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Evanston Symphony Teachers Go Virtual: James Donahue

Evanston Symphony Teachers Go Virtual: James Donahue

The Evanston Symphony’s principal flute, James Donahue, had to navigate through his students’ initial disappointment over canceled concerts, summer camps, and competitions and his own sadness at the missed opportunity to say goodbye to his graduating students, many of whom he had taught since elementary school. However, James quickly adapted to teaching via Zoom and Facetime, and he appreciates that the virtual lessons offer a great way for his students to keep up their skills. Recently, he even gave online recitals a trial run; six families joined a group Zoom meeting, and the performing students either had family members accompany them on piano or played one of the many unaccompanied pieces from the flute repertoire. The performance was a great success, as it gave the students something to work toward and provided an audience to applaud their efforts. James anticipates scheduling another recital for a larger group of students later in May.

In the meantime, he is keeping himself motivated by revisiting pieces he hasn’t played in some time. Keep your eyes peeled for a future Noteworthy newsletter that will feature James in a duet with Maestro Lawrence Eckerling.

James Donahue