English teacher Julie Blank is in a classic

ROCKERPART TEACHER PART ROCKER Julie Blank sings and plays with local rock band

NICO SKAPOF opinions writer

FFor most teachers, summer is a time to relax, but not for Julie Blank, whose summers consist of constantly rocking out with the SteamRoller Band. The SteamRoller Band is composed of members Julie Blank, Greg Blank, Chris Letrello and Rich Kasznel. Band member Julie Blank, an english teacher at Ladue, has a long history of musical performance. “I auditioned for [a band] in 2001 ... I met my husband in that band,” Julie said. Her current musical project, The SteamRoller Band, covers the band members’ favorite songs and artists from their lifetime. Julie works part time, leaving her with plenty of time to pursue music, which she has been interested in since childhood. “I’ve always played the piano ... I did show choir in high school and a variety of different music groups in college,” Julie said. Although Julie has always loved music and performance, it did not naturally come to her. For a long time, Julie suffered from stage fright. “I had terrible stage fright, and yet absolutely craved [performing],” Julie said. “Feeling the energy of an audience is deeply satisfying for me.” Despite this intense desire, her stage fright kept her away from bands. It took several years for her to be comfortable performing on stage. “I wasn’t officially in a band until six years after I started teaching, but that love of performance I’ve had since I was little,” Julie said. Blank has stuck with The SteamRoller Band for almost a decade, mostly due to the chemistry of the band. Her husband and fellow bandmate, Greg Blank is familiar with the great dynamic the band has. “We’re going strong,” Greg said. “This band is a rock-solid group of friends.” Despite some challenges, Blank has retained her love of music. Even though it’s not her job, she has no plans on stopping any time soon. “All of us have day jobs, and it’s not more than a hobby for us, but it’s one that we love,” Julie said. p

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The SteamRoller Band perform at Failoni’s Restaurant. They play covers of various rock songs. “We play good old rock and roll. From Fleetwood Mac and John Mellencamp to the B-52s,” Kasznel said. (Photo by Margaret Lawton)