If area residents have attended a CCHS football or volleyball game this fall, they have likely already met new K-12 music teacher Nate Louisignau. Even if the pep band wasn't playing or he wasn't performing the National Anthem, Louisignau has been there - he's a sports fanatic.

Louisignau grew up right outside of Detroit, Michigan in the "small" town of Redford. The youngest of five children by many years, he played several different sports growing up. Though he was home-schooled, Louisignau was still able to participate in football, hockey, soccer, baseball and tennis through twelfth grade at public schools.

Louisignau's parents are originally from Quebec, Canada. "Hockey is in our blood," he said. Of course, the Detroit Red Wings were his favorite team growing up.

Besides sports, he also has a passion for music. Louisignau attended Concordia University Ann Arbor in Michigan from 2014-2019 and received his Bachelors Degree in Music Education with a focus in choral/band studies. While attending the small, Christian school, Louisignau was principal tenor in the Concordia Choir and in Concordia's elite choir, Arborsong. He also took private vocal lessons and started Concordia's first ever a cappella group. Louisignau studied percussion while being an active member in the Concordia University Ann Arbor Wind Ensemble and the Concordia University Ann Arbor Cardinal Regiment Marching Band.

Louisignau heard about the job opening in Ekalaka by chance. He and former CCHS music teacher, Andrew Del Raso, were both part of an online music teacher networking group. The two had never met, even though they both grew up in Michigan and attended college only miles apart. After a visit to Ekalaka last spring while completing his degree, Louisignau felt that Ekalaka was "where he needed to be."

Being involved in so many different groups at CUAA has made him a well-rounded music teacher, he said. Some of the groups he was a part of had a chance to perform at Carnegie Hall and Chicago Symphony Center.

"I made a decision and stuck with it," Louisignau said when asked why he became a music teacher. "I have always loved music and wanted to be a teacher. I love singing and took piano lessons as a kid."

This summer, Louisignau will start courses for his master's degree in music education from Michigan State University. He also plans to have his fiancée visit Ekalaka. She is currently working towards a degree at CUAA.

Besides teaching music and watching sports, Louisignau enjoys collecting vinyl records and playing tennis. He might also be spotted around town after school hours, walking his dog.