Join Church of the Harvest for a second service on Sunday, April 29th from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at the church complex, 4346 4A Charles Crossing White Plains, MD, 20695. Dinner will be served after the service.

2011 Rhythm of Gospel Award Songwriter of the Year

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 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 educator for over 30 years. She is pursuing her doctorate degree in Education Leadership.  Shirlette is currently the Acting Principal at Carrie Weedon Early Education Center. Shirlette earned her Diploma of Ministry from Chesapeake Bible College and Seminary and is a Certified Lay Minister in the United Methodist Church.  Shirlette has taught music appreciation at Sojourner Douglass College and the Kids in College  Program at Anne Arundel Community College.

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 United Methodist Church, musician at Mt. Olive A.M.E. and currently Minister of Music at Hope-St. Mark United Methodist Church and the choir director for the State Ushers Choir.

Shirlette founded The Sounds of Joshua Community Praise Choir in September of 1995 under the name of Interfaith Community Praise Choir. Shirlette’s vision for the choir has been evangelism through music. Shirlette and the Interfaith Community Praise Choir released a Christmas CD. Shortly thereafter, Shirlette was given the vision to release a CD entitled “Be Encouraged.” That vision came to fruition in 2009 with The Sounds of Joshua Community Praise Choir and Mr. Harold E. Sims, Sr. as the producer.

Shirlette has been married to Rev. Virgil Boysaw Jr. for 35 years. They have one son, Virgil Boysaw, III who is a music teacher at Excel Academy Charter School in Prince Georges County.