Debora J. Harris

Debora J. Harris serves as Associate Professor of Flute at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, a position she has held since 2001. Previously, she held faculty appointments at Minnesota State University Moorhead, Valdosta State University, and the University of Wisconsin-Wausau.

Education:

• Bachelor of Music Education, Bradley University
• Master of Music in Flute Performance, Florida State University
• ABD Doctor of Music, Florida State University

Artistic Focus: Harris specializes in flute performance across orchestral, chamber, and solo contexts with deep expertise in Baroque repertoire (Bach, Mozart) and contemporary works (Bernstein). Her pedagogical approach integrates performance practice with historical context, emphasizing technical precision and expressive phrasing as evidenced by critical acclaim for her "impeccable intonation" and "facile technique".

Ensemble Leadership: As Principal Flute of the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony (25 years) and Fargo-Moorhead Opera Orchestra (since 1989), she anchors major orchestral productions. She co-founded the Excelsior! Trio (flute/sax/piano) performing globally at venues including Scotland's World Saxophone Congress and Italy's Museo Internazionale delle Ceramiche. Her Harris-Coates Duo (flute/guitar) has released three critically lauded albums exploring dance-inspired contemporary works.