The Musical Journey of Mrs. Eppich
by Riley Viyannalage
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Mrs. Jeanne Eppich
Music has a way of shaping lives, and for Mrs. Jeanne Eppich, the band teacher at Casey Middle School, it has been a lifelong adventure filled with passion, inspiration, and a touch of Irish dancing! From growing up in a musically gifted family to performing with professional symphonies, she brings a world of experience and enthusiasm to her students every day.
A Musical Beginning
Mrs. Eppich’s love for music started at home. With a music teacher for a mother and a house filled with piano melodies, it was only natural that she and her siblings would dive into the world of notes and rhythms. Playing the piano at a young age sparked a passion that led her to pursue a degree in music, setting the foundation for her teaching career.
Finding the Perfect Instrument
Choosing an instrument is an exciting part of any young musician’s journey, and Mrs. Eppich’s path was no exception! Initially drawn to the clarinet in fourth grade, she quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit when she couldn’t get a sound out of it. At the suggestion of her brother, she switched to a brass instrument and landed on the French Horn. Although she briefly experimented with the flute in fifth grade, the French Horn won her heart, and she has never looked back.
Performing with the Best
Before becoming a teacher, Mrs. Eppich had the incredible opportunity to perform with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra while living in Ohio. Being surrounded by highly skilled musicians was both exhilarating and inspiring. She cherished the camaraderie and the magic of creating music at such a high level, experiences she now brings into her classroom.
Inspired by the Best
One of the most influential moments in her musical journey was attending a French Horn conference in Switzerland during college. There, she participated in a master class with Radovan Vlatkovic, a world-renowned horn player. His encouraging and uplifting teaching style left a lasting impression on her, shaping the way she now inspires her own students.
Advice for Young Performers
Performing in front of an audience can be nerve-wracking, but Mrs. Eppich has words of wisdom for her students: Preparation is key! The more time and effort you put into practice, the more confident you’ll feel when stepping onto the stage. But most importantly, she reminds her students to enjoy the music. After all, that’s what it’s all about!
Hidden Talent: Irish Dancing!
Not only is Mrs. Eppich an accomplished musician, but she also has a surprising talent — competitive Irish dancing! She first discovered her love for it while working with a general music teacher who invited her to an Irish dance class. With her strong sense of rhythm, she quickly excelled and became quite skilled in the art of lively jigs and reels!
Dream Performance
If she could perform any piece of music, Mrs. Eppich would choose a Mahler Symphony. Having played it at the end of her college career, it remains her absolute favorite and holds a special place in her heart.
Musical Influences and Favorites
Mrs. Eppich enjoys sharing her love of music with her students, introducing them to artists like Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, and Paul Simon. Whether it's pop, classical, or symphonic masterpieces, she embraces a wide range of musical styles, encouraging her students to do the same.
Leading the Way at ECMEA
As the chair of the Junior High North ECMEA, Mrs. Eppich takes on a highly detailed and organizational role. She gets the exciting first look at which students make it into the band, calls up alternates, and watches as the ensemble comes together. Spending ten hours working with talented students from various schools is a rewarding experience, reinforcing the importance of structure and preparation in her own teaching.
A Passion for Teaching
Through her experiences as a musician and leader, Mrs. Eppich has grown into a dedicated and inspiring educator. Her time with ECMEA has strengthened her organizational skills, helping her create a structured and enriching environment for her band students. Every day, she brings her passion, experience, and energy to the classroom, ensuring that music continues to change lives, just as it did for her.
Mrs. Eppich’s journey is a testament to the power of music, the joy of perseverance, and the excitement of discovering new talents. Whether she’s conducting a band or coaching young musicians, one thing is for sure — she’s making a lasting impact on the next generation of musicians!
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