Jerbrel Bowens – Composer, Educator, and Arts Leader
Born in 1994, Jerbrel Bowens is an American composer, educator, and arts leader known for creating bold, engaging music that inspires performers and audiences alike. His work spans a wide range of genres and ensembles—from concert band and jazz ensemble to marching band, drum corps, indoor percussion, orchestra, and chamber music—serving musicians from beginning ensembles to collegiate and professional groups.
Jerbrel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with an emphasis in Composition and Percussion from Houghton University, and is a New York State certified K–12 music educator. During his time at Houghton, he studied composition with Dr. Carrie Magin and Dr. David H. Davies, percussion with Dustin Woodard and Jim Tiller, and jazz studies with Dr. Ken Crane, former trombonist for legendary ensembles led by Buddy Rich and Maynard Ferguson.
A graduate of Webster Schroeder High School in Webster, New York, Jerbrel developed his passion for music as a percussionist and composer while marching four seasons as a snare drummer and serving as section leader for the marching band and winter percussion ensemble. His deep connection to the drum corps and marching arts activity, which began in 2009, continues to shape his musical voice and educational philosophy.
Jerbrel began his instructional career with the Pioneer High School Marching Panthers, where he developed a passion for teaching and designing music for young performers. He later served as Director and Music Arranger for the Webster High School Marching Band program, leading the ensemble to the 2021 NYS Field Band Conference LS2 Grand Championship. His work with the Victor Marching Blue Devils and Victor Indoor Percussion also contributed to multiple championship titles, including the 2015 NYS Field Band Conference National Class Grand Championship and the 2016 New York State Percussion Circuit Championship.
In addition to his work in the marching arts, Jerbrel has served in public education as an elementary band and general music teacher at Renaissance Academy Charter School of the Arts in Greece, NY, and later earned tenure as a music educator at Rochester’s School of the Arts. Today, he continues to support student growth and educational excellence as an Assistant Principal at Brighton High School in Rochester, New York.
Jerbrel’s compositions and arrangements have been performed across the United States and internationally, including performances broadcast on BBC News during the Royal British Legion Remembrance Ceremony, appearances at the Outback Bowl, and premieres by ensembles throughout Europe and Asia. His music has been arranged for ensembles in Belgium, Germany, Italy, China, Japan, and Hong Kong, and his works for wind ensemble and jazz groups have been premiered by musicians at the Greatbatch School of Music at Houghton University.
His drum corps composition “Conversational Jazz” was featured on SciMax Radio, and his works continue to reach global audiences through marching bands, wind ensembles, and percussion groups. Jerbrel has written over 100 compositions spanning marching band, drum corps, wind ensemble, choir, indoor percussion, chamber ensembles, orchestra, and drumline.
Jerbrel’s music is currently published independently and through Tresóna Music, an internationally recognized music licensing and copyright organization, as well as T.U.X. People’s Music in Texas. His work has also been purchased and performed by prestigious ensembles including The United States Marine Band (“The President’s Own”).
Inspired by gospel music, jazz, and composers such as Richard Saucedo, Samuel Hazo, Leonard Bernstein, Percy Grainger, Igor Stravinsky, Maria Schneider, Robert Glasper, and Aaron Copland, Jerbrel strives to create music that is both artistically compelling and educationally meaningful.
Having composed since the age of eight, Jerbrel continues to write music that empowers performers and celebrates the joy of making music together. His mission is simple: to give ensembles the opportunity to perform music they are proud of—and to premiere something truly their own.
Born in 1994, Jerbrel Bowens is an American composer, educator, and arts leader known for creating bold, engaging music that inspires performers and audiences alike. His work spans a wide range of genres and ensembles—from concert band and jazz ensemble to marching band, drum corps, indoor percussion, orchestra, and chamber music—serving musicians from beginning ensembles to collegiate and professional groups.
Jerbrel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with an emphasis in Composition and Percussion from Houghton University, and is a New York State certified K–12 music educator. During his time at Houghton, he studied composition with Dr. Carrie Magin and Dr. David H. Davies, percussion with Dustin Woodard and Jim Tiller, and jazz studies with Dr. Ken Crane, former trombonist for legendary ensembles led by Buddy Rich and Maynard Ferguson.
