Exclusive Insight: 5 Minutes with David Lown – Discover His Secrets!

Music has always been more than just a hobby for David Lown. For him, it’s a life mission. Since he joined Carroll ISD, Lown has created a respected high school jazz program, earning accolades like a GRAMMY nomination for Music Educator of the Year. His leadership has taken the Carroll Jazz Orchestra to the finals of the Essentially Ellington competition six times, a remarkable feat.

This month, Lown returns to New York, not as a performer, but as a mentor. He leads his students in their seventh appearance at Essentially Ellington, where they will perform alongside some of the best high school jazz bands in the country. Through this journey, Lown is not just teaching music; he’s shaping legacies.

Lown plays the tenor saxophone and has a passion for all wind instruments. He felt a calling to teach while directing the University of North Texas 4 O’Clock Lab Band. After living in New York City, he realized he wanted to guide young musicians. So, he and his wife moved back to Texas.

As the Carroll Jazz Director, Lown can focus on jazz and Advanced Placement Music Theory. He’s also involved with the marching band, a role he cherishes even more now that he is a Dragon Band dad.

For Lown, music education is about helping students express themselves while maintaining high standards. He believes music is essential for millions of kids. Qualifying for the Essentially Ellington finals requires diligence and hard work. Lown knows this struggle well. Although the band has had its successes, they also faced tough years without recognition.

This year, many students have experienced disappointment, missing the finalist call for two straight years. Yet, the band’s determination this time is palpable. Each small success is appreciated more profoundly after earning it through hard work.

Lown emphasizes the importance of teaching students not just the fundamentals of music, but also to embrace creativity. They invite guest artists and study legendary musicians while fostering an environment that encourages excitement and hard work. Above all, he aims to keep music feeling personal and alive.

Being part of his students’ growth during such a crucial time in their lives is incredibly fulfilling for Lown. He believes the world needs dedicated teachers more than ever—those who can build communities, shape character, and keep the arts thriving in schools.

Lown feels rich, not in material wealth, but in the joy of guiding young people through music. He sees jazz as a beautiful blend of structure and freedom, teaching discipline while celebrating individuality. In his view, jazz unlocks curiosity, humility, and empathy, impacting students well beyond the music classroom.

According to the National Endowment for the Arts, arts education fosters creativity and problem-solving skills—both critical in today’s economy. In a world where critical thinking and collaboration are in demand, music education plays a crucial role.

As David Lown continues to inspire his students, he reinforces the idea that music can unite and transform lives, creating a lasting impact far beyond the stage.

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