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 9th 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. 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