Meet Katie

    Katie DeCosta is a dynamic saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer from Eugene, Oregon, going into her fourth year of music at the University of Oregon. She has studied with renowned saxophonists Idit Shner, Steve Owen, Joe Manis, and Roger Woods. She has been in the award-winning local big band Swing Shift Jazz Orchestra and is an active member of Salsaros dance band Descarga 54.​ In school, she has engaged in UO's Latin Jazz Ensemble, Lab Band II, Sax Quartet, and Jazz combos. Outside of school, performs regularly with her own groups Foxglove and Kangaroo Court and volunteers on the worship team at Eugene Faith Center. Along with these groups, she leads her own shows at the Jazz Station and other local venues.

     In her musical writing, arranging, and playing, Katie focuses on a growth mindset and staying curious about new subjects. Her eagerness to learn has led her to explore a variety of genres such as jazz, salsa, cumbia, merengue, bomba, gospel, alternative Christian music, chamber music, funk, rock, R&B, classical saxophone repertoire, and Irish folk music. Katie's many influences make her a versatile musician. 

     Katie can often be seen cheering on fellow artists, dancing in community events, or practicing at the UO Music Building. Beyond music, Katie loves hobbies such as sewing and spending time in nature with friends and family.