Singing Siblings

 

One group of Pioneer alumni siblings share a history rooted in the halls of Duchesne, where they each cultivated a deep love for music and continue to share their gifts today. While the professional paths of Jane (Boschert) Jennings ‘85, Beth (Boschert) Duello ‘78, Michael Boschert ‘88, and our own President Paul Boschert ’77 have since taken them in various directions, music has remained the constant at the center of their lives, serving as a bridge between their shared upbringing and their diverse careers.

The story of the Boschert family’s musicality began long before they stepped onto Duchesne’s campus. The four siblings credit their parents for laying the groundwork for the artistic journeys. Their father was well known in the Saint Charles area for possessing a beautiful voice, a talent that he shared generously with the community. Beth recalled that their father was often sought after for his vocal gifts. He sang two or three weddings a weekend, she noted, adding that people would often approach him later to request that he sing at their funerals as well.

While their father provided the raw talent and example, it was their mother who pushed them to share that talent. Paul explained that while they inherited their talent from their father, the drive and the encouragement came from their mother. Beth echoed this, noting that their mother was the one who drove them to lessons and ensured they had the opportunities to grow. Music was simply the air they breathed. Jane shared memories of family events where aunts and uncles would harmonize, with everyone naturally finding their part in the song.

While the siblings were students in later years, the family legacy on the Duchesne stage was already established. Their father stepped in as an adult to play the lead role in Duchesne’s 1959 production, Oklahoma. Paul mentioned that he was actually in attendance for that show as a baby, watching his father sing on the very same stage where he and his siblings would later perform.

When the siblings arrived at Duchesne, they found an environment that encouraged them to explore these gifts without being limited to just one identity. Michael, a baritone, was involved in music, student council, and various clubs. While he did not participate in sports, he played trombone and percussion. Jane, on the other hand, balanced music with athletics by participating in all the musicals and year round sports. This ability to be a “well rounded” student is a hallmark of the Duchesne experience.

The siblings’ own time on stage was equally memorable. Jane recalled that a high point for her was performing in Bye Bye Birdie with her brother Michael. Both siblings held lead roles in the production, creating a special family memory that has lasted decades.

A particularly unique part of their Duchesne experience involved Patt Holt, an English teacher who started a group called the Patt Holt Singers. This group began with students meeting around a piano at her house and eventually grew into something much larger. Michael shared the incredible story of touring with a group from the Patt Holt Singers through a Department of Defense tour. This opportunity allowed them to perform for troops in locations including Tokyo, Korea, the Philippines, Bahrain, and Panama.

As the siblings moved beyond high school, the foundation they built at Duchesne served them well in their professional lives. Jane pursued a career as an opera singer, performing across the United States and internationally. Eventually, she transitioned into teaching to spend more time with her family. Michael also found a professional calling in music, noting that he performs at roughly 60 weddings a year as well as many funerals. He views this as a form of service, stating that he feels his music provides a great comfort to families during significant life moments.

Beth’s journey led her to become a music educator. After studying music performance, she taught in the Hazelwood district and currently serves as a part-time music director. She noted that her role requires her to be open to every genre, though Broadway and classical music remain her personal favorites. For Paul, music remains a source of joy, singing in Beth’s choir at St. Charles Borromeo church. He laughed as he mentioned that when he is in the car, he listens to the “70s on 7” station because it features familiar songs from his youth.

Beyond the technical skills and the performance opportunities, the siblings were quick to point out that Duchesne provided a spiritual and ethical framework that has guided them throughout their lives. Jane emphasized that Duchesne taught values and integrity, providing a foundation to succeed both academically and spiritually. Beth added that the school prepared them for college and life, making her life more “God-centered” through the spiritual focus she encountered as a student.

The impact of the school was so profound for Paul that he returned to his alma mater to teach, later serving as athletic director before becoming the current president. He noted that Duchesne set such a great foundation for him and made such an impression that he wanted to come back and be a part of the community again.

The story of the Boschert siblings is a testament to the power of a supportive family and a school community that nurtures individual gifts. Whether they are performing on international opera stages, leading a church choir, or teaching the next generation of musicians, they carry the spirit of Duchesne with them. Their lives serve as a beautiful harmony of faith, family, and the gift of music.