Meet the Thomsens: Bonded through Music

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Photo by Julie Cheshire Photography

Story by Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991

In a family where music plays a central role, it is no surprise that Karl and Emeline Thomsen met while both were studying music at Louisiana State University. Karl was earning his Doctorate of Musical Arts (after studying music at Yale, University of Northern Iowa and Murray State University and earning BA’s in Legal Theory and Metaphysics at Trinity University); Emeline was earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Music. “We were in the same friendship circles and we, over time, got to know each other…I left LSU the next year to teach at Wesleyan College in Iowa,” explained Karl. After a year apart and extremely costly phone bills, they reunited in Iowa while Emeline got her Master’s degree at the University of Iowa. After they moved to New York together, Karl added, “I do remember, quite vividly, when I knew she was going to be special to me: we were standing outside of a church (we were hired singers) with a group of musicians and were deciding where to eat for lunch. Emeline was wearing a taupe dress that had some trim lacing around the front. As we were talking, I remember fixating on her eyes and not being able to contribute to the food conversation.” The couple married soon after in 2000.

Karl’s career has spanned several industries including education, music, finance and technology. After teaching at the college level, he worked in finance at Bear Sterns in New York then spent time in advertising. But, eventually his love of music drew him back to teaching. He took a position at St. Xavier High School in Ohio where he taught, coached lacrosse and developed the school’s music program. In 2015 a job in San Francisco at the software development company Infuse brought the family to Walnut Creek and the Northgate neighborhood.

When not teaching yoga, Emeline sings opera and musical theater. She also donated her talents to Valle Verde Elementary School where she produced three musicals. She also gives her time to the Woodlands Swim Team where the couple’s two youngest children swim and is the current President of the Northgate High School Parent Faculty Club. “I believe it is important to give to the community to which you belong. When my daughter decided to go to Northgate, I knew that I wanted to find a way to be involved - although I never anticipated it being PFC President. When the opportunity was presented to me, I thought it definitely fit the bill for involvement (!) and it would also be an opportunity for me to try something new.”

The four Thomsen children range in age from 26 to 11. The oldest, Lauren, is married to Thomas Boeing and lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. After she finished her degree at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, she began a nursing program at the University of Cincinnati. Both Thomas and Lauren enjoy music and the arts.

Olivia is 22 and attends UC San Diego studying sociology. She has found her voice in advocating for the under-served. She is engaged to Brian Wintz, an audio engineer.

The Thomsen family at Redwood Canopy Tour near Santa Cruz

Lydia is 14. Between singing, music, lacrosse and friends, she is a very busy Northgate High School Freshman.

Jonas, the only boy in the family, is 11 and attends Foothill Middle School. He loves to play lacrosse, swim, and sing. At Valle Verde he starred as young Simba in the Lion King and the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz.

In addition to making music together, the family enjoys playing cards and board games and discovering new foods and restaurants. Karl coaches lacrosse at Northgate and is the Boys Director of Walnut Creek Warriors Lacrosse Club. He says it is a good way to stay connected to his kids. “I also have the opportunity to build the program, grow the sport and work with high school students again. Lacrosse is a bit of an under-served sport. As it gains in popularity (fastest growing sport in the country), the need for knowledgeable personnel and sound structure is spiking. I would love to see the sport build the kind of infrastructure that will contribute to long term success.” Karl also somehow manages to continue with music, performing with a group at San Francisco’s Bohemian Club.

Jonas, Lydia and Karl Thomsen in Kauai

The family also includes four furry members. Moxie is the eldest, a 10-year-old Shih Tzu, who now spends her days lying about and warding off the other pets. There are two French Bulldogs: Boudreaux, who is named for a character from Emeline’s Louisiana roots, and Mr. Bojangles, a puppy who is cared for mostly by Jonas. The 11-year-old gets up at 6:45 each day to feed him and take care of him. Lastly, there is Mable, the 2-year-old tabby cat adopted from a neighbor.

Jonas, Emeline and Lydia enjoying the winter in NY

Recent trips have taken the Thomsens to Kauai and New York City. They are planning a trip to Korea this summer and want to say thank you to the neighborhood. “We love this area and love the friends we have made,” says Karl. The result of the Thomsen family motto, “Go, but go passionately,” is in full force as the relative new-comers have jumped right in, immersing themselves completely in the Northgate community and sharing their talents through the schools, sports and musical connections.

Meet the Thomsens: Bonded through Music