Erik is a native of Mansfield, OH, and completed his undergraduate degree at Capital University in 1992. He has been playing lead trumpet with the FJO since 1997.  

In addition to playing with the FJO, Erik is a busy, sought after musician who also is a regular member of The Dave Banks Big Band in the Cleveland/Akron area. He also can be seen performing with The Columbus Jazz Orchestra, The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, and The Paul Ferguson Jazz Orchestra.  

Other performance credits include: The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra led by Buddy Morrow, The Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Nelson Riddle Orchestra led by Chris Riddle, The Artistic Jazz Orchestra, Ernie Krivda’s “Fat Tuesday Big Band”, The Rick Brunetto Big Band, The New Remnants Dance Orchestra, The O’Jays, and the rock band “Direct Energy”.  Erik has also enjoyed working with entertainers Toni Tennille, Marie Osmond, Bobby Vincent, Don Rickles, and Joan Rivers, among others. 

Erik also will, from time to time, front a jazz orchestra under his own name. 

In addition to all the FJO recordings, Erik can be heard playing on The Paul Ferguson Jazz Orchestra’s recording “Live at the Bop Stop”, The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra’s recording “Jazz Vespers”, and renown tuba soloist Velvet Brown’s recording “Lonnie’s Lament”, with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra. 

Erik lives in Galion with his wife, son, and daughter (when they are home from college). Outside of music, he stays busy owning and managing rental real estate.