The Musicians
Deborah Heller (Piccolo)
Hometown: St. Simons Island, GA
Education: BM in Flute Perfomance at Florida State University
Continued studies with Geoffrey Gilbert, Peter Lloyd, and William Bennett.
Why these instruments?: I grew up with music in the house and my parents belonged to a record club and received classical music albums on a regular basis. My grandfather was an amateur flutist. I thought I wanted to play clarinet but at the time my teeth got in the way! I picked flute because I was able to get a sound out of a coke bottle, so I began the flute in public school band program in fifth grade. I then began flute lessons in Massachusetts, and continued in Savannah, GA, playing beside my teacher, Barbara Hofer, in the Savannah Symphony in high school.
Perfomance Highlights: I have performed with touring orchestras and shows in northeast Florida, numerous chamber groups and ensembles locally and on concert series in Florida & Georgia, as well as solo and recital appearances in the area and at National and State Flute Conventions.
Other Ensembles: I give private lessons, teach at the Florida Flute Workshop at Stetson University each summer and enjoy teaching adult amateurs at the Asheville Flute Vacation in N.C. I am a member of Body and Soul which provides musical room service to hospitals and nursing homes.
Family: Married to Ron Robinson, have 3 dogs and one horse. Moved out to Macclenny in 2007 for more space!
Hobbies: Love riding my horse in Jennings State Forest and improving my skills on horseback. Enjoy volunteer work with the Baker County Middle School Band.