When curiosity composes a career
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—From student jam sessions in downtown Kalamazoo to music directing on Broadway, Henry Koperski’s, career is rooted in curiosity, dedication and a deep commitment to his craft.
Koperski had his eyes on Western Michigan University long before he arrived on campus. He first became familiar with the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music while still in high school, attending Western’s jazz festivals and spending summers at SEMINAR music camp.
“I had been following WMU’s music program since high school,” said Koperski, B.A.'11.
At Western, Koperski double majored in classical bassoon performance and jazz saxophone performance, a rigorous pairing that reflected his broad musical interests. His time as a student was spent almost entirely within the School of Music.
“I was very involved in the music school,” Koperski said. “I was a member of like 12 different ensembles and got to perform very regularly throughout the school year.”
Because of the intensity of the program, most of his learning happened through immersion in his craft.
One of Koperski's most impactful experiences came from Western’s partnership with The Union Cabaret & Grille, a downtown Kalamazoo venue that regularly booked WMU student ensembles and hosted jam sessions. Performing there gave him early exposure to the realities of professional music-making.
“This professional performance experience was invaluable to me and my fellow students in learning what being a working musician really entails,” he said. “There’s no better way to learn. Our teachers would often come out to the gigs to support and guide us as well.”
Koperski credits three faculty members with profoundly shaping his development both as a musician and as a professional: his bassoon professor Dr. Wendy Rose, his saxophone professor Trent Kynaston and the late Dr. Steve Zegree, director of the renowned vocal jazz ensemble Gold Company.
“All three of them provided me with such focused attention, tailored instruction and endless kindness,” Koperski said. “I would not have known how to navigate ‘the real world’ had it not been for them.”
Koperski noted that his professors consistently supported him, even when he made unconventional academic or artistic choices.
After graduating from WMU, he moved to New York to pursue a career in music. The path that followed was, by his own description, long and indirect, but ultimately fulfilling. Along the way, he composed music for television, film, podcasts and theater and began working as a music director for artists including Alan Cumming and Matteo Lane.
Among his proudest professional accomplishments are music directing a show on Broadway and performing a saxophone solo on Troye Sivan’s song “How To Stay With You.”
“Those were both things that college‑Henry would have been really excited about,” he said.
Koperski has also released his own singer‑songwriter album, Spring Water, under the name Henki Skidu, a personal project he considers a major creative milestone.
In 2021, he relocated to Los Angeles to focus more intentionally on his own music.
“I found a great songwriting community there that has helped me put out my own music,” he said.
He has since returned to West Michigan, where he continues to work on creative projects while traveling frequently for performances.
Looking back, one of Koperski’s favorite Western memories is a quiet one: watching the sunset with friends from the top level of the Miller Parking Garage. When asked what advice he would offer current students, he encourages them to lean fully into curiosity.
“Deeply explore everything that makes you really curious,” he said. “It will help you discover what is unique about yourself… and your uniqueness is a path that will guide you to a joyful and creative life.”
He also encourages fellow Broncos to support the School of Music. “Go see the concerts at the School of Music whenever you can,” Koperski said. “There is magic happening there, and your energy will make it even more magical.”
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.