East Hamilton Band: Music and Family
Chattanooga, TN— Clangs, bellows, bangs, and blares fill Room 1314 at East Hamilton High School (EHHS). Here, band director Molly Epperson shapes students into skilled musicians and well-rounded individuals. This close-knit, family-like environment allows students a place to express their authentic identities while being a part of something larger than themselves.
Epperson, an Ooltewah High School graduate, brought her musical expertise to EHHS 16 years ago. Since then, hundreds of students have continued to learn and grow in her classroom. “Our main goal is to improve our musicality across the board, and I think we're achieving that,” Epperson said. “But the marching band also teaches endurance, sacrifice, pride in work well done, teamwork, leadership, communication, respect, appreciation for others, work ethic, dedication, camaraderie, creativity, and more. The bottom line is that marching band teaches kids to be the best version of themselves.”
The skills learned from band follow students into their professional lives. “I truly think our kids are ready for life when they graduate, or as ready as they can be. They get a great education here,” Epperson said. Carli Larson, an EHHS graduate who went on to play for UT Knoxville’s Pride of the Southland Band, said, “My experience in high school band was very positive. It taught me discipline and structure and gave me a creative outlet to have fun playing music with my friends. Being a part of the EHHS band and Pride of the Southland was an amazing experience, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” While many students continue to play in college bands at schools such as UT Chattanooga, UT Knoxville, ETSU, Austin Peay, Western Kentucky, and more, Epperson is proud of all categories of success that have come from EHHS. “So many kids, outside of music, become successful in their lives, in whatever they choose to be. I've lost count of how many doctors we’ve had. There are tons of successes in different places. It's just really neat to see.”
Epperson’s love for her students is evident, and it is clear that the band is more than just a group of musicians—it’s a family. “In many cases, this is their home, their happy place, where they can feel the most like themselves,” she said. “I see these kids more than my own,” Epperson jokes. (However, next year, Epperson excitedly gets to teach her oldest daughter as she enters the high school band!) Epperson notes that she and the other band staff care about the students and encourage them to be themselves. “We love the entire child, not just their talents. They have wonderful things to offer the world.” Senior Xander Tarrant said, “Over the years, we've become not just a program, but a group of friends. Everyone hangs out, even outside of practice. We've grown as a collective over the years.” Sophomore Jaleyah Kennemer shares this thought. “There are times when we need to lock in, but in the end, we’re all family. Band is family,” she said. The close-knit program allows for successful relationship-building, collaboration, and growth.
Students consistently praise Epperson’s leadership and the sense of community she fosters within the band. Freshman Jilly Sarr notes that Epperson “cares a lot and is a very sweet band director. She always tells us exactly what we need to do to fix things.” Junior Lucas Maluche said, “She’s a great band director. She manages us really well and has taught us a lot, and because of that, we’re a really good band.” As Epperson continues to lead the East Hamilton High School Band, the program remains a place where students are appreciated, encouraged, and have the opportunity to shine alongside their friends.
The dedication and passion of both the students and band staff are reflected in the program’s accomplishments. Trophies and awards line the band room walls. Recently, at the Foothills Classic in Seymour, Tennessee, EHHS finished the season with their overall band placing 2nd in their class. Color guard and percussion both received Most Outstanding 1st place.
The bonds formed in band will last long after the final notes fade from the field. Whether performing with each other or in their future endeavors, these students will carry lessons of teamwork, leadership, and perseverance that define the spirit of the EHHS Band. Together, they are not just making music—they are creating a foundation for success that will resonate throughout their lives.