Mary Cipperman ’21:
Ethan Krohn, a senior at Episcopal, heads a rock band called Snowed-In outside of school.
Krohn immersed himself in music at a young age. At age seven he began piano lessons, but his love for music far exceeded just one concentration. He says, “From there I moved on to guitar, and then, I just wanted to learn any instrument I could get my hands on.” He now plays drums bass, violin, and mandolin.
The band consists of five members. Andrew Altshuler from Woodlynde School plays drums, Sam Quinlisk from Salesianum School leads bass, and Jeff Cheffe from Harriton High School adds guitar. Krohn and his sister, Sarah, who attends Conestoga High School, contribute vocals, guitar, and keyboard.
Photo Courtesy of Ethan Krohn ’18
Having performed at Trocadero in Philadelphia and small restaurants like the Rusty Nail in Ardmore, Krohn has had a great deal of professional experience. The band also plays at fundraisers and community gigs, like the Malvern Fair. Krohn says that he plays at “pretty much any restaurant or venue we can find,” and he has traveled across the Philadelphia area as a result.
Several students attest to the quality of Krohn’s music. Charlotte Weisman ‘18 says, “Ethan is really committed to his band, and their covers and originals sound great. His sister and his other bandmates are all really talented and the shows are a lot of fun. With all the commitments EA entails, I know it’s hard for students to give time to interests outside school, so it’s pretty unique that Ethan can play multiple instruments and perform with Snowed-In.” Devan Bose ‘18 also adds, “Ethan is a fantastic and dedicated musician,” he says. “He works hard at it and clearly it has paid off thus far.”
James Erwin, Music Department Chair and Teacher, comments, “Ethan’s ability to phrase guitar solos and implement dynamics really stands out. A lot of high school kids can play notes and chords fast, but to have someone who can phrase is a real talent.” He also praises the “professional quality” of Ethan’s singing voice. He looks forward to working with Krohn in his J-Term class this year, which will perform across the Philadelphia area. He says, “He is super easy to work with, the few times I’ve had, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”
Krohn looks forward to the experience as well, and comments that music allows him to connect with friends, both old and new. He says, “I enjoy that I can be with a lot of my friends – the people in my band and people I play with outside of the band. I just have a really great time being able to work with them and create music.”
He encourages anyone to try music. For aspiring musicians, Krohn advises, “Just have fun with it at first, and if you keep working at it, keep practicing, you’ll eventually get better.” He adds, “For overcoming stage fright, just play as much as possible, try and get out of your comfort zone, and little by little that fear will go away.”
Other musicians at Episcopal share the sentiment. Michael Bai ‘20 says, “I think it’s important to be involved in music in any shape or form. Whether you’re in band, choir, or even by yourself, music allows you to experience and enjoy life in a different way.” Emma Humann ‘19 adds, “I think that the importance of having music groups is being in an environment in which everyone is supportive and appreciates what you love.”
In the future, Krohn hopes to continue playing. Although three of the band members will advance to college next year, Krohn hopes that they can continue year-round. If not, “we’ll come back and play in the summer.” The band is active on Spotify as well, and even has an album coming out at the end of this year. Krohn concludes, “We’d like to keep it alive as long as possible.”