By Clara Chen and Kaya Gross
May 26, 2026
Bowman Courier investigates a beloved Bowman teacher’s disappearance and reappearance
For 20 years, Steve Escher was Bowman School’s music teacher, helping to create a robust music program that included several levels of Band and Orchestra. He showed many students the joy of playing an instrument with his unique teaching style and witty humor.
Then he left Bowman in 2022 to make wine, having a long-time interest in the process of fermentation. At the time, there were 80 people in the Band program, which consisted of Beginner, Concert, Bowman, Jazz, and Marching Bands. Shortly before he left, there was a special concert for him where many of his former students played. Everyone thought that he would never teach Music at Bowman again, only coming back for occasional visits.
Steve found out that retirement didn’t really suit him. He started learning winemaking at Santa Rosa Junior College, where he had various jobs, such as de-stemming the grapes and sanitizing equipment, among other things. His internship lasted two years, and he started working at a nearby winery. But year-round winery jobs are harder to find, and he missed working with students.
Not surprisingly, after Steve left, Band fell apart. Mary Beth wanted to put Band back together, so she contacted Steve and convinced him to come back to Bowman. Lucky for the school and the confluence of circumstances, Steve is teaching Band again for the 2025-2026 school year.
We interviewed Steve to find out more about what he’s been doing and why he returned.
Bowman Courier: Where have you been?
Steve: Where have I been? I’ve been in Sonoma County. Do you know where that is? It’s up north, north of Marin County.
BC: Were you actually making wine?
Steve: Yes. For two years, I was actively working in two different wineries. And, it was really, really interesting. And I took a bunch of courses, and I studied with two really excellent winemakers, and I worked with them in two wineries.
BC: Why did you come back to Bowman?
Steve : I stopped working at the wineries. I had got to a certain level, and I realized I missed the band. Because it’s super fun. And I had talked to Mary Beth. I talked to her every once in a while. She said, “Hey, the band isn’t together anymore, but I’d like it to happen, so is there any way we can get you to come here?” So, I figured out a way.
BC : What’s your favorite part of teaching music at Bowman?
Steve : So many things. But Band is the most fun. I love it, and it seems like people have a good time and I have a really good time. And I think the children at Bowman are very entertaining.
BC: What is a surprising fact about yourself that you think no one who is currently attending Bowman knows?
Steve : While I was gone, I got really good at driving a forklift. Because it was part of the job, the job I was doing at the wineries. So, you know, if anybody needs any forklifting, they should come to me. I’m certified.
BC: What has changed in Bowman’s Music since you left?
Steve: Well, the music room is all a whole lot prettier than when I was here. You know, the stuff on the walls and things. And also, there [are] many more instruments than when I was here. Like the xylophones and the drums, and yeah. That’s what’s mostly different.
This interview was edited for clarity and brevity.