A graduate of Webster Schroeder High School in Webster, New York, Jerbrel developed his passion for music as a percussionist and composer while marching four seasons as a snare drummer and serving as section leader for the marching band and winter percussion ensemble. His deep connection to the drum corps and marching arts activity, which began in 2009, continues to shape his musical voice and educational philosophy.
Jerbrel began his instructional career with the Pioneer High School Marching Panthers, where he developed a passion for teaching and designing music for young performers. He later served as Director and Music Arranger for the Webster High School Marching Band program, leading the ensemble to the 2021 NYS Field Band Conference LS2 Grand Championship. His work with the Victor Marching Blue Devils and Victor Indoor Percussion also contributed to multiple championship titles, including the 2015 NYS Field Band Conference National Class Grand Championship and the 2016 New York State Percussion Circuit Championship.
In addition to his work in the marching arts, Jerbrel has served in public education as an elementary band and general music teacher at Renaissance Academy Charter School of the Arts in Greece, NY, and later earned tenure as a music educator at Rochester’s School of the Arts. Today, he continues to support student growth and educational excellence as an Assistant Principal at Brighton High School in Rochester, New York.
Jerbrel’s compositions and arrangements have been performed across the United States and internationally, including performances broadcast on BBC News during the Royal British Legion Remembrance Ceremony, appearances at the Outback Bowl, and premieres by ensembles throughout Europe and Asia. His music has been arranged for ensembles in Belgium, Germany, Italy, China, Japan, and Hong Kong, and his works for wind ensemble and jazz groups have been premiered by musicians at the Greatbatch School of Music at Houghton University.
His drum corps composition “Conversational Jazz” was featured on SciMax Radio, and his works continue to reach global audiences through marching bands, wind ensembles, and percussion groups. Jerbrel has written over 100 compositions spanning marching band, drum corps, wind ensemble, choir, indoor percussion, chamber ensembles, orchestra, and drumline.
Jerbrel’s music is currently published independently and through Tresóna Music, an internationally recognized music licensing and copyright organization, as well as T.U.X. People’s Music in Texas. His work has also been purchased and performed by prestigious ensembles including The United States Marine Band (“The President’s Own”).
Inspired by gospel music, jazz, and composers such as Richard Saucedo, Samuel Hazo, Leonard Bernstein, Percy Grainger, Igor Stravinsky, Maria Schneider, Robert Glasper, and Aaron Copland, Jerbrel strives to create music that is both artistically compelling and educationally meaningful.
Having composed since the age of eight, Jerbrel continues to write music that empowers performers and celebrates the joy of making music together. His mission is simple: to give ensembles the opportunity to perform music they are proud of—and to premiere something truly their own.
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths." - Proverbs 3:5–6
Why Jerbrel Bowens Music? |
In today's world, we as educators have many options to choose from for our next wind ensemble, marching band, drum corps, choir, solo, Jazz, and chamber ensemble performances.
One of the things that sets Jerbrel Bowens Music apart from other composers and publishing companies is the direct service that you will receive from someone who has a passion to serve the music education and music performance community. My commitment to excellence allows for all transactions and music making opportunities to run smoothly both here on my website, and in your classroom. Me being a music educator myself, I know that some school budgets may not call for new music to be purchased and performed. Here at Jerbrel Bowens Music I am always willing to write music for ensembles or soloists who would love to premier new music but may not have the means to fully fund a commission. Let Jerbrel Bowens Music be the choice for your next performance. Thank you. Sincerely, Jerbrel M. Bowens |
Jerbrel Bowens Music Logo
JBM stands for Jerbrel Bowens Music.
The stainless steel "J" represents new, modern, and cleans designs.
The Blue "B" represents inspiration and wisdom
The Pink "M" represents the music education discipline color.
The stainless steel "J" represents new, modern, and cleans designs.
The Blue "B" represents inspiration and wisdom
The Pink "M" represents the music education discipline color.