Pete Koopmans grew up in Northwest Indiana, just outside of Chicago.  His family was always very supportive and understood the importance of music education.  In middle school, Pete realized he had a passion for playing the drum set and was a featured performer throughout his grade school years in drumline, jazz band, concert percussion, and even attended Birch Creek Jazz Camp for two summers.

Following high school, Pete was accepted to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Professional Music.  During his time in Boston, Pete toured with different groups, playing along the east coast as well as at SXSW Music Festival in Austin.  Following graduation, he joined Denver-based jam-rock band Kinetix and toured throughout the country, playing major clubs and festivals including Cervantes Ballroom, Brooklyn Bowl, Wakarusa, and Utah Arts Fest.

Most recently, Pete has relocated to Chicago where he is teaching Percussion for the Lake Central School Corporation middle schools and high school as well as managing his own private lesson studio.  He has also maintained a very active touring schedule by joining Chicago music scene veterans Family Groove Company, playing major gigs like Summer Camp Music Festival, Shoe Fest, and Blottopia.

Pete is also a staple performer in Joe Marcinek Band, and has played alongside featured guest artists such as Natalie Cressman and Jen Hartswick of Trey Anastasio Band, Steve Molitz of Particle, Joey Porter of The Motet, and Jason Hann of String Cheese Incident.