Yuuki Koike (Flute & Sax)

She started learning piano when she was 2 years old. 9 years old, she started playing the flute in school band. While she was majoring in German literature in Rikkyo University, she joined Big Band and started playing alto saxophone. She learned from Hisashige Kato, one of the great saxophone players in the Japanese jazz scene. The big band, New Swingin' Herd was very high quality band and won prizes in some contests. Her flute was always first-call and also her firm and clear saxophone sound led the band to higher level. At the same time, she formed Latin Jazz Band

She has been playing flute/piccolo in Richmond County Orchestra and alto saxophone/flute in some Jazz bands since she moved to United States. Recently, she formed band called WaFoo which creates their own style, amalgam of Jazz sand Japanese traditional sounds. The concert played in JuneFest in Staten Island received great reviews.