Other local activities have included performances with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, Boston Lyric Opera Company, New England Ragtime Ensemble, Portland (Maine) and Springfield (Mass.) Symphonies, and Broadway productions in the musical theaters of Boston.ĭeeply committed to new music, Sue-Ellen performs regularly with numerous contemporary music ensembles. Hershman-Tcherepnin is both founding member and flutist of Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Boston. Since 1986 the Duo has represented the US on State Department-sponsored foreign tours. With pianist David Witten, she frequently performs as a member of D ú o Cl á sico. Emerson was a Free Mason and a Shriner.Sue-Ellen Hershman-Tcherepnin first appeared with the Boston Symphony Orchestra as flute soloist at the age of 16, and has subsequently performed throughout Europe, Latin America, South America, Russia, China and the US as both soloist and recitalist. He was still working into his 90s.Įmerson DeFord was a member of VFW, American Legion, DAV and the Moose. He donated flutes to many talented area musicians. Emerson designed many flutes for the handicapped players and was proud of his most recent flute design. He was well known as an adviser and consultant to the flute industry as well as an authority on flute design. DeFord Flute and Piccolo Co., The Emerson Musical Instrument Co. In addition to his parents, son Dean DeFord and brother William 'Bill' Lester preceded him in death.Įmerson was a master craftsman in the flute manufacturing industry, a business leader, the founder of The E.L. Surviving are his wife of 46 years and five children, Steven (Melissa) DeFord, Mark (Tina) DeFord, Laura (Kevin) Koon, Sherry (Patrick) Lee and Christine Bertrem, as well as 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Army in 1948 and served during the Korean Conflict until his honorable discharge in 1952. Emerson was a 1947 graduate of Jimtown High School. 11, 1928, in Mishawaka to the late Russell DeFord and Ruth (Sheetz) DeFord. and Custom Woodwinds Inc.Įmerson 'Em' Leo DeFord, 93, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully and in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family on Monday, May 9, 2022. We mourn the loss of Emerson DeFord, Master flutemaker, the founder of The E.L.

Emerson flute company