Saxophonist Eric Koppa began his musical journey in Monroe, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit, discovering jazz music in 1989. With friend and fellow musician Jacob Sacks (David Ambrosio/Paul Motian), he organized a jazz combo in junior high. This was followed by years of participation at the Montreal Detroit Jazz Festival and an introduction to some of the great jazz artists of the Detroit area.
Eric received outstanding soloist awards his junior and senior years at festivals and competitions, including nomination to play lead alto in an honors workshop band led by Frank Mantooth. For three years in high school, he played lead alto in the state honors jazz band at the MSBOA sponsored Michigan Youth Arts Festival held in the spring at Western Michigan University. While at WMU, he received clinic instruction from his future saxophone professor, Trent Kynaston.
Having spent time on the campus and with the faculty of WMU, during those years at the arts festival, a transition into further education at WMU began in the fall of 1995. During Trent Kynaston’s sabbatical in 1998, Eric studied with resident artists Chris Potter, Seamus Blake, Walt Weiskopf (whom he had met at Aebersold’s camp) and classical artists Lynn Klock, John Sampen and Ken Radnofsky.
Inspired by the exodus of many WMU alums to Chicago, Eric moved in February of 2000 and began work at Bob Black’s Saxophone Shop LTD. He held a position as instructor and sales associate, all the while discovering Chicago’s rich musical experience. In 2001, Eric left Chicago to join the Glenn Miller Orchestra, spending four months on the road with the band. Upon returning from the road, Eric focused on recording, small group playing, writing, and arranging. From 2002-2004, Eric performed weekly at Lilly’s on Lincoln Ave. with trumpeter Thad Franklin, guitarist John Zelisko, bassist Matt Ulery, and drummers Ryan Bennett and Michael Caskey.
Eric can be found on Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison stages playing with a wide variety of musical ensembles. Refer to the sound clips for a sampling of Evolution, Eric’s debut album.