What people say about Jenna!
“Jenna is an amazing drum teacher. She’s enthusiastic and encouraging. She starts with the basics and works at the students’ speed knowing when to introduce new skills or further develop the current skill. She also promotes individualism and creativity. Her extensive knowledge of music and skills in playing multiple instruments makes her a key resource in the music field. I am constantly amazed at how much my son progresses with each lesson. He may struggle during the lesson and want to give up but Jenna always knows how much he can handle and encourages him to keep trying. This gives him the confidence to move forward. I would recommend Jenna in a heartbeat!” – Krista Nigbor, Mother of drum student
“I have known Jenna a long time. We first met while she was in high school at Appleton North High School. She was interested in majoring in music at college and she approached me about percussion lessons. As a high school student, I found her to be mature beyond her years, serious, focused, and
determined. She later came to study with me as an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. In the time that has passed since then, Jenna has distinguished herself as one of the leading performers in our Department of Music and has also maintained an admirable record of high grades and
accomplishments. Jenna has proven that she can effortlessly embrace the environment and demands of a program, and she welcomes challenge and hard work. Her growth during her undergraduate time here is impressive, and her passion for learning and her personal work ethic are an inspiration. I am continuously impressed by the breadth of knowledge Jenna seeks. She has elevated her own level of performance in percussion to the very highest standards, and her considerable level of professional activity while still in school is impressive. She is a great collaborator and communicator, and I am convinced that she is well-suited for a music career that involves music business as well as playing. Jenna has not allowed the pandemic to affect her goals toward academic rigor. Maintaining remarkably high grades while fulfilling the demands of a very time-consuming major (Music Business) she has
established a solid professional and academic agenda for herself, with an interest in entrepreneurship, music business and performance. I am certain that she will continue to thrive in all aspects of her music.” – Dr. Alison Shaw, Department Chair of Music and Professor of Percussion at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
“What she can do on the keyboard I’m totally impressed with. She reminds me of the great George Winston who I really admire. It’s like I can’t get enough of what she can do and her gifts, and the way of playing the piano. It’s exciting and it’s exuberating for me, and it shows a lot of love in her music and what she does. She came out with the new song called Cascade, and the way she can play that piano, it just blows my mind.” – Chuck Fields, Fan
“I came across Jenna as a fellow musician in the Green Bay and Appleton area in Wisconsin. As a musician, she’s obviously a great pianist but in a pop setting she’s playing a Hammond organ, she’s playing a Wurlitzer, she’s playing a Fender Rhodes sound, she’s playing synthesizer and she moves between those mediums effortlessly and great range as a musician. The song that she recently has out, Cascade is the name of the song, when I listen to it I think of waterfalls. There is a cascade on the right hand, tempo shifts that just really free your mind up and let you wander through the music with her.” – Michael Stirk, Musician and Former Bandmember
“Jenna thank you so much for inviting me to your senior recital. I’m so happy for you. Out of all the young people I’ve met in my life you are certainly one of the most talented and driven. I have absolutely zero doubt that you will accomplish everything you set out to do. You are one of the most motivated hard working people I have the fortune of knowing. I was lucky to meet you and I know you’ll do great things! I’ll see you sometime in Nashville!” – Ben Rausch, Fan
“Amazing! Jenna, you have a gift. You make the world a better place with your music. Thank you.” – Thomas Nelson, Fan
“It was great to meet you and see you grow as a musician these past years. What joy you have brought to so many. So often, people watching the band, would ask me, ‘who is that drummer?’ You will fly in your life! You are soo talented. The best is yet to come to you. Enjoy your next adventure. Can’t wait to hear about your new life. Be safe and please keep in touch.” – Mary Neuberger, mother of Bandleader Jon Neuberger of Jonny T-Bird & the MP’s
“Jenna Kopitske will soon be moving to Nashville in January and we just did our last gig together..It was a perfect way to say goodbye. Jenna first came to my attention during the dummer of 2019 when I saw a video..This video showed a high school rock band who played at the Klement’s Summerfest stage that year. I was so impressed with the drummer, I asked..her name. Eventually, Jenna and I connected and we soon joined forces. Back then, Marcus MG Gibbons (RIP) was my main drummer. Although he couldn’t make all my gigs, I would occasionally use fill-in drummers..Even when she was going to college full-time and doing other musical endeavors, she still made time for my band..Thank you Jenna for being you and for defining the back beat of my sound for the past 3 years. Including my lastest album PLAY TIME. The sky is the limit for you!” – Jon Neuberger, Bandleader of Jonny T-Bird & the MP’s
“Jenna Kopitske is the most musically talented person I have ever had the privilege of knowing. So proud of her.” – Barb Bricco, Musician and Fan
“Nashville is lucky to gain a vivacious, talented, beautiful inside out rising star!!! Wishing you the best! See you soon.” – Sharan Kapoor, Fan
“Congrats, this sounds like a great next step for you. Uber-talented, smart and a great attitude, you’ve got it all! Good luck! – Mike Schmidt, Musician and Fan
