Bosse returns home to lead the "Pride"

MADAWASKA - When band director and music teacher, Martha Michaud, announced her retirement this past spring, the Pride of Madawaska Marching Band and its supporters held their collective breath waiting for news on the future of the music program. That news came when former Pride member and newly graduated music teacher, Josh Bosse, 23, of Madawaska, received the baton in a ceremonial gesture at the band's final performance of the year in June.

THE STUDENT NOW BECOMES THE TEACHER - Outgoing band director and music teacher, Martha Michaud, welcomes her former student, Josh Bosse, with the ceremonial passing of the baton. Michaud retired from her position this spring. Bosse was hired just four days after his college graduation to replace her this fall. - Pettengill Jerkins image

Bosse graduated from Madawaska High School in 2005. He had played the flute since the fifth grade and knew he wanted a future in music. He completed his general education requirements at the University of Maine in Fort Kent before transferring to the University of Maine in Orono's music education program. There, he learned to play woodwinds, brass, strings, and percussion, along with two full years of piano. With that training, Bosse says he feels confident in his new role.

"I'm well versed in all of the instruments," he said.

But it is Bosse's passion for music that energizes him most about this opportunity.

"I'm very excited," he said. "I can't wait to start with the kids. I know the school, the teachers, and a lot of the students. Music is what I love to do and I'm just so excited about it."

Maybe the stars were aligned just right, but Bosse didn't waste any time finding a job after completing his education.

He was still completing his student teaching in Old Town when he received the phone call for an interview the Monday morning following the Saturday, May 7 graduation ceremony this spring. They wanted him for an interview the following day at 1 p.m.

His music students had their end-of-the-year concert scheduled for 7 p.m. later that same day. Bosse, not wanting to pass on what seemed like a golden opportunity, awoke at 5 a.m. that Tuesday morning to make the trek north to his hometown. He arrived in time to prepare for his interview, which finished at 1:45, and then bolted back to Old Town in time for the concert.

By 9 a.m. the next morning, administrators offered him the job.

For the remainder of the school year, Bosse shadowed Michaud, familiarizing himself with the job.

"They are a great band," he said. "They have a lot of talent and a lot of ability."

In the upcoming year Bosse wants to introduce more difficult pieces to the students and continue the marching band program. In the future, Bosse said he'd like to explore working with string instruments and perhaps develop a jazz band. He offers private lessons in his spare time.

Bosse is also looking forward to working with the band boosters, who work to raise funds for band trips, instrument repairs and purchases, and who also help with care and fitting of the blue and white uniforms the students wear when marching.

Line Boucher, who has been working with the band for several years and performs multiple duties as a booster, is looking forward to working with him.

"We're anxious to work with him," she said. "He has a lot of great ideas and things he wants to do with the band. We hope to help him implement them."