Debra Carmack-Erck

Bachelor of Music

Debra Erck has been on the Orpheus faculty since 2016, as an instructor of musicianship, flute, and voice. Her extensive experience teaching music to children of all ages includes 30 years in the public schools, 28 of those at Hill Elementary. During that time she was named Hill Teacher of the Year twice, as well as a semi-finalist for AISD Teacher of the Year.  Her All-Level certification in Music (K-12) includes specialization in Choral Music, Flute Performance and Voice instruction. Her post-graduate work was through the Texas State/Austin ISD Kodaly Certification program. She is a National Board Certified Teacher.

Mrs. Erck instituted numerous fine arts initiatives during her tenure in AISD, including the Hill Honor Choir, The Bi-Annual Fine Arts Festival, Kodaly sequenced instruction, classical guitar, and the Create Opera program in partnership with Austin Opera.  Her students have been selected to perform on several occasions, including district activities (AISD All-City Choir, AISD All-City Recorder Festival, Anderson H.S. musical), city-wide events (Austin Jazz Workshop, Austin Opera Children’s Chorus, Zach Scott Theatre) and state-wide ensembles (TCDA Elementary Honor Choir).Mrs. Erck’s other musical endeavors have included directing the Children’s and Youth Music at University United Methodist Church for over 15 years, preparing the Children’s Chorus for Austin Opera productions and directing the Elementary Honor Choir at the AISD Choral Festival. She currently leads singing opportunities for seniors at the Lamar Senior Center and Family Eldercare’s Lifetime Connections Without Walls program. She is also honored to now be serving as president of the Board of Directors for the Austin Jazz Workshop, a non-profit organization that provides opportunities for young students to experience live jazz in their schools.

​Mrs. Erck is an avid lover of Broadway musicals and opera. As a young girl, if she was not practicing her flute, you could find her “jammin’” with the great Julie Andrews.  I bet you can guess what soundtrack she has memorized!  Other favorite musicians include Luciano Pavarotti, Yo Yo Ma, John Denver and Sir James Galway.  Mrs. Erck’s other passions include cooking, card making, scrapbooking, jewelry design, and needle crafts.
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Mrs. Erck believes that one of the best ways we prepare our children to make a difference in the world is to engage children in artistic endeavors,  nurturing their musical skills and encouraging them to find their own unique voices.