I don't know why, but today of all days she popped into my head and I decided to Google her. Deeply saddened to learn this news. I will never forget her or the many things I learned in her class. She, more than anyone, taught me what it meant to be a musician, how to collaborate with others and how to deal with disappointment. She treated her students with love and respect and held us to a very high standard of conduct and musicianship. She will always hold a special place in my heart. RIP to The Legend. Love, Cella
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I am deeply sorry to learn of Janice's passing. I met her at a Wagner Keg party the autumn she went to Austria..........actually days before she left. We did nothing that evening but chatter and share stories. Fortunately, we reconnected in the spring when she returned...........Although time passes there are some people you never forget. May she Rest in Peace.
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Janice taught all her singers to harmonize, a metaphor for balancing life's highs and lows. She taught us to hold our pitch when we'd go flat rehearsing a capella: head up, chin up! Stand up, sing out. Thank you, Janice, for your boundless cheer and patience, your joy in the art, and your dedication to your students. We sing on in your memory.
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Words escape me but I am so profoundly grateful for Janice Kueppers impact on my life as a singer and musician. She had such an immense impact on my self-esteem and belief in myself at Walter Reed middle school in her quartet and that confidence carried me through so many years ahead - my appreciation and love had never wavered and I am sending her family so much love for their immense loss 🙏🏻 My gratitude for her teaching and kindness is endless 🙏🏻💗
2
Deepest Sympathy. She touched so many life's.
Hugs ❤️🙏❤️🙏
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Thinking about Janice stories, where do I start? We first met -- decades ago, now -- in Verdugo Hills Chorus. That's where I first heard her beautiful voice, her infectious laugh, and her enthusiasm for life.
We sang together in quartets for many years -- most notably Odyssey -- where we earned multiple regional medals, sang in pajamas late at night in Region 11 hospitality rooms, had hot tub rehearsals, and performed all around Southern California. We learned about "Good Mickey and Evil Mickey." After we sang at Robert Kueppers' wedding, there was no way we couldn't feel like we were part of the family.
I loved watching Janice's journey from working in real estate (not fulfilling) to finding her calling as a middle school music teacher. I remember her first year teaching when she said she would come home every night crying. But -- as in everything she did -- she put her heart and her mind to the problem so, just a few years later, she loved going to work with the kids and they adored her. Any time we would sing for Walter Reed Middle School, it was like singing with a rock star -- as soon as Janice took the stage, the cheers would start and they wouldn't stop. She taught her students barbershop and formed and nurtured and coached so many quartets to regional honors, to competing at Young Women in Harmony contests at International, giving them not only vocal skills but life skills. When she won the Sweet Adelines International Music Educator Award (now NAfME Award), it was a global recognition for all she had done locally.
Janice and I had the chance to talk for awhile on a couple of occasions earlier this year. And while she had been fighting the cancer valiantly for years, she shared that she felt that she had been blessed, that her fight had been successful for so long because she still had more work to do on earth. And she shared that she believed her mentoring of young musicians might just be the reason she had been given more time. Writing these words brings tears to my eyes, remembering how truly and deeply she always, always cared for the young women and men in her charge.
I will miss your laugh, Janice. I'll miss your mischievous smile. I'll miss your terrible, pun-filled poetry. And I will miss how much you led with your heart and truly tried to help everyone around you find their joy. You will always live on in my heart.
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She was my middle schooler choir teacher and had a huge impact on my life. She was so dedicated to music and to her students. She is the reason I’m still singing ! Very sad to hear.
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Janice made a difference in this world. Her passions and talents were a shining light that she shared with others. Thank you for your years of dedication and the generosity of your time. We will remember you with a smile and gratitude. May the happy memories bring comfort to family and friends. Thank you Janice! We’ll miss you, but your memory still sings.
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This is the 2023 Regional Contest set wherein we have captured the infamous laugh of Janice Kueppers for our uptune "Oh Look At Me Now."
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20 some years ago Janice coached a quartet I was in weekly at my house. She has coached our RiverOaks Chorus. She was always positive while helping us improve. She was a GREAT PERSON in every way. I will miss her terribly. So will a anyone who knew her.
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