Meet Katie

    Katie DeCosta is a baritone saxophonist from Eugene, Oregon, going into her third year of jazz music studies at the University of Oregon. She has studied with renowned saxophonists Idit Shner, Steve Owen, Joe Manis, and Roger Woods. She is an active member of the award-winning local big band Swing Shift Jazz Orchestra and Salsaros dance band Descarga 54.​ Last school year, she was engaged in UO's Latin Jazz Ensemble, Lab Band II, Sax Quartet, and one of the many jazz combos. In town, 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, gospel, alternative Christian music, chamber music, classical saxophone repertoire, and Irish folk music. Katie's musical influences make her a versatile musician. In order to expand her learning further, she often dabbles in new instruments. Alto saxophone, clarinet, bass clarinet, tin whistle, piano, and drumset are among her most recent pursuits.

     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.