News
Here's what Matthew has been up to!
Playing with the US Air Force Band of the Golden West
May 13, 2022
Matthew had an amazing opportunity to be a ringer with the USAF Band of the Golden West. He even had the chance to go out to the Travis Air Force Base for rehearsals!
Orchestra Concert and Review
September 29th, 2021
Here's a picture from Matthew's performance with the SSU Symphony Orchestra! You can also read a review of the concert from Classical Sonoma as well. Matthew's debut as a soloist and first music critique!
Press Democrat Article
September 23rd, 2021
Press democrat article about Matthew's upcoming solo with the SSU Symphony Orchestra!
Medici International Music Competition
August 20, 2021
Matthew takes Honorary Mention in the 2021 Medici International Competition! Matthew had a great time competing against musicans from countries ranging from Spain, Poland, UK, and may others. Though he didn't place, he had an amazing experience and learned many valuable skills!
February 11, 2021
The winners for the Sixth-annual Concerto competition have been announced! We hope these talented musicians will be able to perform in concert with the SSU Symphony Orchestra during the 2021–22 concert season given the condition of what the season will look like.
Matthew Bowker, Ibert Saxophone Concertino
Isabella Grimes, Mozart Flute Concerto
Honorable mention: Kristina Ibarra, Berlioz, Les Nuits d'été
Międzynarodowy Konkurs Muzyczny International Competition
April 11, 2021
Matthew had an amazing opportunity to participate in the Międzynarodowy Konkurs Muzyczny International Competition. Although he did not place, he earned great feedback from the jury and learned a lot from the other participants. was established in 2018, initiated by polish young artists whose main purposes are: constant development, seeking inspiration and beauty in life and art. Goals consisting of supporting, popularising and promoting the musical culture in Poland as well as beyond its borders;
helping to build the careers of young musicians who are creative, talented and hard-working.
March 09, 2021
Matthew had the pleasure of presenting at the 2021 virtual CASMEC with his peers. Here's a little about that! The California All-State Music Education Conference (CASMEC) is aimed at bringing together music educators and students for a series of clinics and exhibits that are hands-on and concentrated on professional development. Students Matthew Bowker, Natalie Cucina, Lilly Chavez and Sierra Smith from the Sonoma State NAfMe Collegiate Chapter stepped into the role of educators as they presented their own clinic, “Benefits of Hands-on Learning and Community Outreach” at the conference. According to Matthew Bowker, a Music Education major and President of the SSU NAfME chapter, the clinic, “focused on the importance of hands-on learning and community outreach. This was geared towards other college students and how they can bring these ideas to their schools.”
February 3rd, 2021
Matthew took 3rd place in his first international competition. This competition offered great opportunities for growth and development during the pandemic. The King's Peak International Music Competition strives to inspire Classical Musicians by offering competitions, events and educational opportunities as they build resume/careers.
June 11, 2019
Matthew has had the honor of being selected and serving on the 2019-2021 collegiate council. Here's a little about it! The CMEA Collegiate Council is a body of collegiate music education students from across the state of California. Members of the council are prominent leaders in their respective school NAfME chapters and CMEA sections. In addition to creating more collegiate opportunities and resources at the annual CASMEC Conference in February, the Council represents collegiate interests at state and national advocacy events and fosters a dialogue between music education students throughout California.
Symphonia Caritas Composition Competition Finalist
November 21, 2020
Matthew was pleased to be a finalist in the Symphony Caritas Composition Competition. Matthew entered his original composition "In the Eyes of the Wolf" for full symphony orchestra. Symphonia Caritas is a Bay Area based orchestra that works directly with nonprofits to provide free concerts and raise money for charity. Their 2021 Composition Competition was geared toward First-Generation College Students. As a first generation college student, Matthew was very grateful for this amazing opportunity.