Jackson High School Announces Jillian Bowe as New Band Director

(June 2, 2023 2:53 PM ET) Jackson Public Schools today announced Ms. Jillian Bowe as the new Band Director at Jackson High School starting July 1, 2023.

Bowe graduated from Michigan State University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education with a Minor in Spanish. During her time there, she was the president of the MSU Slam Poetry Club, a member of the MSU Collegiate Chapter of the National Association for Music Education, a co-founder of the MSU College of Music Student Coalition, and a resident for the MSU Running Start Educational Engagement Residency. She was involved with the MSU concert band, symphony band, Mosaic SSAA choir, and the Spartan Marching Band.

Bowe lives in East Lansing with her partner and their four animals: two cats and two rabbits and is planning on relocating to the Jackson area in the future! She currently works as the sole private trumpet instructor and early education music teacher for the Michigan State Community Music School. Additionally since 2018 she has worked in the public school setting with various marching, jazz, and concert bands in the Lansing area.

“I am so honored and excited to join the Jackson Public Schools family as the new director of bands! Working with these amazing students and staff is a dream come true. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Joel Shaner for his dedication and contribution to the program. I am humbled to follow in his footsteps and build upon the solid foundation he has laid,” said Bowe. “I am confident that, with the support of the incredible faculty, staff, and community at Jackson High School, we will continue to achieve new heights of musical excellence. Go Vikings!”

Jeff Beal, JPS Superintendent, said, “Jackson Public Schools is thrilled to have Jillian Bowe join our Viking family. She was the clear-cut choice for JPS after an exhaustive interview process that included parents and staff, but more importantly included a classroom session working with our students where her energy and enthusiasm really set her apart. I am confident that she is going to do great things and that she will take our program forward creating wonderfully rich and diverse learning opportunities for all of our Viking musicians.”

Bowe replaces Joel Shaner as Band Director, who is retiring from JPS this month after 24 years with the district.  Shaner’s last official duty will be leading the Jackson High School Viking Marching Band in Sunday’s Rose Parade.