Jacob Kopcienski - Brockport

When you hear music like this at Brockport High School, chances are Jacob Kopcienski is playing. When hes making music, you cant help but listen.

"I think Ive come a long way, but I still have a lot to learn, and there are a lot of great players out there that I really look up to," said Jacob, a mainstay in everything from the Brockport High School band, to the Eastman Youth Wind Ensemble. This year, he was selected to represent the school in the New York State all-state music conference.

"I really had a great experience. I played with a lot of great people, met a lot of great people," said Jacob. "It was one of the defining moments of my high school musical career, Id say."

"Jake is the consummate musician. I dont know anybody whos worked harder, who has played as many different kinds of music through his career," said Andrew Stoker, the band director at Brockport. "Hes continually looking to improve his own performance, and therefore the rest of the bands program."

Next fall, Jacob will attend Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Hell study music performance and education.

"Im hoping Ill be teaching at a college somewhere, or performing just around the world, or... I dont know. Im keeping my options open," said Jacob.

One day, Jacob hopes to earn a doctorate in musical arts, but with saxophone in tow, hes already mastering the notes hell take to get there.