Pat Lewis, Trombone

Bass trombonist Pat Lewis was born on November 24, 1955 in Provo, Utah and moved to Columbus one year later. At age 12, encouraged by his band director, Pat began to play the trombone, the only instrument the Lewis family had around the house. John Crumley directed Pat's high school band, introduced him to big band music, and inspired him to make music his career.

While still in high school, the talented student joined The Ohio State University Trombone Choir. After graduating from Hilliard High School in 1974, Pat continued his education at OSU. While a senior in college, Pat first played with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra as a substitute. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from OSU in 1979 with his bachelor's degree in music education and a minor in music theory. Shortly after graduation, Pat began teaching at Jackson Middle School in Grove City, where he continues to be the band director to this day. The band program at Jackson has thrived under his tutelage and, according to Jazz Arts Group Executive Director Bob Breithaupt, has become one of the model middle school band programs in the nation.

One year after he began teaching, friends introduced Pat to his future wife, Kathie, a second-grade teacher. They married two years later, in 1982. Pat attended graduate school at The Ohio State University, and received his master's degree in 1984. Two years later, he joined the Columbus Jazz Orchestra as a trombonist, which he considers to be one of his proudest musical accomplishments. His favorite moments with the orchestra have been the band's two trips to Spain and the concert with Tony Bennett.

When not teaching or performing with the CJO, Pat performs in the Broadway Series pit, the Vaud-Villities orchestra, and as a substitute with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. He is also a former member of the Brass Band of Columbus.

Pat enjoys golf, reading Tom Clancy books, and vacationing in Naples, Florida with his wife Kathie, and their two girls, Heidi and Holly.