GET TO KNOW ME

My name is Joan Heupel and I am the Orchestra Director here at the

Walter Johnson Academy of International Studies (JJHS).

I studied Music Performance at the University of Nevada, Reno and graduated with a B.M. in Bassoon Performance in 2007. While studying in Reno I performed with many of the local orchestras throughout the greater northern Nevada. Including the Carson City Symphony, Toccata Tahoe Symphony Orchestra, Elko Symphony, Reno Municipal Band and the U.N.R. ensembles. While performing with the Chamber Choir we toured in Germany in 2004 and performed Carnegie Hall in 2007. While at U.N.R. I became a huge advocate for chamber music during my time in Reno. I was a woodwind coach at Wooster High School as well as the substitute woodwind coach for the Reno Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

From 2007-2013 I was able to do some graduate work at the University of Kansas then finished my M.M. in Music Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2019. While at the University of Kansas the Wind Ensemble recorded an album “Wild Nights” through Naxos in which I was the second bassoonist.

As I transitioned into my masters program I had the great opportunity to work with students for a summer at the Interlochen Music Camp in 2007. They provide world renowned music programs that bring in students, teachers and performers from all over the world.

I started teaching at Johnson Academy of International Studies in 2018. I am a firm believer that music and arts are essential for a student’s growth. Music provides a great outlet for students and provides an opportunity for creativity. The orchestra program is more than just learning an instrument. We are a family!

I enjoy performing, being outdoors, and hanging out with my dog. I love to participate in the BioBliz's helping the herpetology team catalogue the desert reptiles in Nevada.   Currently I am finishing up a Master of Education: Administration from Sierra Nevada University.