His choice of instrument at six years of age was the Trombone. While participating in many orchestral and jazz festivals, the first place medals became a staircase to a brass finale at the California State Honor Band in 1968. Eric continued his quest for music perfection in music theory and composition until he graduated from California State University at Long Beach in 1972.

The Vietnam War, the pursuit of a career, and the challenges of raising children would soon put Eric's desire of per...