Donita Bauer

Donita Bauer, bassoon, has enjoyed a varied musical background. Growing up on a farm in Iowa, she began piano lessons in the first grade, and in the second grade began studying bassoon. Continuing her education she received her Bachelors degree in music education from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, and a Master's degree in bassoon performance from the Saint Louis Conservatory studying with George Berry and Robert Wisneskey. Through the years she taught high school band and orchestra, has been active as an organist and choir director, played principal bassoon for the Orchesta Sinfonica del Estado de Mexico, played keyboard in a country band, was a founding member of the French duo 'The Poor People of Paris.' Presently, Donita is principal bassoon with The Metropolitan Orchestra, Bach Society, Union Avenue Opera, Masterworks Chorale and the St Louis Philharmonic Orchestra. An extra player with the Saint Louis Symphony, other freelance engagements in the Saint Louis area include Webster Opera Orchestra, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Ballet Orchestra of St. Louis, Equinox Chamber Players and A Perfect Fifth Woodwind Quintet. Donita is active in the teaching field through private instruction, serves on the faculties at the Community Music School of Webster University, Lindenwood University, and is currently the Director of Music at Eden Seminary in Webster Groves. She lives in St Louis with her partner Jill Thompson, their dog Bella, and three cats, Elvis, Max and GrayC.