Who's the Boss?

Hi, I'm Evie Boss. I have been playing guitar for 40 years. I started writing songs because if they were mine no one would know if I messed up!!!!

I have been teaching Biology for 30 years and use my guitar occasionally in the classroom to introduce a concept. It all started when I wrote a funny song about the parts of an earthworm. I was surprised to discover that my former students would come back and be able to sing "Willy the Worm" two years later!! I have found music to be a wonderful teaching tool as well as creative outlet for many of my students. It was also the beginning of my understanding of the multiple intelligences approach to teaching.

I have been creating environmental programs for elementary schools and nature centers for 20 years using a variety of materials and songs. I have helped schools develop courtyards and grounds to encourage wildlife, started recycling programs, raised too many orphan and injured animals ( I currently have a three-legged cat called Purrfect), developed an alternative life science class for students who were struggling to stay in school, presented workshops on designing songs for classroom use and am a master gardener who developed 23 separate flower beds at a yoga ranch in northern Michigan.

In my spare time I garden for wildlife and write music. Actually I don't read music so I should say I jot down the chords and words that continually come to me. I currently have 25 CDs with more in the works! It took a bout with breast cancer to give me the courage to begin sharing my inspirational music at various retreats in the midwest. I am now a 10 year survivor of breast cancer. In December 2005, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and I created a powerful CD about cancer as I struggled with this health issue. I came through the surgery with my voice and humor intact. When people comment that my voice is even more powerful I tell them what my surgeon told me: he took off my "muffler"!

I am a member of the Science Songwriter's Association. To learn more about this association click here.

I am listed in the 2006-2009 program tourning directory of the Michigan Arts and Humanities. There are grants available to help fund these programs. To learn more click here.