Heidi Epp
Artistic Director
Conductor
Heidi has been the Artistic Director since 2010.
Heidi was born in Vancouver and raised primarily in Richmond. Her music education began at an early age with piano studies under renowned local teacher, Winfred Rompf, who continues to be a wonderful mentor. She also sang and toured with the West Coast Mennonite Children’s Choir. Her piano and music theory studies were later furthered at what is now known as the Vancouver Academy of Music. She began accompanying groups and soloists at her elementary school concerts. By the age of 16, Heidi and a group of 5 peers formed their own singing group called J.O.Y. Under their own direction, they performed for 5 years performing primarily in the lower mainland. Having an equal passion for music and theatre, Heidi eventually attended the Vancouver Film and Theatre School studying acting with Anthony Holland, one of the founders of Studio 58 and Catherine Caines. It was during this time that Heidi was twice awarded an acting scholarship by the Richmond Council of Arts.
Upon Graduation from VFTS, Heidi enjoyed an active acting career in theatre, film and television while simultaneously beginning to work for Ailanthus, a performing arts organization for children in the inner city of Vancouver. Eventually she became part of the Artistic Management Team as head of the music and dance department. This is where she really developed her passion and skill for nurturing children through the performing arts. Heidi continues to successfully run her own private piano studio. She also remains an active performer and accompanist. As a native to Richmond, Heidi proudly attended Tait Elementary, Cambie Junior High and finally graduated from Richmond High. Heidi is very pleased to be contributing to her beloved city of Richmond as a Conductor and the Artistic Director of the RYHC. She is proud to be sharing her talents, rich experiences and passions with the talented and inspiring children of the RYHC choirs and their artistic team. It is her hope to pass on to them a life-long enthusiasm for great music, personal confidence and a spirit of hospitality for a diverse community brought together through musical and personal harmony.
Yuan-En (Monica) Teng
Assistant Director
Raised in Richmond, Monica Teng sang with RYHC from 2005-2013. She received her BAH in English and Music, and her B.Ed in at-risk youth from Queen’s University. She studied voice throughout university, and has sung in many other choirs such as the Queen’s Chorus, Queen’s Women’s Chamber Choir, and ROCA. She is currently studying at Capilano University to receive a certificate in Music Conducting. Monica currently sings with the Capilano Singers and Laudate Singers. Monica currently teaches in elementary school in Richmond and hopes to show many students the joy that singing together can bring.
Zachary Kuepfer
Pianist
Zachary grew up in Richmond, and originally accompanied for the RYHC from 2014-2016 before leaving to study pure mathematics at the University of Waterloo. During his studies, he sang with Waterloo’s University Choir, as well as the Hart House Singers at the University of Toronto. He is currently a high school math teacher in Vancouver.