Joan L. Pierce Boewe

Hillsdale County 4-H’er Joan Pierce Boewe has given her voice and musical talent her entire life which she considers as her special gift to bring joy, solace and/or entertainment. As a youth she was well-known in area churches, community groups and for singing the “Song of Peace,” the theme song for 4-H International exchange programs as she was a 4-H International Youth Exchange (IFYE) delegate to Belgium in 1953. Boewe studied music at Michigan State University and received a Fulbright grant to the Hochschule for Musik in Munich, Germany. She was then contracted for several roles with German Opera Houses performing in 719 performances in 53 opera roles. In 1970 she returned to the U.S. as professor of Music at Eastern Kentucky University for the next 28 years where she was well known for her solo soprano recitals. She completed two sabbaticals – one for advanced study in voice and at Strauss and DeBussy music in Dusseldorf, Germany and a second to research music and the brain to better understand student learning and more effective teaching. Boewe has served as chapter leader for the International Linus Association since retiring where handmade blankets are made for traumatized or chronically ill children. Additionally, she has been a member of the Cecilian (Musical) Club since 1970 and is continually sought to present about opera. She serves as a volunteer consultant for college students auditioning in her region and is both pianist and choir director for Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. Boewe has been recognized locally throughout her career and also nationally for her role in music education. She was voted State Governor of the National Association of Teachers of Singers (NATS) for two four-year terms and was also invited to speak at the NATS Conference.