Eric Bowman

Why did you choose to attend WMU?

I had been studying privately with Dr. Wolfinbarger and Dr. Scott Cowan during my senior year of high school and I had learned so much from them. I continued studying with them because of their expertise and their vested interest in my development. They also inspired me a great deal with the passion they feel for what they teach. WMU also offered opportunities to participate in a wide variety of musical experiences, which helped me to become more versatile.

What do you consider to be your most important professional achievements to date?

I'm proud of the variety of freelance opportunities I've had in Miami. I was hired to play with Gloria Estefan, Miami Symphony Orchestra, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Steve Miller, John Williams, Barry Manilow, Quincy Jones, Arturo Sandoval, George Benson, and Joseph Alessi.

I'm also fortunate to have won two international competitions sponsored by the International Trombone Association, including one classical and one jazz (see below).

What is your fondest memory of your time in the trombone studio (or music program) at WMU?

My most memorable moment is improvising with Ingrid Jensen and the WMU Jazz Orchestra. It was a moment where everybody playing felt the same inspiration and played without ego. It got so heated at one point, my friend Jay knocked his ride symbol off of the stand from playing so intensely. When I was done playing, I felt like I woke up from a trance. I've never had a musical experience quite like that. I also had a ton of fun when several fellow studio members and Dr. Wolfinbarger went to the International Trombone Festival in Paris, France. The trombone studio has always been filled with positive people.

General information

Eric graduated with a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University Miami where he taught several jazz ensembles, jazz improvisation, jazz piano, and trombone. Among his many opportunities in Miami Eric has performed with the Miami Symphony, John Williams, Quincy Jones, Arturo Sandoval, George Benson, and others. 

While at Western Michigan University Eric was recognized with a number of honors. As a classical performer, his freshman year at Western Eric was one of three finalists in the International Trombone Association’s (ITA) Gilberto Gagliardi Solo Competition, held in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Several years later he was named a finalist in the ITA’s Robert Marsteller Solo Competition, held in Aarhus, Denmark.  His senior year he was named a finalist and eventual winner in the ITA's highly competitive Frank Smith Solo Competition in Paris, France. Eric was also recognized as the 1st runner up of the Yamaha Young Performing Artist Award.  As a jazz trombonist Eric was named the winner of the ITA’s Carl Fontana Jazz Trombone Competition, held in Aarhus, Denmark, and he was also a finalist in the ITA's J.J. Johnson Jazz Trombone Competition.  His final two years at Western he was selected winner of Downbeat Magazine’s Downbeat Award in the category of outstanding performance in the Undergraduate College Instrumental Jazz Soloist.