Eric Rucker has been a performing pianist and percussionist for the past 20 years. After performing piano solos regularly in local churches, at the age of 10 he became the full time accompanist at the Clendenin Advent Christian Church in Clendenin, WV. At the age of 15, he became employed as full time

accompanist at the Disciples of Christ Church and later the choir director at Kanawha City Baptist Church.

Eric has also been accompanying solo vocalists and instrumentalists since the age of 14. During high school, he was often found accompanying music majors at Marshall University for juries and senior recitals. Eric was also becoming active in the musical theater community.

In the 5th grade, Eric was called to play mallet percussion for the Charleston Light Opera Guild in their production of Gypsy. After a successful first run, he went on to play percussion and piano for over 150

shows with the company.

In 2002, Eric attended West Virginia University on a full scholarship for music education. Eric studied under Paul Moore III, (Cincinnati Orchestra) George Willis (Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra) and Al Wrublesky (Pittsburgh Ballet and Opera Orchestra). During this time, he performed on many WVU orchestra, wind ensemble, and percussion ensemble recordings, including commissioned compositions written for the ensembles. Eric was also a four year member and section leader for the Sudler Trophy winning Pride of West Virginia Marching Band drumline.

After college, Eric spent 6 years teaching and writing music in public schools in Washington, DC and West Palm Beach, Florida. During this time, he was nominated for teacher of the year in both cities. Eric

now resides in Palm Beach, Florida with his wife Jamie. He has recently stepped out of the role as a fulltime public school teacher to focus on percussion education, arranging and composition.

Eric’s schedule is now a full time performer, educator, clinician, arranger and composer. This upcoming year, he will fill the director of percussion role at 8 different schools, seeing over 130 students weekly. He also operates an active private percussion studio from his home. Eric also composes and arranges

marching band shows, percussion books and percussion ensemble music throughout the year.