Meet the Staff
Mr. Wes Lowe
Director of Instrumental Arts - The King’s Academy
Wes Lowe, Director of Instrumental Arts at The King’s Academy, is driven by his motto: “Unmatched Experiences.” His mission is to create opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, inspiring students not only to grow as musicians but also to develop into confident leaders who carry the lessons of jazz into every aspect of their lives.
Since 2016, Mr. Lowe’s leadership has brought national recognition to the program, including a historic sold-out performance at New York City’s legendary 54 Below Supper Club, praised by BroadwayWorld as “spectacular, awe-inspiring, and sensational.” His students regularly perform alongside jazz icons such as Wendy Moten, Wayne Bergeron, and Wycliffe Gordon, and they have benefited from masterclasses with legends including Arturo Sandoval, Ron Carter, Harry Connick Jr., and Kirk Whalum..
A champion of innovation in student jazz education, Mr. Lowe has commissioned more new works in the past three years than any other program in the country, partnering with composers such as Mark Taylor, Scott Ragsdale, Michele Fernandez, Michael Mossman, and Rick Hirsch to expand the repertoire for student ensembles worldwide. As Mark Taylor observes, “I’ve been in this business for 50 years, but listening to The King’s Academy Jazz Ensemble play my charts is truly inspiring… it’s not normal what they are doing as a high school.”
Mr. Lowe also serves as Young Artist Program Director for The Society for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook, mentoring students who record professional jazz standards later broadcast on local radio and nationally on PBS. He further strengthens his program through collaborations with the Kravis Center, Yamaha Music Corporation, and Legends Radio.
Nationally recognized as one of Yamaha’s “40 Under 40” Music Educators, Palm Beach Symphony’s Instrumental Music Teacher of the Year, and recipient of the Jazz Journalists Association’s Jazz Hero Award, Mr. Lowe continues to cultivate student leaders who pursue excellence both on stage and in life. Bethany Robinson of Purdue University calls him “a music educator who leads with vision, inspires through service, and develops the next generation of leaders through the power of music.”
In the words of Legends 100.3 host Mike McGann: “Wes Lowe makes dreams come true.”
Mr. Mickey Smith Jr.
Associate Director of Instrumental Arts - The King’s Academy
Educator, Encourager, Musician. Those are just a few of ways that some would describe Mickey Smith Jr.
Featured on CBS This Morning, The NBC Today Show, this 7-time Teacher of the Year and recipient of the 2020 GRAMMY Music Educator Award Recipient, has garnered the attention of stars such as Alicia Keys who says about Mickey to educators everywhere “We need you.” Gayle King proclaimed Mickey as “one wise man!” Mickey is an Educator-Encourager inspiring audiences everywhere with his unique motivational mixture of music and message. Mickey’s heart is teaching but his passion is helping others discover their passion. From humble beginnings as an insecure and uncertain child with few possibilities in the small forgotten community of Mossville, LA to now standing on phenomenal stages, Mickey is not only an international keynote speaker and presenter, but he also continues to serve our next generation as a full-time teacher at The King’s Academy in West Palm Beach, FL. Through his love for music, Mickey blends the roles of educator and entertainer to create a dynamic experience that entertains, educates, and elevates everyone to excellence. Mickey is dedicated to helping educators discover their sound. No matter what the challenges of life may be, he encourages others to keep on going.
Mickey is married to his college sweetheart Eugenia and together they have two children, William and Mikayla.
Find out more about Mickey's Educator-Encouragement album and podcast SEE THE SOUND and his KEEP ON GOING TOUR of keynotes & concerts at https://mickeysmithjr.com.
Paul Magersuppe
Artist in Residence / Assistant Instructor
Paul earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Florida State University. Since returning to South Florida in 1982, Mr. Magersuppe has enjoyed a musically diverse career, performing professionally on the saxophone, clarinet, and flute. Some of the performers he has worked with include Robert Goulet, Al Martino, Carol Channing, Eddie Fisher, Perry Como, George Burns, Rich Little, Bruno Mars, Aretha Franklin, Dick Johnson, Dudley Moore, Eartha Kitt, Duffy Jackson, the Temptations, the Four Tops, the Platters, the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, the Marshall Grant Orchestra, the Palm Beach County Chamber Ensemble, the Israeli Chamber Orchestra, and the Palm Beach County Woodwind Quintet. A member of the former International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE), the Music Educator’s National Conference (MENC), and the Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA), Paul had been a band director at Palm Springs Middle School for over 22 years. In addition, he has served as instructor of saxophone at Palm Beach State College and has performed with the PBSC Tuesday Night Jazz Ensemble.
Michael Rivero
Persussion Instructor
Mike Rivero's passion for drums began at an early age. Born in Cuba, Mike inherited a love for percussion and Latin music which lead to his musical career as a South Florida drummer/percussionist. He began studying music at the young age of 10 and by 15 was playing drums for the Tuesday Nite Big Band at Palm Beach State College, where he later continued his education studying drum set and concert percussion. Mike was a member of the Drum Corps International (DCI) Magic of Orlando in 1994 and has taught marching percussion all over South Florida. He consistently performs in bands and gigs across the state and is the drummer in the orchestra pit for many of TKA Theatre Company’s productions. Along with being a seasoned professional performer, Mike has also been teaching middle school and high school students for over 25 years. He is currently the percussion instructor for The Smith Family Conservatory of the Arts. Mike looks forward to the continued growth and pursuit of excellence within the Instrumental Arts Program at TKA.
Melissa Miller
Administrative Assistant
Melissa Miller became an integral member of The Smith Family Conservatory of the Arts in 2018, swiftly establishing herself as a vital asset to the team. Before her tenure at the Conservatory, Melissa enjoyed a successful career in the medical field. She and her family relocated to her husband’s hometown of Jupiter, Florida, where she embraced her newfound role in the arts community.
Melissa takes great joy in seeing her son, Mark, a member of the Class of 2025, thrive at The King’s Academy, where he is actively involved in both the Conservatory and the Theatre Company. Her husband, Josh Miller, a proud alumnus of TKA, shares in this excitement as they witness Mark’s musical and spiritual growth.
Melissa plays an essential role in the Instrumental Arts Program at The King's Academy as the Administrative Assistant. Her dedication and effort ensure that all operations within the department run smoothly and efficiently. With a keen eye for detail and exceptional organizational skills, she coordinates schedules, manages communications, and supports both students and faculty. Melissa’s proactive approach and positive demeanor create a welcoming atmosphere, fostering collaboration and enthusiasm within the program. Her contributions not only enhance the daily functioning of the department but also help nurture the artistic growth of every student involved.
“The King’s Academy Jazz Ensemble is a gift and inspiration to all who love Jazz.”
— Arturo Sandoval, Grammy-winning Jazz great