Meet Donna Olkowski
Professional Flutist. Flute Teacher. Flute Choir Conductor. Music Educator.
Donna Olkowski currently performs flute with the Dearborn Symphony Orchestra, where she has played all positions and acted as soloist.
She holds a Bachelor and Master of Music from the University of Michigan, maintains a Flute Studio in Dearborn, Michigan, and is Conductor for the Dearborn Youth Symphony Intermediate and Advanced Flute Choirs. Donna has over 40 years’ experience as an Adjudicator for the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) Solo & Ensemble Festival. Active in local flute associations and professional flute choirs, she has also taught instrumental music education as a band director for Dearborn Heights District Seven, grades 5 through 12.
Experience Highlights
50+ Years
Dearborn Symphony Flutist Since 1968.
The Suzuki Method
Accredited Suzuki Method Teacher Since 1984, Certified Through Book 14.
55+ Years
Professional Flute Lessons, Education & Instruction.
14 Years
Band Director for Public School District.
Dearborn Heights District Seven, Grades 5–12.
40 Years
Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association (MSBOA) Adjudicator.
Education
University of Michigan
Masters in Music, 1970
Bachelors in Music, 1967
Major in Flute and Instruamental Music
Minors in Music Theory, Music Literature, Music History, Education, and Psychology
Interlochen Center for the Arts, University of Michigan Division, 1963 and 1965
Flutist
Flute Studio
Professional Flute Instruction
1964–present
Maintain an organized flute studio. Educate and advise students. Provide annual clinician workshop. Students progress to become leading members of their musical affiliations and grow to share their appreciation, skills, and talents for music and performance. Accredited Suzuki Method Teacher since 1984, certified through book 14. Metro Detroit, MI Flute Teacher.
Dearborn Youth Symphony Orchestra Flute Choir
Conductor of the Flute Choirs
2004–present
Audition, conduct, select scores, schedule rehearsals, and create a connected group atmosphere through music that strengthens students’ abilities to perform in ensemble.
Dearborn Symphony Orchestra
Flutist
1968–present
Follows a professional rehearsal and performance schedule for every season since 1968. Has performanced in all chair positions (including principal and piccolo), soloed twice during regular season and five times during summer session.
Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association (MSBOA)
Adjudicator
1969–2010
Score and advise students following MSBOA regulations to help them understand their strengths and focus their talents.
Competition Adjudicator
Select Years
Southeast Michigan Flute Association Scholarship Competitions
Great Lakes Symphony Scholarship/Concerto Competition
Dearborn Symphony Concerto Competition
Dearborn Heights District Seven
Band Director
1967–1981
Taught high school band, junior high and grade school band, marching band, jazz bands, ensembles, and vocal music. Developed the program from 35 junior high students to 220 in four bands. Developed the high school band from 30 to 88 in two years. Instituted marching band camp. Established band boosters club to assist in fundraising.
Activities
Southeast Michigan Flute Association
Executive Board Member, 2007–2011
Member, 2007–present
Consult and assist with event organization for community flute events in order to uphold the mission “To Promote the Flute and Flute Playing in Southeast Michigan.”
National Flute Association
Member
1969–present
Attend annual conventions to network with local association members, participating in classes and seminars to fine-tune techniques and professional performance.
Masterclasses
Participated in masterclasses with James Galway, Toshio Takahashi, William Bennett, Jean-Pierre Rampal, and Marcel Moyse. Teachers: Clement Barone, Nelson Hauenstein, Larry Teal, Glennis Stout.
Suzuki Accreditation
1984–present
Certified Suzuki flute instructor for books one through fourteen.
Michigan Flute Orchestra
Perform diverse compositions including Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Contemporary and popular arrangements in an all-flute ensemble.
Michigan Flute Club
Founder, Treasurer
1976–1983
Formed the flute club and acted as treasurer. Initiated procedure to bring NFA Convention to Detroit in 1981.
