Epiphany, definition: A moment of sudden revelation or insight.
Epiphany began in 2021, when Coast Music company asked their students if they were interested in starting a band together. Now, three years later, lifelong friendships have been made between the members, as Epiphany continues to practice, grow, and perform together.
“The moment I am most proud of is when we finished our first performance together [at a brewery in San Pedro],” said Maya Donlevy.
“Most of us had never performed on stage and I was so happy to be up there with my best friends playing my favorite songs.”
Epiphany is made up of three Costa juniors and one sophomore, with Erin Donlevy on guitar, Maya Donlevy singing and on piano, Lainey Peel on guitar, and Maddie Shaheen on the bass. From the start of Epiphany’s career, each member’s love for music and playing together has grown, with the band continuing to work hard, learning from each and every moment.
“I think what makes us passionate about music is that it is an escape from reality and a way to show our creativity,” said Shaheen.
In addition to practicing individually throughout the week, the band meets on Mondays, picking one song to focus on and working on it throughout the first few practices. Coast Music band director Emily Dietz then chooses different sections for the members to play.
“Our main inspiration is the ‘Backseat Lovers.’ We love all of their songs and it’s a go-to when listening to music together. I think we like how their music is not formulaic
and they just do whatever they want,” Peel Said.
Beyond making music, the band members have created tight knit friendships between each other that will last a lifetime. Not only do they practice their music together, but they also hang out outside of rehearsal, gaining musical inspiration from every memory they make together.
“We have gotten so much closer over time. We rehearsed outside of our music company in Kiera’s garage when there was a song we all really wanted to learn which was so much fun.” said Donlevy. “We also hang out to watch shows or go thrifting together. I made one of my
best friends through this band which is really cool.”
Music is a truly powerful art form, able to move people, touch hearts, and impact emotions. Epiphany aims to do all of this and more, hoping their performances bring smiles to the faces of all that listen.
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