Eric Darius is proud to be a member of Howard W. Blake’s first graduating class since the school reopened in 1997. While at the school, Darius was active in the school’s jazz ensemble, and that experience opened the door for him to embark on a very successful career.

On Tuesday, Darius returned to his alma mater to not just give them a free concert, but to empower the students to concentrate on their education, and spread the word for the need of more performing arts courses in all schools.

“This is and will always be home for me,” said Darius.

“I am honored to be able to come back and share my experiences with the students and get a chance to talk to them and help them in any way I can.”

While at the school Tuesday, Darius, who has become a renowned saxophone jazz artist, performed a solo act, and also played along with the school’s jazz ensemble. During rehearsals, he also spoke to them and encouraged them to keep working hard and practice, practice, practice!

Darius is on a worldwide tour, having just left the Middle East to return to the states for dates in Chicago, Phoenix, and Sarasota. He also said it is his mission to visit schools on every stop of his tour.