Erik Riggs, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Jazz Instructor
Erik Riggs graduated from West Virginia State University with his degree in Music Education K-12 then attended East Carolina University for graduate work in Saxophone Performance and Jazz Studies.  Following graduate school, he was selected as a member of the premiere cast of “Blast II:  Shockwave,”  the sequel to the Tony and Emmy award winning Broadway show, “Blast!”  He  performed for four months at DisneyWorld’s EPCOT, then toured with the show for 189 performances in 46 states. 
Following this tour, he began teaching in Wake County.  His first year at East Millbrook Magnet School he was awarded both the New Teacher of the Year for the school as well as New Teacher of the Year for all of Wake County.  This was followed by Teacher of the Year at EMMMS in 2009, the same year he earned his National Board Certification in Early and Middle Childhood Music.  Mr. Riggs was recruited from Wake County Schools in 2011 to rebuild and establish a high school band program at the Canadian International School of Singapore.  Living in Singapore, he had the opportunity to travel, teach, and perform across Southeast Asia. Upon returning to the US, Mr. Riggs began teaching at Martin GT Magnet MS in Raleigh where the program experienced 105% growth in six years.  He is currently band director at Mills Park MS in Cary, NC.
Mr. Riggs has more than twenty six years of experience teaching private woodwind lessons and working as a clinician for area high schools and universities. His private students have consistent successes in their respective schools as well as at North Carolina Honors Events such as All District, All Region Jazz, All State Honors and All State Jazz.  In addition, Mr. Riggs has taught numerous students who have gone on to audition and earn spots in the NAfME National Band.  Mr. Riggs has helped prepare students for admissions and scholarships at institutions that include Michigan, Michigan State, Berklee School of Music, The Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, North Texas State University, Indiana University, Temple University, UNC School of the Arts, William Paterson University and many others.
Beyond his classroom experience, Mr. Riggs is an active performer and clinician. He has performed on stage with many prestigious jazz musicians and ensembles.  He can be found locally performing with The Moonlighters Orchestra, Swing Street Big Band, The NC Revelers Orchestra, The Raleigh Jazz Orchestra, The Tar River Symphonic Band, and in the orchestra pit of Theatre Raleigh, Theatre in the Park, NC State University Theatre, and PlayMakers Repertory Company.