The bell rings and students flood into the music building, hauling instrument cases. Before heading to class to warm up, many students stop by an office in the hallway, not for paperwork, but for a quick hello with music assistant Jan D’Annunzio, whose door is always open.
D’Annunzio said she started working in the Piedmont Unified School District in 1999.
“I started as the music assistant for choir and drama. So, first for Joe Piazza, and then when Kim Taylor took over the program, for Kim Taylor,” D’Annunzio said.“But my real interest is not drama, as much as I loved working for her. I’m interested in music. So when the music assistant for instrumental music retired [in 2009], I took that job.”
D’Annunzio said that she has been music assistant for the whole department since then.
Junior Francesca Ceccarelli said that D’Annunzio has had a big impact on her and all PHS music students.
“She does a lot for us, and she’s always there if you need to ask a question about an instrument or about checking something out. She’s really knowledgeable,” Ceccarelli said.
Ceccarelli said that when she was secretary of Symphonic Band last year, she got to know D’Annunzio much better.
“She’s really fun, funny, and does a lot of work behind the scenes for the music department in general,” Ceccarelli said. “I really saw firsthand how much she actually does for the music department that no one really gets to see.”
D’Annunzio said that during her time at Piedmont, 13 music teachers have come and gone, ten of them since 2018.
“[The music department] was very, very steady until 2018,” D’Annunzio said, “Most of those changes happened in the last seven years. COVID and teacher retirement was hard on the music department.”
Through it all, D’Annunzio has been a constant in Piedmont’s music department.
“She’s seen so much, so many different teachers, different students, the schools she’s been through, COVID, all sorts of stuff,” sophomore Diego Branneria said. “She just has such a vast experience with the program, school, and the district.”
D’Annunzio said that she values connecting with students.
“They keep me young,” she said, “They’re really funny and nice, and they’re fun to be around.”
Ceccarelli said that she is grateful to have gotten to know D’Annunzio.
“She always makes me laugh, she has a really bright smile,” Ceccarelli said.
D’Annunzio said that she has worked with all levels of students, although she mainly works at the high school and middle school now.
“She’s worked behind the scenes since my fifth grade orchestra class at Havens, when we were online,” Branneria said. “I’m sure that generations of Piedmont music kids are extremely grateful for all the support.”
Likewise, Ceccarelli said that D’Annunzio was a vital part of her band experience in both middle and high school.
“I can’t think of [my] middle school band experience without thinking of Ms. D’Annunzio. I can’t think of my high school experience without thinking of her,” Ceccarelli said. “The whole music department in general. It’s really impacted heavily by her and all the work she does behind the scenes.”
D’Annunzio said that she values seeing students grow up and getting to know them over time, as well.
“It’s really fun because some of them can be wiggly and uninterested when they’re little, and then they grow up into these wonderful adults,” D’Annunzio said.
D’Annunzio said that one of her favorite parts of working at Piedmont has been taking trips with the music department. With the defunct PHS choir, D’Annunzio traveled to Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Hungary, China, Germany, New York City, and Los Angeles. With band and orchestra, D’Annunzio traveled to New Orleans, Vancouver, San Diego, Las Vegas, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Disneyland.
“Being able to travel and go to festivals in the country and all over the world just made it really great,” D’Annunzio said. “Students see me just working when I’m here, but we can sort of let loose when we’re traveling, and that becomes really fun.”
Ceccarelli said that D’Annunzio is known for her sense of humor.
“I always walk in [to her office] and ask a question, or just say hi to her. I’m gonna miss her funny personality.” Ceccarelli said.
After 27 years at Piedmont, D’Annunzio said she is planning to retire after this year.
“[After retiring,] I’ll probably play with my grandson, be able to see my friends more often, and do some knitting,” D’Annunzio said.
Both Branneria and Ceccarelli said that D’Annunzio will be missed.
“I’ll miss having her presence around,” Ceccarelli said. “We all really trust her and look up to her. I’m gonna miss seeing her.”
