Epic Arts, Inc. Performance And Instruction From The Heart
Leah Irby is an active teacher, dancer, musician, and composer. From 1997-2012, she taught choir and orchestra, at various schools in the Central Kitsap School District, from elementary to high school students. She has also organized and directed various choirs and music ensembles for local and international church events. Since 1992, Leah has been teaching private lessons and coaching chamber music for students of the violin, viola, cello and bass. Under her direction, private and chamber music students have participated in the Washington State Solo and Ensemble Contest and All-State and All-Northwest Orchestras.
Leah’s two main instruments are viola and violin. She graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Viola Performance and K-12 Music certification. She has performed with Everett Symphony, Bremerton Symphony, Bainbridge Orchestra, and SoundView String Quartet.
Leah enjoys teaching private lessons in East Coast Swing and Lindy Hop, especially to those with no dance experience. She believes in the power of dance to be a creative expression of self. She also enjoys dancing West Coast Swing, Balboa, Argentine Tango, Blues, Bachata and Salsa. She has choreographed and performed dance numbers for school and community events showcasing Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, Jazz Dance and Salsa. She loves music, dance and living life and hopes to share this enthusiasm with others through teaching.
Here's what a former student has to say about Leah Irby:
“As an amateur musician, I can attest to Ms. Irby’s talent as an artist and instructor, and to her evident passion for both music and for people. Her musicianship bears the marks of her extensive study and experience: precision, versatility, emotion, and spontaneity. With this artful blend of soul and solid technique, she is able to both impress and inspire students to become ever better musicians.”
“I could fill pages with memories of the excellence and warmth we received from Ms. Irby in and out of class, but there are a few things that stick out to me as lifelong lessons from those four years. She coached us on improvisation techniques, woke us up to a sense of ensemble, and introduced me to a lifelong friend in the intricate conversation of the string quartet. My ear, skill, and love for music have become a reality of continual growth under her instruction: she has, as much as my Spanish teachers, schooled me in another language, perhaps the most global of them all.”
-Heather N. McColl, violist
Contact Info:
E-mail
206-354-0846
(Below are links to two recordings: The first is Central Kitsap Junior High Advanced Orchestra, February 2007 orchestra concert.
The second is Central Kitsap H.S. chamber orchestra, during a rehearsal. This group won the OMEA regional contest and got to perform at the 2010 Washington State Ensemble Contest.)
Leah’s two main instruments are viola and violin. She graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Viola Performance and K-12 Music certification. She has performed with Everett Symphony, Bremerton Symphony, Bainbridge Orchestra, and SoundView String Quartet.
Leah enjoys teaching private lessons in East Coast Swing and Lindy Hop, especially to those with no dance experience. She believes in the power of dance to be a creative expression of self. She also enjoys dancing West Coast Swing, Balboa, Argentine Tango, Blues, Bachata and Salsa. She has choreographed and performed dance numbers for school and community events showcasing Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, Jazz Dance and Salsa. She loves music, dance and living life and hopes to share this enthusiasm with others through teaching.
Here's what a former student has to say about Leah Irby:
“As an amateur musician, I can attest to Ms. Irby’s talent as an artist and instructor, and to her evident passion for both music and for people. Her musicianship bears the marks of her extensive study and experience: precision, versatility, emotion, and spontaneity. With this artful blend of soul and solid technique, she is able to both impress and inspire students to become ever better musicians.”
“I could fill pages with memories of the excellence and warmth we received from Ms. Irby in and out of class, but there are a few things that stick out to me as lifelong lessons from those four years. She coached us on improvisation techniques, woke us up to a sense of ensemble, and introduced me to a lifelong friend in the intricate conversation of the string quartet. My ear, skill, and love for music have become a reality of continual growth under her instruction: she has, as much as my Spanish teachers, schooled me in another language, perhaps the most global of them all.”
-Heather N. McColl, violist
Contact Info:
206-354-0846
(Below are links to two recordings: The first is Central Kitsap Junior High Advanced Orchestra, February 2007 orchestra concert.
The second is Central Kitsap H.S. chamber orchestra, during a rehearsal. This group won the OMEA regional contest and got to perform at the 2010 Washington State Ensemble Contest.)