Thank you so much for sticking with all of us this year! I know this year has been a rough ride for all of us, but you as the great music director you are has brought us here to the end of another year.

I always looked forward for my odd period classes, because during those days I get to spend an entire morning playing music with the one and only Mr. Lowe. You gave the ensemble courage and the will to press on when we are struggling the most, and you always choose the coolest pieces for us to play (I loved Shostakovich fr)

You’re also the best comedian in this entire school, and I strive to improv jokes like you do.

Most importantly, I’m glad that I can view you as my mentor for things other than music related topics. You are one of the more approachable people on campus, and you would always listen and consider the things people are concerned about.

Overall, me and the entirety of the music program truly appreciates the wonderful and considerate band director you truly are. Thank you for the effort you have put in for our music program, and I hope that you can crack us up with some more fun stories and jokes next year!

Sincerely, Kai (Kyle) Nie.

The student that went "from Lowe to Lowe"(Direct quotations from Mr. Lowe, August of 2023).

-Emery Ankney

Having to lose 2 directors in 1 year has made a huge impact on all of us, however, you, Mr. Lowe, guided us out through the misfortune along with Ms. M and Mr. Nelson. You loaded a significant amount of work that was previously distributed among a few other individuals when you started right away, we greatly appreciate your effort and contribution to our school and our program. Your contribution has made us successful this year.

It was a pleasure to be in 3 of your bands and we have significantly progressed and improved throughout the year. Your encouragement has motivated us to continuously progress.

Lastly, I would like to share a quote from our old director for our amazing musicians to keep advancing their musicianship.

Work hard and play harder --- Matt Distante

Ari Song

Thank you for all the hard work you do and for always supporting the color guard! Although this is your first year, you have done a fantastic job directing the many instrumental programs Uni has. Thank you for everything!

This year was my first “real” year in jazz band, and you did so much to make a good first impression of it on me. Jazz band has been a really great experience, and I’ve got to known so many amazing people- all due to the wonderful class environment you create for us. You have a great ear which helps shape our band’s sound musically, and make us feel confident that we have the tools to achieve our best sound. Most of all, I’m extremely appreciative of how encouraging you are when people take on tasks they’re unsure of, helping them improve and grow in a safe, nonjudgmental environment.

I was also surprised to discover how you made Concert Orchestra entertaining as well. Of course, no offense to the other students in the ensemble; bluntly stated, prior to this year, I had had poor experiences with a Concert Orchestra at my middle school, and had placed lower than I would’ve hoped for. However, it was to my pleasant shock when your hard work went greatly towards reversing those presumptions and maintaining arguably one of, if not the most important principle of music- to have fun. To cite an obvious example, despite its apparent difficulty, I greatly appreciated the extra challenge of The Red Pony. Admittedly, when we first sightread it, even I was dismayed at the thought of running it- however, while some of my peers may not share this sentiment, I can tell you that many of them would agree that it was, overall, a very fun and rewarding experience. Although there were definitely some problem spots which undoubtedly made all of us a little bit anxious, they were dynamic and exciting to tackle, and ultimately were monumental in contributing towards our individual skill level. That being said, that doesn’t mean the 5/4 passage won’t live in my brain for the rest of my mortal lifespan.

Thank you so much for everything you’ve done! It must’ve been incredibly difficult to manage as a first-year teacher, but you pulled it off brilliantly! Definitely much better than I’ve managed in my first year at Uni. I’m so excited for next year and the things I’ll achieve musically throughout my time at Uni!

Thank you for everything you have done for our program this year! I hope you have had as much fun as I have this year!

Naomi Gesk

While experiencing three different years of orchestra under different orchestra directors these past years, I am very grateful our orchestra program is currently under your direction. I believe your passion and dedication for orchestra is what made our instrumental music program so successful this year. Although Uni's academically competitive environment, which I am currently struggling with right now including mental health and burn out, is probably something new, I still wanted to let you know that we appreciate your dedication so much. I really like how you lead class, do seatings, encourage us, and help us reflect on our recordings. Thank you for being an amazing teacher!

- Ally Kim

Thank you for this year. This year has undeniably been one of my favorite years in the uni band program and that's because you are here. I know that it's your first year here and there's still a lot of patches you might be going through but from what I've seen, you've been an amazing teacher and mentor.

This year I have 3 music courses and you are my teacher for all of them and I can say proudly that I'm glad to see you in every single one of those periods. Thank you for all the hard work that you do every single day whether its blatant or in the background.

This year I have definitely built the strongest bonds with my band directors and although it took a long time I'm glad I finally got to connect with my favorite teachers with my favorite classes.

I hope you are doing well and feeling well and I'm wishing you the best of luck for your future endeavors and wishing jazz, guitar studio, and wind ensemble great succession for the rest of the year and all upcoming years for you with you as one of our uni band directors.

The humor you bring everyday and great vibes and energy have me looking forward to every class and again I want to thank you for such a great year.

Best wishes,

Sean Doan

Thank you for doing what you do for our music program at Uni. Your passion for music is outstanding, and I am thankful for the support shown to us at CASMEC and SCSBOA. Ending the first year, I hope to create many more great memories in music in the future!

Thank you so much for being our orchestra director this year! We all appreciate your efforts in furthering our music program this year as well as your support for us!

