Lois Schaefer

Lois Elizabeth Schaefer (1924–2020) was an American flutist and piccoloist. From Yakima, Washington, Schaefer dedicated her education and career to playing the flute. Most notably, she spent the majority of her career as principal flute and piccolo of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Schaefer sat on the board of the National Flute Association as well as being a faculty member of the New England Conservatory of Music. Her decades-long music legacy made her a trailblazing musician for women and contributed to the success of BSO's flute section.

Early life and education

Lois Elizabeth Schaefer was born on March 10, 1924, in Yakima, Washington to Charles Frederick Schaefer and Mary Elizabeth Wherry. Schaefer had one sister, Winfred Mayes (1919 - 2020), who was known for her cellist career. She received a bachelor's degree in flute performance in 1946 and completed an artist diploma a year later. She was the principal piccolo for the Boston Pops Orchestra during this time as well, in which she led the piccolo obbligato in “The Starts and Stripes Forever” over 2,000 times. Schaefer was also a faculty member at her alma mater (NEC) from 1965 to 1992, as well as a board member of the National Flute Association, where she received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993.