Soo Theatre has gained a fairly new addition to their faculty, Meg Boucher. Meg moved in 2015 with her husband Marc Boucher who accepted a library position at Lake Superior State University, and their son Henry. Henry began taking after school lessons through an after-school strings program at Washington Elementary. Several of the elementary schools in the EUP have participated in the after-school strings program initiated by Maggie Twining, Education Director at the Soo Theatre. This program is an introductory course to learn the fundamentals of strings playing in a group setting for a reduced tuition. In about 10-12 weeks, students would learn several songs and good technique and by then have a good idea if the instrument is a good fit for them.
Since moving to the EUP, the Boucher family has grown. In 2016, they added Paige & Collette, twin daughters, to their family. Meg would often bring Paige & Collette and watch the strings class and eventually, through her son and his cello playing, she became involved with the Soo Theatre Project. A few months later she was approached to teach the Elementary Arts Exploration Camp during the 2017 summer camps schedule, where she took students on an exploration of all forms of art! Students learned about piano, art & sidewalk chalk, opera & singing, stringed instruments, and they used boomwhackers and other instruments. They even did a short play that they ended up performing for the preschool camp students!
Meg began her musical endeavors in middle school and from there she went on to to University with the same musical passion. She received her BA in Flute Performance from Ripon College in Ripon, WI. She has also received her Instrumental Music Teaching License from UW-Milwaukee and two years later received her Elementary Teaching License from Cardinal Stritch University, both in Milwaukee, WI. She taught Head Start until moving to MI in 2015. Before becoming a Head Start teacher, Meg taught elementary school, middle school, and high school general music classes. She also taught high school and middle school band where she conducted two bands at each middle school and high school.
First Steps (5-9 years)
Meg will be teaching a number of classes for the 2018 winter-spring semester. First, for our little ones (5-9 years old), a class called First Steps in Music. This class is a great introduction for kids who love to sing, rhyme, and move. The class explores many different musical concepts and is a great first class before students try an instrument or other lessons. It builds a strong musical foundation for someone who wants to do more, but is just plain fun for someone who loves to sing.
Private Lessons on Flute & Piano (all ages)
Meg will also be teaching private flute lessons for students of all levels and abilities. We are often asked if adults can take lessons and the answer is “Yes!” Students who are just starting on flute (in 5th or 6th grade) through adult are encouraged to sign up for lessons. It gives a one-on-one look at embouchure, breathing, musical skills, posture, musicality, and more. Private lessons are a great way to make sure you have all the right foundations, while continuing to work on things specific to your playing.
Meg is also teaching private piano lessons for beginners. If you have a student who is interested in learning piano for the first time, private piano lessons are available. The possibility of piano group class is also an option. If you are interested in the group class option, call the theatre office and ask to be put on our “piano group class interest list” and when we have enough people, we will find a day and time suitable to those enrolled in the class.
Flute Choir (High School through adult)
On Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30pm, Meg leads the Flute Choir at the Soo Theatre. The flute choir is for high school through adult flute players to learn to play in a flute ensemble. It’s essentially a flute orchestra! This group would be great for high school students and adults who love to play and are looking for more challenging music. Potential members are always welcome to come and watch a rehearsal or “sit-in and play” once before deciding if it’s a good fit.
All of the lessons and group classes listed above are taught at the Soo Theatre Project, 534 Ashmun St. For more information please contact the Soo Theatre Office at (906) 632-1930 and/or email sootheatre@gmail.com.
