Teacher Profile: Eric Foreman

About Eric Foreman

Eric Foreman’s musical journey began in 4th grade, when he decided he wanted to play the viola. He still remembers his orchestra teacher demonstrating each string instrument, and when she played part of “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion (from the movie Titanic) on the viola, he was instantly hooked. As he got older, he became interested in participating in marching band and began playing the saxophone in 11th grade. For two years, he participated in Orchestra, Concert Band, and Marching Band. He also had the unique opportunity to attend a school with a steel drum ensemble, allowing him to be involved in three different music classes at once. Before starting college, he briefly took oboe lessons for about a year, but otherwise had little experience with private instruction until then.

Before beginning his career as a Band/Orchestra director, Eric attended Frostburg State University in Frostburg, Maryland, where he earned his BS in Music Education. Nestled in the scenic mountains of the Maryland Panhandle, Frostburg provided a quiet and inspiring environment for his studies. During his time there, he studied saxophone under Dr. Brent Weber, a Pacific Northwest native and alumnus of Oregon State University. Eric was an active member of the Jazz Band, where he performed on every saxophone part as both a section leader and lead soloist. He also had opportunities to double on flute and clarinet for various pieces, with “Sing, Sing, Sing” standing out as a personal favorite. Through Jazz Band, he had the privilege of playing alongside and participating in workshops with Grammy Award winners Maria Schneider and Jeff Coffin.

In addition, Eric was a member of the Wind Ensemble, where he again performed on multiple saxophones and served as a section leader for several years, as well as the Marching Band. During his senior year, he was honored to serve as Drum Major of Frostburg State’s Marching Band. Eager to expand his musical versatility, he also participated in the String Ensemble (viola) and Brass Ensemble (trumpet). Beyond instrumental performance, Eric was involved in the General Chorus every semester and developed a deep love for singing. He successfully auditioned for and joined the Chamber Choir under the direction of Dr. Karen Sarnaker. As a member of the Chamber Choir, the group toured Italy—visiting Perugia, Rome, and Florence—and had the unforgettable experience of singing for Mass in a chapel’s catacombs in the countryside.

Eric has a deep appreciation for music in all its forms and believes it is one of the greatest gifts available to us. He sees music education as a powerful way to give students a voice and create a sense of belonging. School ensembles, in his view, provide a space where students can connect with others who share their interests while working together toward meaningful musical goals. Throughout his own journey, Eric formed lifelong friendships across every ensemble he participated in, and he is passionate about sharing those opportunities with others—regardless of age, skill level, or background.

As a member of a collegiate chapter of the National Association for Music Education, Eric participated in the Collegiate Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., where he met with state representatives and senators to advocate for full funding of music programs. During this experience, he even had the opportunity to meet and shake hands with Senator Ben Cardin, who had been a clarinet player in his high school band. Moments like these reinforced his belief in the importance of conversation, connection, and advocacy.

In his free time, Eric enjoys listening to a wide variety of music, including movie, anime, video game, and cartoon soundtracks. If asked to name a favorite band, he would choose Paramore, with Snarky Puppy as a very close second. While he tends to gravitate toward Rock, Pop, Jazz, and R&B, his playlists reflect a broad range of genres and influences.

Eric is excited to work with LIYH students, connect with families, and help lay the foundation for successful musicians in the new community he now calls home. He looks forward to meeting everyone!