About Patrick

Patrick Grimes is a music educator, trombonist, and arranger attending the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Originally from Plano, Texas, he graduated from Plano West Senior High, where he was a member of the Mighty Wolfpack Band and Jazz Orchestra. At IU, Patrick studies trombone with Professor Peter Ellefson.

Patrick is an enthusiastic educator who works with bands nationwide. Most recently, he was on staff with the Fishers High School Band and Edgewood High School Band. Before that, he was on the Hebron High School Band visual staff. Patrick is currently serving as Head Undergraduate Staff with the IU Marching Hundred. In 2023, Patrick’s passion for marching arts education led him to join the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps. In his rookie season, Boston finished in second place, earning their highest score ever.

Patrick is not only a passionate teacher but someone who strives for excellence as a performer himself. He placed first at the Spring 2024 IU trombone audition, becoming Principal Trombone of the renowned IU Wind Ensemble. While at IU, Patrick has also participated in the Big Red Basketball Band and Crabb Band, in addition to being a four-year member of the Marching Hundred.

Previously, Patrick was on the National Association for Music Education at IU Executive Board. As Outreach Coordinator, he was instrumental in creating and administering “Downbeat.” Downbeat is a free private lesson program for students at Title I schools in Monroe County, Indiana. The program is funded by grants and charitable donations and gives students in underserved communities a chance to receive high-quality private instruction on their instrument.

Patrick continues to explore his passion for writing and arranging music. Last year, the IU Marching Hundred included his music in their BOA Grand Nationals exhibition performance at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Marching Hundred also featured Patrick's music in their 2023 homecoming half-time show, and his pep band arrangements are performed weekly for over 17,000 basketball fans in IU’s historic Assembly Hall. Patrick also has extensive experience writing music for concert band and chamber ensembles. In addition to teaching and playing trombone, Patrick loves the outdoors. He is an Eagle Scout and enjoys backpacking, hiking, and camping!