Danielle Kepple

1. What is your educational background and what positions have you held?

I graduated from Slippery Rock University in May 2019 with a bachelor's degree in Music Education and a minor in Instructional Strategies for Students with Disabilities. I was a long term elementary instrumental and general music substitute in fall 2019. After that, I decided to take a step back from teaching and reevaluate my career. In fall 2020, I was asked to be a substitute teacher for Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Preschool in Chicora, PA. This ended up reigniting my passion for education. In November 2020, I took a short term instrumental and general music substitute job at Union Area High School in New Castle, PA. In January 2021, I began in my current position as the K-12 music instructor at Friendship Academy in Pittsburgh, PA. Currently, I am in my second semester of graduate studies at Slippery Rock University. I am pursuing a master's degree in Special Education with an emphasis on students from birth to grade 8. I am also pursuing a graduate endorsement in Autism.

 

2. Name one SRU experience, in general or specific to the field, that you will never forget and explain why. 

In January 2019, myself and three of my colleagues had the opportunity to travel to Santa Fe, NM and teach in the Santa Fe Public Schools. We were accompanied by two of our music education professors, Dr. Jonathan Helmick and Dr. Kathleen Melago. In addition to our immersive field experience in the schools, we attended the New Mexico Music Educators Association conference, indulged in traditional cuisine, and partook in general sightseeing. I had been looking forward to this trip ever since I was in high school. In 2015, I saw an article in the Butler Eagle about students from the Slippery Rock University music department and their experiences in Santa Fe. I knew that I wanted to attend Slippery Rock University when I saw that was an opportunity available to music education students. The trip was a truly life changing experience that I will never forget.

 

3. Name an SRU faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why. 

This is such a tough question because all of the professors in the music department have had a positive influence on me in one way or another. However, if I had to pick one, I would choose Dr. Jonathan Helmick. He is, hands down, one of the most intelligent people that I have ever met in my life. Dr. Helmick truly cares about each one of his students. He goes out of his way to make sure that he is the best professor that he can be. Dr. Helmick was my applied conducting professor. In applied conducting lessons, we worked on all aspects of conducting an ensemble. The "big" project was to conduct a piece with the Slippery Rock University Concert Band. I had the biggest fear of conducting an ensemble, but Dr. Helmick helped me navigate the process and overcome my apprehensions. I was able to conduct Kentucky 1800 by Clare Grundman in the spring 2018 concert. I remember feeling so accomplished and proud of myself for jumping out of my comfort zone, and I owe it all to Dr. Helmick for believing in me and providing me with constant reassurance.

 

4. What initially piqued your interest in pursuing a degree in education? 

I have been fortunate enough to have several wonderful teachers over the course of my education. When I was 13 years old, I began taking private oboe lessons from a local music teacher named Kathie Groves, who also graduated from Slippery Rock University. She was such a role model for me during my formative years. She was patient, kind, and understanding. She always pushed me to be the best musician that I could possibly be. Kathie always gave me the confidence that I desperately needed during my teenage years. I try my best to emulate her positive and encouraging demeanor in my career. She was a huge influence in my decision to pursue a degree in education. 

 

5. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? 

The most rewarding aspect of my job at Friendship Academy is that I get to teach students about more than just music. Mental health is a huge priority at my school, and I am happy to help students navigate their experiences. I am an advocate for ending the stigma around mental health topics, and my position allows me to work towards that goal.

 

6. What makes a great teacher? 

A great teacher is committed to a life of learning. For some, this may mean pursuing graduate studies. For others, it may involve attending conferences or reading about current topics in education. Great teachers must be aware of how education evolves over time and be willing to learn about it.