Debbie Norris Donovan

Graduated from ASU in 1980 with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance, and served as Assistant Principal, Bass, and E flat clarinetist in the Phoenix Symphony until 1986. Since moving to Pennsylvania, I have played clarinet with the York, Maryland, and Gettysburg Symphonies. I earned my Master’s degree in Music Education from Boston University and taught music at York Country Day School for 25 years. I will retire from the York Symphony in May of 2025 after 31 years.
Enough job history! It all pales in comparison to being a mom of two amazing children, who are my best friends, and my two amazing grand children who are the loves of my life.

I will never forget my band days at Coronado. Gene Hansen and Frank Dubuy were the greatest mentors of my life. One of my most memorable moments was during our warm-up before a Friday night football game, when a certain bass drum player miscalculated his ability to lean over the balcony above the band room with a bass drum strapped to his belly. Behind Frank Dubuy’s back, he hung head first over the balcony with friends holding onto his ankles. The band gaped in astonishment, only to be reprimanded by Mr. Dubuy for our lack of focus. Thankfully, everyone lived.