"Frances Blaisdell, a flutist who played her way into what was then the male world of orchestral music, becoming one of the early women to play a woodwind instrument with the New York Philharmonic, died on March 11 in Portola Valley, Calif. She was 97. In addition to playing with the Philharmonic, Ms. Blaisdell performed with prominent chamber ensembles, on Broadway, at Radio City Music Hall, in vaudeville, and with Phil Spitalny and His All-Girl Orchestra on the “Hour of Charm” on CBS and NBC radio. She also taught generations of leading flutists." - Shannon Jiménez

Mrs. Blaisdell was my flute teacher at Stanford and I just found out she passed away. She was such an amazing woman and a wonderful teacher. Even though she was 97, she was teaching up until a few weeks before she died. - Shannon Jiménez