Alumni Spotlights

Frances Walton

Frances Walton graduated from Washington State University in 1950. Along with earning her bachelor of arts in music studying applied piano at WSU, Frances went on to win the coveted Josef Lehvinne Memorial Scholarship at the Los Angeles Conservatory, and later completed the requirements for her master’s in music in conducting at the University of Washington—the first woman to do so.

Frances started playing music at the age of six. After studying clarinet, viola, double bass, and piano professionally, she ultimately settled on cello as her instrument of choice and passion. However, conducting opportunities presented themselves along the way, especially when she won a scholarship to the Tanglewood summer festival where she received advice and tips from a young Leonard Bernstein. Since then, she has become a well-known performer as well as a conductor.

Over her many years in the northwest and Seattle, Frances’s highlight achievements include the founding and conducting of several orchestras: The Bellevue Youth Symphony, The Olympic Youth Symphony, and Philharmonia Northwest. She also organized the Olympic Music Camp and led Issaquah School District’s string program. She was a founder and ran the successful Awards Tour Program of the Ladies Musical Club, which was recently renamed “The Frances Walton Competition” in her honor.

At the age of ninety-five, Frances is still an active cellist, hosting “Fridays at Fran’s,” and meeting weekly with string quartet colleagues to keep developing her skill sets.

She said, “Music creates a strong bond between people, a sense that goes beyond our other senses. The communication between rehearsing and performing musicians cannot truly be explained, but it is well understood—we have all experienced that unspoken, viable communication. I also know that music has a life force of its own that needs to be shared.”

Demitrius Lewis II

Demitrius Lewis II, a.k.a. “The Street Scientist,” is currently working as a mastering engineer at Million Dollar Snare (MDS). Demitrius’s career in audio began at Curtis Senior High School in Washington, recording, mixing, and mastering for local artists. Demitrius’s love for recording led him to pursue his bachelor of arts in music at WSU, where he graduated with honors. Demitrius found a home at the university’s recording studio, where he happily admits he spent most of his time. His dedication and skills eventually earned him an internship at MDS. He has assisted on some of the highest grossing R&B and rap records of the 2020s, including the smash hit “Hrs & Hrs” by Muni Long, as well Ella Mai’s album Heart on my Sleeve.

Demitrius asserts his choice of attending WSU as the best decision for his career. He is a great example reflecting the opportunity for professional success outside of the traditional orchestra or opera company path. “Follow your passion, even if it isn’t safe. I’d rather struggle chasing my dream than be successful in something that doesn’t motivate me to get up,” said Demitrius.

Donna Weller

School of Music alumna, Donna Durgan Weller, recently passed away just before her 95th birthday.

Raised in Vancouver, WA, Donna’s music journey started at an early age, eventually leading her to play violin in the Portland Youth Symphony.

Majoring in music education at WSU, Delta Gamma Sorority was her home on campus. She met Jim Weller, her husband of 73 years, while attending WSU.

Settling in Seattle, throughout her life Donna taught music lessons, was involved in Ladies Musical Club, Mu Phi Epsilon, Seattle Philharmonic, Broadway Chamber Orchestra, and the Magnolia Congregational Church.

Both she and Jim remained avid supporters of WSU and attended every home football game while their three kids attended WSU. She was awarded WSU Mother of the Year in 1981.

Later in life, while living at Horizon House, Seattle, Donna often attended music programs or offered her violin and piano skills. She also volunteered with the chaplain and cared for residents in assisted living and memory care,  all while dealing with her own advancing dementia.

Donna is survived by her beloved husband Jim, who lives at Horizon House. Their three children: Bob, John,) and Patty all live in WA with each’s spouse. Donna was grandma to Amy, Ben, Max, Peter, Henry, Lexi, Louis, Nate, Tucker, Maddie, and one great-grandchild Theo. She has one surviving sibling Carol Durgan Thornton (Portland) and nieces Molly Heckbert Henderson (Olympia) and Jackie Siegfried (Seattle).

In Memoriam Gifts:

If you are interested in making a gift in honor of Donna, please visit the School of Music Excellence Fund . A notation may be included in the comments section, such as, “In Memory of Donna Weller.”