During summers, Eric attended Bowling
Green’s jazz summer camps and studied with Cleveland saxophonist
Ernie Krivda and bassist Jeff Halsey. He also spent a summer at Jamey
Aebersold’s jazz camp in Elmhurst, IL, again finding Trent Kynaston
a source of support as a member of the camp faculty.
Development & Inspirations...
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. This was a critical
year in the development of Eric's concepts and techniques. 1998 was
also the year Eric forged relationships with drummer Billy Hart and
pianist Danilo Perez and performed with the late saxophonist Bob Berg
and pianist Kenny Werner.
During his last two years of school
at Western, Eric collaborated heavily with Chicago saxophonist Paul
Hartsaw, and together developed THE SYNTHESIS PROJECT, exploring the
techniques and practice of arena-based improvisation. Paul Hartsaw,
as well as drummer Quincy Davis (Tom Harrell), pianist Steve Talaga
(Mind’s Eye), and bassist Tom Lockwood (Mind’s Eye) all
accompanied Eric on his November ‘99 senior recital (sound
clip). Relationships with other key musicians Eric works with
today began during the late '90s at WMU. These musicians include Chicago
drummer Mike Caskey, trumpeter Jim Donivan, (Tyrone Davis), saxophonist
Paul Hartsaw, and percussionist Paul Spata (Orquesta
Ranura).
During the summers of ‘97,
‘98, and ‘99, Eric was a staff member at Blue
Lake Fine Arts Camp in Twin Lakes, Mich., near the eastern coast
of Lake Michigan. He participated in the faculty MONSTER BIG BAND,
accompanying saxophonist James Carter (‘97), trombonist Bill
Watrous (‘98), and trumpeter Marvin Stamm (‘99). Eric
accompanied the BLFA International Jazz band in ‘98, and ‘99
under the direction of Bill McFarlin and George West respectively,
and spent a month each summer, touring Europe.
Chicago & Beyond...
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. In 2005, as a member
of Chicago hip-hop troupe, Treologic, the band won Billboard Magazine
and Discmaker's Independent Music World Series as well as completed
their second album, entitled "Thank You, Lenny." In 2005,
Eric Koppa, accompanied by trumpeter Tobias Kaemmerer, saxophonist
Rob Haight, trombonist Raphael Crawford, pianist Andrew Toombs, bassist
Matt Ulery, and drummer Michael Caskey together recorded "Evolution
- The Calling", available through www.erickoppa.com.
Eric can be found on Chicago stages
playing with a wide variety of musical ensembles. Refer to the sound
clips for a sampling of Evolution, Eric’s debut album.
Please e-mail
Eric if you'd like to be included in his mailing list.
