Donna is a graduate of Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Master of Humanities (Music Emphasis). Her collegiate teachers were Diane Gilley, Jack Wellbaum, William (Bill) Foster, Christopher Chaffee, and Inger Neighbours. Donna has performed at masterclasses and/or taken lessons with flutists Penelope Fischer, Kristen Stoner, Alexa Still, Nina Assimakopoulos, Irna Priore , Jennifer Parker-Harley, John Thorne, Alberto Almarza, Tess Miller, and Karl Barton. Her ensemble performance experience includes: Wright State University's Chamber Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and Opera Orchestra; Orchestra member for various productions presented by Dayton Playhouse South, Dare to Defy Productions, Dayton Playhouse, Children's Performing Arts of Miamisburg, and Innova Theatre; Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra; Springboro Wind Symphony; Piqua Civic Band; Sidney Civic Band (substitute); Sinclair Concert Band, Sinclair Wind Symphony; Kettering SDA Praise Orchestra; University of Cincinnati CCM Chamber Music Adult Weekend performer; and member of the combined collegiate flute choir that performed with Sir James Galway. Donna is a member of the National Flute Association, the Flute New Music Consortium, and the International Association for Music and Medicine.
Donna's Master's project was a paper titled "Living Female American Composers of Selected Flute Music of the 20th and 21st Centuries" along with a flute recital of music written by these composers. The potential benefits of this project included fostering a greater interest and awareness of music written by this underrepresented population.
Click on the Media tab to listen to a few of the recital pieces.