About Me 

“No significant learning can occur without a significant relationship” – Dr. James Comer 

"People don't care how much you know till they know how much you care" - John C. Maxwell 

"Everything moves at the speed of trust" - Dave Ramsey 

"Ya got time to breathe, ya got time for music." - Briscoe Darling 

My name is Derrick Epps and this is my 8th year as Choral Director/Guitar Teacher at NWMS! Time flies when you're having fun! I am a TR boy who was raised at the beach, went to school in the mountains of East TN, and am now back home in the Upstate.  

I love this community and our kids! 

In my teaching and in my personal life, I seek to build meaningful relationships and show care for others. The things most important to me are my faith, family, friends, and others. Music is my tool, people are my purpose. I believe in music and the impact it makes on us. I have the best job in the world: I get to teach kids about music and witness them grow and flourish in the outstanding music education opportunities we provide at Northwest. I love spending time with my beautiful wife, Rebeka, and our daughters, Annie & Hallie, walking through downtown TR, going to Disney World, getting out on the lake, watching sports, and cheering on the Gamecocks. 

Looking forward to this year with your students! 

-Derrick Epps