MEET OUR DIRECTOR - Anne Thompson
Anne Thompson is a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cello Performance and Music Education from Western Michigan University, and a Master’s degree in Cello Performance from the University of Notre Dame. Now in her eighteenth year as an orchestra teacher, Anne began her career in Kentwood Public Schools and is currently in her eighth year with Forest Hills Public Schools. Over the years, her orchestras consistently received Division 1 ratings at Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) festivals. She has had two of her high school symphony orchestras selected to perform at the Michigan Music Conference – the East Kentwood Symphony Orchestra in Ann Arbor in 2002 and the Forest Hills Eastern Symphony Orchestra in Grand Rapids in 2015. Anne has been nominated as Teacher of the Year for MASTA in 2015 and won Orchestra Teacher of the Year for MSBOA District 10 in 2015.
Anne is a sought-after private cello instructor, and has maintained a thriving private studio since her arrival in Grand Rapids. Her students have received several honors over her many years of teaching, including selection into All-State and Youth Arts Festival orchestras. Anne is also in demand as a sectional coach, where she has led sectionals with various local youth orchestras as well as regional and state orchestra events.
Anne continues to serve as an Adjunct Professor of Music Education at Grand Valley State University, where she has taught the string techniques course since 2008. Anne has also served as Assistant Director of the MASTA Elementary String Camp, Secretary of MSBOA District 10 Executive Board, and is currently the Music Education liaison to MSBOA District 10. She has performed as a cellist with the Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, South Bend, and West Michigan Symphony Orchestras. During many weekends throughout the year, she can be found performing with the Signature String Quartet.
Contact Anne Thompson
FHE Orchestras
2200 Pettis NE
Ada, MI 49301