Dave Roper is well known throughout the Lehigh Valley as a superb pianist. His ability to integrate jazz and classical music is always evident during the Dave Roper trio concerts, as he matches up great melodies from both genres of music, and smoothly segues from one to the other. This talent makes him the artist of choice to perform the music of George Gershwin, who also straddled the worlds of classical and jazz. "Rhapsody in Blue" is a fine example. Originally written for piano and big band, the composition included improvisation by Gershwin during the first performance.
Roper was born and raised in Bethlehem and studied classical music for ten years. At Liberty HighSchool he picked up an interest in jazz and went on to perform Dixieland while majoring in government at Lafayette College. He was awarded master's degrees in English and Education at Lehigh University.
In 1961 the Dave Roper Trio was formed and began to attract an avid following in the Lehigh Valley. Many people remember the regular gigs at the King George Inn, where the group played for 15 years.
He is now retired after a long career at Emmaus High School as an English teacher and Scholastic Scrimmage coach.
The East Penn Press said: "His style has been compared to jazz artists Errol Garner, Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans. He said he is most familiar with and feels comfortable playing mainstream jazz. He calls his wife, Barbara, "very supportive and understanding" of his many years of performing. He said he never wanted to be on the road as a musician but preferred to stay in the Lehigh Valley and "play the way he likes."
The Lehigh Valley is grateful that Dave has stayed around.