“Hi Jenna! I said I would follow you! I was listening to you play when I walked by with my kids and sister at the downtown Appleton farmers market. I couldn’t help but smile how beautiful your music sound. We just had to get you flowers as a thank you. We would’ve watch you play a little longer but the kids were getting cold. I can’t wait to see and hear more from you! Cheering you on. Hope to see you perform more in the near future.” – Canoe Vang, Fan
“I am thankful to have had the opportunity to watch Jenna grow into the respectful, caring, and dependable young woman that she has become. In addition to showing hard work and dedication in our group performance program, Jenna has demonstrated excellent teamwork and leadership abilities. Jenna is very considerate and quick to offer assistance to her band mates that need help better understanding and developing their skills. Without exception, Jenna will put the success of the group ahead of herself in every situation. In doing so, she has learned and understands that by building-up and supporting those around her, she is best able to create an environment for everyone to thrive and succeed. Jenna leads by example and makes an effort to help everyone around her feel welcomed, valued, and appreciated. I have always been impressed by Jenna’s ability to balance the many activities she has been a part of. Whether participating in music, school, sports, work, or the many community volunteer efforts she has been a part of, Jenna has always approached each with a high level of dedication, performance, follow-through, and an overall pursuit of excellence in everything she does. I am excited to watch her bright future unfold ahead of her.” – Jason Lipsky, Owner of Appleton Rock School
“I have had the distinct pleasure of having Jenna Kopitske in the Appleton North Bands as a percussionist for four years. While at Appleton North, Jenna has made a wonderful impact on the quality of our overall program. She is a valuable member of our Honors Band, a section leader in the marching band, and also performs in our Honors Orchestra and pep band. Jenna is an effective leader and is a very well respected musician. She has a drive to achieve and spends a great deal of time performing with her own bands and working on composition. Jenna has always strived to become a better individual. She displays a great sense of confidence and is eager to take on new and challenging projects. Over time, she has grown to accept responsibilities with pride and has carried out all tasks with great care and determination. Jenna Kopitske is a mature and responsible individual. She has always been able to balance a schedule filled with her schoolwork and many outside activities. I am so impressed with her polite demeanor and her positive outlook on life. She is truly in a position to contribute to society in a positive way. Jenna’s family and home support have also been a positive in her growth as an individual. She has been raised in a professional and loving home.” – James S. Thaldorf, Director of Bands at Appleton North High School
“Music moves the spirit! We are so grateful to Jenna Kopitske for bringing her gift of music and song to our Annual Walk for Suicide Awareness! She provided a variety of songs and music which appealed to all ages. We were very appreciative of Jenna and her music and would recommend her for any event or gathering. She truly is a very talented musician and a compassionate person.” – Barb Bigalke, Executive Director/Founder of Center for Suicide Awareness
“You are a talented arranger, composer, creator, and pianist. Your piano skills are fantastic. You learn new concepts instantly and flawlessly. It was a pleasure to have you in class this year.” – Dr. Kirstin Ihde, Assistant Professor of Piano at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
“It all started when I saw her drum with one of her bands at Summerfest through a mutual friend’s Facebook video. I was so impressed with not only her musicianship, but how talented she is at such a young age. We met immediately after watching the video. And before long, I started hiring her to drum for a few of my gigs. She’s like the baby sister I’ve always wanted to have. She’s got a bright future ahead of her.” -Jon Neuberger, Bandleader of Jonny T-Bird and the MP’s
“Jenna. I was just playing piano this morning going over the signs for the ceremony today..and I was thinking about you. I was thinking about how blessed I am that you were able to allow me to bring my studio to the next level.” – Timothy Dorsey, Musician, DJ, and owner of OpenwindO Recording Studio
“It’s exciting to meet a young person with such talent and confidence in her playing, yet humble. Check out Jenna Kopitske on the drums, one of the several instruments that she plays. Just wow.” – Ellen Friedlander Martinson, Pianist
“You swing a mean pair of sticks, young lady!! As we used to say when I was your age, “righteous!!” – Michael Murphy, Bandleader of Michael Murphy and the MOB
“Listen I watched a bunch of your videos…you are incredibly talented in so many ways, and so many instruments. Your piano playing is awesome, and take it from somebody who’s been playing for 30 years…your drumming is excellent. Your future in the music industry is very bright. With your excellent attitude, personality, and talent I have no doubt that you will achieve your dream. I would be happy to use your keyboard talents whenever we get around to recording, and I won’t forget you or your amazing talent.” – Fan
“I cannot stop talking about you last night, you seriously OWNED that stage.” – Dee Gerhart, Lead vocals and instrumentalist of the Chestnut Grove Band
“Absolutely amazing. I couldn’t believe what I was witnessing. You should be very proud of yourself!!” – James Daniels, Drummer of the Chestnut Grove Band
“Follow Jenna, she is a human metronome.” – Michael Ross, Director of Bands at Appleton West High School