Mae Higgins

A variety of musical experiences and education helped our music teacher, Mae Higgins become the eclectic musician she is today.  Beginning on accordion at the age of 4, Ms. Higgins moved through clarinet and settled upon oboe.  The distinctive, plaintive sound was a definite draw as it was a reminder of her grandfather’s bagpipe playing.  Majoring in music was a natural progression and Ms. Higgins graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s of Music in Wind Instruments with teaching credentials and a Master of Music in Oboe performance. The impact of music on the mind and emotions was another interest, so she completed an equivalency degree in Music Therapy at Wayne State University in Detroit.  After free lancing as a professional oboist in southeast Michigan, Ms. Higgins moved to Savannah Georgia where she played oboe in the Savannah Symphony.  A subsequent move to Germany led to teaching for Department of Defense Dependent Schools and playing part time in an opera orchestra.

Ms. HIggins spent the next 30 years teaching in Wicomico County, Maryland.  During this time, she received the Outstanding Music Teacher award for the state.  She was also music director for Providence Church in Salisbury.

After retiring from Maryland, Ms. Higgins moved to Washington State.  From there, an Alaskan cruise led her to “discover” Hoonah where she was able to come out of retirement and take on the position of music teacher.

Ms. Higgins has three grown children and four grandchildren.  Her interests include boxing, kayaking, reading and beading.