Shirlette Denise Hogue Boysaw - Founder and Director
Shirlette D.H. Boysaw was born in Annapolis, MD to Eugene and Marie Bernice Hogue. She has one sister Dr. Sharlie L. Hazen. She was educated in the Anne Arundel County Public School System. Shirlette's love of music began at an early age. She sang her first solo and began playing the piano at the age of 6. At age 9 she began playing the drums and composed her first song "ACC Happiness" at the age of 11. At the age of 12 she also began playing for the youth choir at her home church, Union Memorial United Methodist Church. Shirlette graduated from Arundel High School in 1978, where Dr. Phillip L. Butts was and is currently the band director. She composed her first piece for concert band during her senior year and was performed at her graduation. Shirlette was the drum major during her senior year and played a variety of instruments that included french horn, vibraphone and timpani. Shirlette received her Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Bowie State University. While there, she sang in the concert choir, played in the concert band and was the drum major in the marching band. Upon graduation, she began teaching in Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Shirlette taught instrumental music for 12 years. Her bands and orchestra participated in county, state, and national competitions where these ensembles earned superior ratings and numerous awards. She earned a Master's degree in Administration/Supervision and has been an assistant principal for 14 years. Shirlette has taught music appreciation at Sojouner Douglas College and the Kids in College Program at Anne Arundel Community College. She has been an instructor at the Chesapeake Bible College, Central Anne Arundel Campus. In April Shirlette will launch "Creative Arts" after school program. The program will provide a safe haven for students to learn a musical instruments and receive dance instruction. Students will also be involved in goal setting, conflict resolution, and appropriate etiquett for social settings. Shirlette was the Minister of Music at Interfaith Christian Fellowship Church. She has been a musician and choir director at Franklin UM Church, First Baptist Church, Asbury UM Church, and is currently on staff at Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church. Shirlette founded The Sounds of Joshua Community Praise Choir in September of 1995. Shirlette's vision for the choir has been evangelism through music. The Sounds of Joshua Community Praise Choir released their debut CD entitled "Be Encouraged." The CD was produced by Harold E. Sims, Sr. Shirlette has been married to Min. Virgil Boysaw, Jr. for 27 years. They have one son, Virgil Boysaw, III. He is 20 years old and is currently attending the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.