Eric C.

While I have playing the saxophone upwards of 12 years now, I have only been getting professionally paid gigs for a little over half that time. While a majority of these gigs were with various jazz groups, I have also played R&B, funk, classical, and Pop-rock gigs. I currently play with the bands: Happy Medium Band, Lord Gord and the Posse, and JB and the Showmance Band. While the professional scene for classical saxophone is limited, there have been a few times where I have played with a classical saxophone quartet as well. So although my professional career may seem unimpressive compared to some who can boast decades of performances, my experience with varieties of music genres has brought, and continued to bring me, a wide variety of gigs in various styles.

Starting at the beginning of my high school career, I would give saxophone lessons to middle school and elementary school students. As time went on, I received other students from different ages.

During my last two years of high school, I was put in charge of the baritone saxophonists and bass clarinetists in my high school's marching band, teaching parts and organizing activities. My last year of high school, I was put in charge of all woodwind players in the marching band, which consisted of over 50 students. Managing productive rehearsals in the time allotted, was a skill I acquired and refined in both of these positions. By teaching students in a group this big, I feel like it has led me to give the efficient and productive lessons I give today.

Most recently, I was given the opportunity to teach for a week at the prestigious Idyllwild Arts Summer Jazz Program, which is the largest Summer Jazz Camp in the United States. I also have previously worked as a saxophone coach at William Workman High School and Upland High School. I currently work as a saxophone coach at Goddard MS and Sandberg MS, in addition to giving clinics and masterclasses to nearby schools.