Director Eric Sperry is Instructor of Brass and Jazz Ensemble at Lakeland University. His responsibilities at 51ĀŅĀ× include teaching brass applied lessons, directing the jazz ensemble, and teaching courses in music entrepreneurship and instrumental music methods. He is also on faculty at the annual 51ĀŅĀ× Summer Music Camp where he teaches trumpet and directs the brass ensemble.
Eric has been a part of the Milwaukee music scene for 15 years. A versatile sideman, soloist, and leader, he has been fortunate to perform with artists and groups such as: Sheila E., Chris Vadala, Manny Manuel, the St. Louis Jesuits, WIFEE and the HUZzBAND, Stephen Cooper & Nobody Famous, the All-Star SUPERband, DāCalleSon, Clave Y Afinque, Concord Chamber Orchestra, Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra, Off The Wall Theatre, and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Eric is a member of Groove Therapy, Kelli and the Soul Mates, Orquesta Veneno, and North Point Brass. He also maintains a successful private studio of approximately 40 students.
Eric holds music performance degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Master of Music) and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Bachelor of Music).