Symphony’s Instrumental Music Teacher of the Year, and a quarterfinalist for the Grammy Music Educator Award.

At the heart of it all, Mr. Lowe believes music is a vehicle for transformation. By creating unmatched experiences, he inspires students to not only master their craft but to embrace jazz as a lifelong passion and a force for positive impact in their communities.

“Wes Lowe makes dreams come true.” – Mike McGann, Legends 100.3 Radio Host

2026-2027 Young Artist Vocalist Award Recipient

Gabriella Raines

Biography

Gabriella Raines is a vocalist, saxophonist, and pianist from West Palm Beach, Florida, whose versatility and artistry have quickly established her as one of the rising young performers at The King’s Academy. A junior and distinguished member of The King’s Academy’s Smith Family Conservatory of the Arts, Gabriella is on track to earn the Conservatory’s prestigious Distinction in Instrumental Arts.

As the lead alto saxophonist of The King’s Academy Jazz Ensemble, Gabriella has built an extraordinary performance résumé at a remarkably young age. She performed at the White House in 2025 as part of the annual Christmas Celebration and has performed at New York City’s legendary 54 Below Supper Club in both 2024 and 2025, including the venue’s first-ever high school jazz band concert. She has shared the stage with world-class artists including Wycliffe Gordon, Wendy Moten, Nestor Torres, Nicole Henry, and Peter Cincotti, while participating in masterclasses with legendary musicians and educators including Arturo Sandoval, Michael Feinstein, Kirk Whalum, and acclaimed arranger Mark Taylor. She has also collaborated with internationally renowned saxophonist Kenny G on a recording of You Raise Me Up.

Gabriella has also established herself as a versatile orchestral musician. As a member of The King’s Academy Symphony Orchestra, she has served as 1st Chair Alto Saxophone in major productions including The Best of Broadway (2024 and 2025) and Night at the Movies (2023 and 2026). She has additionally performed at home football games and special events for the Miami Marlins and Miami Heat.

Over the past year, Gabriella has emerged as a captivating vocalist, delivering show-stopping performances with both The King’s Academy Jazz Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra. Her breakout performance came with a stunning rendition of Skyfall, during which she simultaneously sang and accompanied herself on piano with the Symphony Orchestra, showcasing the remarkable combination of musicianship, confidence, and versatility that has become a defining part of her artistry.

Gabriella has channeled her growing passion for singing into The Palm Beach Duo, a group she founded with trumpeter William Smith. Together, they perform timeless classics throughout Florida at high-end restaurants, private clubs, charitable events, outdoor concerts, and weddings. The duo has quickly developed a following throughout the South Florida community.

Looking ahead, Gabriella will be featured as a vocalist in the halftime production Born to Be Wild at a Miami Heat game and will collaborate with Dove-nominated artist Tasha Layton for The King’s Academy Jazz Ensemble’s Night of Jazz Christmas.

Dedicated, disciplined, and deeply passionate about music, Gabriella continues to expand her abilities as a vocalist, instrumentalist, and collaborator. With an impressive résumé already taking shape and an unmistakable drive to pursue excellence, she is preparing for an exciting future in music and performance.

2026-2027 Young Artist Instrumentalist Award Recipient

William Smith

Biography

William Smith, Class of 2028, is a trumpeter and emerging music creator from West Palm Beach, Florida, whose musicianship has already taken him to some of the most prestigious stages in the country. As lead trumpeter of The King’s Academy Jazz Ensemble and the school’s Symphony Orchestra, William has distinguished himself through his powerful sound, musical maturity, and versatility as a young artist.

William’s performance résumé includes appearances at Jazz at Lincoln Center, New York City’s legendary 54 Below Supper Club, and the White House for its annual Christmas Celebration. He has performed for audiences throughout Florida, Louisiana, New York, and Washington, D.C., and has shared the stage with acclaimed artists including Wendy Moten, Nestor Torres, Nicole Henry, and Peter Cincotti. His work with The King’s Academy Jazz Ensemble has also provided opportunities to participate in masterclasses with legendary musicians including Arturo Sandoval, Michael Feinstein, Kirk Whalum, and renowned arranger Mark Taylor. In 2024, William was recognized with the Future Looks Bright Award at the Palm Beach International Jazz Festival, honoring his exceptional promise as a young jazz musician.

Beyond his performances with The King’s Academy, William has established himself as an active performer throughout South Florida. He is a founding member of The Palm Beach Duo with vocalist Gabriella Raines, performing jazz and popular classics at high-end restaurants, private clubs, charitable events, weddings, and outdoor concerts. The duo has quickly developed a following across the Palm Beach community, giving William the opportunity to perform for diverse audiences in a wide range of professional settings.

William has also begun making an impact as a young jazz educator and ambassador. He recently served as a resident artist for Jazz in the Arts’ summer intensive camp in Louisiana, returning to the musical traditions that have played such an important role in his own development. Raised in a musical family with deep Louisiana roots, William grew up immersed in gospel and jazz while developing an appreciation for R&B, country, Cajun, and classical music. These influences continue to inform his approach to the trumpet and contribute to his versatility as a performer.

What distinguishes William is his desire to go beyond simply being a performer. He is increasingly exploring commercial music, arranging, recording, and production, with an interest in understanding and shaping every part of the creative process. His long-term goal is to build a career that brings together the skills of a professional performer and music creator.

Still early in his musical journey, William has already experienced opportunities that most young musicians only dream of. With a growing list of major performances, collaborations, honors, and professional experiences, he continues to develop into a versatile and compelling young artist with a clear vision for his future in music.