of  
Janet Kapala
Nicknamed "Mrs. K," Janet Kapala has taught instrumental music to students on all three campuses of Cranbrook.

Her Brookside Band, Middle School Intermediate Band and team-taught Middle School Advanced Band and Upper School Symphony Band perform annually in the Performing Arts Center (Lerchen Hall).

Kapala was a Vocational Music Major from Cass Technical High School and received her Bachelor of Music and Master of Elementary Education degrees from Wayne State University. Before coming to Cranbrook Schools in 1976, she taught for two years in the Hazel Park School System and worked as a postal assistant for the Royal Oak branch of the U. S. Post Office.

As a woodwind major, Kapala has also taught private music lessons for 29 years. She also enjoys freelance opportunities playing flute and saxophone for special occasions in a Chamber Music style format, as well as participating in larger ensembles.

Kapala is a charter member of the Blue Lake Fine Arts Adult Band Camp. She has had the opportunity to travel internationally for several summers throughout Europe with the Blue Lake Fine Arts Adult Community Band.

12/3/2008 - David Rhee
I was in 4th grade when Mrs. Kapala taught me how to play the clarinet. Not only did she teach me something about music, but she looked after me until I graduated high school. Not every student was as lucky as I was to have such a mentor. I will never forget you. Thank you.
10/19/2008 - Dave Henning
Mostly, I remember Mrs. K. being really "cool" and making band really fun. At that age, I was too young to realize how much she knew about what she was doing. Looking back on what she did, both in band and in private lessons, she was excellent. I still teach students the major scales and key signatures using her method, which is far superior to the many other methods I have come across.