Jenny Nguyen

Thank you for everything you have done for the marching band program and the Instrumental Music Program. Although I’m not in your classes, I really appreciate your dedication as a new band director at our school!

Thanks,

Makayla

Our orchestra in the past few years was constantly shifting with the switches in conductors and such challenges. Your arrival brought a new life to the program, with your jokes, funny stories, and enthusiasm when conducting. I am grateful for the challenging repertoire you chose for us, which encouraged many of us to practice and "feel" the music more. Shostakovich was a piece I grew too love.

Though I am a senior, I am sure that the future years of orchestra are in good hands. I truly am thankful for your enthusiasm and style, and hope this note can at least repay a bit of the work you have put in.

Kind regards,

Om

Thank you so much for all you do for the instrumental music program at Uni. After all the orchestra changes over the years, I really appreciate your dedication to preserving the orchestra program. I always enjoy your class, and your jokes always make my day. I am very confident that orchestra will continue to thrive with you here, and I am again very thankful for all you’ve done this past year!

Sebastian

Sincerely Ryan Raisrohani

Thank you so much for everything you have done and continue to do for the band program—I greatly appreciate it. From the very first brass sectional you led during band camp I just knew you were going to be an excellent director, and that opinion has been confirmed time and time again. I loved leading under your direction during the marching band season. I have never enjoyed watching football as much as I did when you were at our games. And while I haven't been privileged to have you as my concert band director, I have relished the opportunities I've had to play under your baton for full symphony performances. I admired your patience during October, and appreciated the opportunity to yell "all aboard!" during Christmas at the Movies. Your support is always heartening, like when you attended the IUSD Jazz Festival. Overall you just add so much to this program and for that I am truly grateful. I know, even if I can't fully understand, that what you do is not easy. I know there must be times when us high schoolers can be more than a handful. And so again I just want to thank you from putting in the time and effort, time and time again, to give your students the best experience possible. I look forward to hearing great things about your future years at Uni.

- John McPhie

Sincerely, John

-Jaden D

I genuinely have not heard another student say anything bad about you, much less dislike you. You're loved so deeply by all your students, and even though we're only high schoolers, we're here for you.

Your dedication to your job is unmatched; from the late nights with EQC and marching band to the office hours full symphony orchestra rehearsals, you exude a passion and dedication that is contagious. Your love for band has caused me and so many others to fall even more for this band.

I hope you realize how much you're appreciated here, and congratulations on your first year here!

Hopefully we'll see you back home soon, sporting that ICONIC Mr. Lowe smolder.

Sincerely,

Jayden (your favorite trumpet player)

We are all grateful for your contributions to our band, and the time, effort, and attention you invest in our learning. Every class with you is unique, and every student is able to communicate with and understand you, further improving our ensemble. Thank you for coming to UNI and being such a great band director!

Regards,

Stanley Chow

Sincerely,

Kourosh Taymourian

Best,

Zoawan Kong

From your jokes that I get pretty much 20% of the time to your pop culture references, you always are able to make class engaging and enjoyable. Even suffering through the 5/4 section, we did it together, and you helped us achieve levels that many of us didn’t believe we could. Thank you for all that you do, and I hope you know just how much your kindness and compassion means to all of us!

Asha Highsmith

-Abby Noon

Thank you for all you have done to support our music program, especially with the slippery slope of losing two of our orchestra directors. You have brought life back to the program with your passion and enthusiasm. I appreciate the focused energy that you bring to every class, and it encourages many of us to do our very best to produce great music. I am also grateful for your support in the All-State and All-Southern programs. Although I will be graduating this year, I am confident that the music program will be in great shape in your hands.

Thank you so much for your hardwork and positivity!

- Kaylie Murillo

- Henkka Bosworth

-Hailey

I hope you’re doing well! You’ve been such a great director, you hit the metaphorical breathing dart on the bullseye if you will. This year’s been a blast, especially since you always choose the best music :). Sorry i don’t do the homework, i’m working on it. I’ll see you tomorrow, regardless of when you read this (unless it’s the weekend).

As a freshman, I couldn't have asked for a more inspiring and engaging conductor and am very grateful for that. Being a participant in Uni music program has truly encouraged me throughout my music journey thanks to your efforts and support for the community. Thank you Mr. Lowe for being an amazing conductor this year and I am looking forward to spending time creating music together in the future!

Sincerely,

Seaena Kim

I know we can be a handful at times (lol) but please don't forget how much we appreciate you here.

Thank you!

Noah Warschauer

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to you. Your dedication and passion for music have not gone unnoticed, and your leadership as a music director has been truly inspiring. Although I do not currently have you as a teacher I was lucky to experience your teaching during marching band and during the jazz switch. You always pushed us to be the best we could. I also really enjoyed your teaching style and the way you are open to any questions. Once again thank you for all that you do. We’re so lucky to have you here at Uni.

Sincerely,

Charlee Plaza

Thank you so much for all that you do for the Uni instrumental program. From color guard to orchestra, I really enjoyed having you as my teacher. Your dedication passion towards our program makes orchestra a class to look forward to every day, and your encouragements helped pull through the stressfulness of Junior year. I really appreciate everything you do for us. Thank you for being a wonderful teacher!

Sara Yu

Quinne Davis

Throughout the time I got to know you in marching band, I’ve been so thankful getting to learn from someone as understanding and thoughtful as you. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and I am grateful every day to have you as my band director.

Elise