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Uylsses S Owens Jr.
In May 2006, Ulysses “Bim” Owens
Jr. completed a Bachelors of Music degree in Jazz Studies at The
Juilliard School in New York City. His interest in percussion began at
the tender age of two when he began experimenting with the drums from
his beginnings in church. His youth and inability to read music made it
difficult to secure an instructor to enhance what had been identified as
a “natural ability.” While opportunities to study other instruments were
given, it was no doubt that the drums were and are his true love. At the
age of 8 his opportunity to receive instruction finally came, and he
studied classical percussion, and drumset. He also studied classical
piano for over 10yrs, which assisted him greatly in his reading and
comprehension of melody and harmony, which gives his playing a unique
sensitivity and musical awareness.
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Ulysses is also using this ability to
compose many different works. He was commissioned by the Washington D.C
Arts Counsel to compose the opening piece for the 24th Annual Mayoral
Arts, which will feature African percussion, jazz ensemble and dancers
on March 23rd 2009 at The Kennedy Center.
His interest and enthusiasm for the drums has never wavered and because
of this; He has received opportunities to perform with some of the
world’s finest including Wynton Marsalis, Vanessa Rubin, Audrey
McDonald, Dr.Lonnie Smith, Count Basie Jazz Orchestra, Benny Golson,
Eric Reed, Russell Malone, Mulgrew Miller, and many others.
He’s currently touring with multi Grammy nominated singer Kurt Elling;
Christian Mcbride, and Ravi Coltrane of which have been performing in
venues nationally and internationally. Through his experiences he’s
obtained endorsements from Craviotto Snare Drums, Evans Drumheads, and
Vic Firth Inc.
Joining in a partnership with these companies has enabled him to venture
into the educational arena through conducting clinics and master classes
internationally in such countries as Costa Rica, Japan, France, Turkey,
South Africa Israel, Europe, and throughout all over the U.S. teaching
all grade levels. Ulysses also is a consultant, and artist for The Jazz
Aspen Snowmass Academy in Snowmass Colorado under the direction of
Christian McBride, Joe Lang, and Jim Horowitz, in which he travels
annually and conducts clinics and concerts with this organization, where
educating students throughout the world about Jazz is the central goal.
He has served on the jazz faculty at Jacksonville University in Florida
as Artist in Residence, and The Calhoun School in New York City. Ulysses
maintains a private teaching studio in New York City, and Jacksonville
Florida, at his school, USOJazzy School of Music. Ulysses is on the
album “Dedicated To You” a live record with Kurt Elling, Ernie Watts and
Ethel string quartet for the Universal Music/Concord Jazz label that
will be released June 23rd, 2009. Ulysses is also in the process of
preparing to release his debut Cd, “It’s Time For You in fall of 2009
His vision continues to be, operating in the area of philanthropy and
combining all of his talents, furthering his vision of healing the world
with the wonderful gift of music, and education. With his humble
attitude, charisma, and vast knowledge, Ulysses will continue in great
success.
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