Ali Dettmer blends the artistry of classical music with a passion for teaching, bringing energy and precision to both her performances and her students' growth. A dynamic flutist, she is the Principal Flute with the Fredericksburg Symphony Orchestra and Second Flute with the Lima Symphony Orchestra. In addition to her orchestral roles, Ali is a dedicated educator with a vibrant private studio in Richmond, VA.

Recognized for her technical skill and expressive musicality, Ali has garnered several accolades, including first prize in the 2020 Kentucky Flute Society Young Artist’s Competition and third prize in the 2020 Flute Society of Greater Philadelphia Young Artist’s Competition. She has also been featured as a soloist with the Concordia University Orchestra and the City of Fairfax Band, performing iconic works like J.S. Bach’s Suite in B Minor and Franz Doppler’s Hungarian Fantasie.

Ali’s dedication to her craft is reflected in her extensive training and participation in elite summer programs such as the Brevard Music Center, Boston University Tanglewood Wind Ensemble Institute, and ARIA International Summer Academy. She has also been a substitute flutist and piccolo player with prestigious ensembles including the Akron Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Opera, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle, and New World Symphony.

    As an educator, Ali enjoys fostering creativity and musical excellence in her private studio and as a faculty member at the Greater Richmond School of Music, where she teaches beginner piano, clarinet, trumpet, and all levels of flute. This year she is excited to also be venturing back into the world of general music pedagogy with the students of the Richmond Primary School. She has previously shared her expertise as a faculty member with the Judith Lapple Woodwind Camp in Fairfax, Virginia.

Ali earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Flute Performance from Carnegie Mellon University in 2018, where she graduated with honors and completed certification for K-12 music education. She was also awarded the Elizabeth Graf scholarship for her excellence in music education. Ali further honed her skills with a Master’s of Music in Flute Performance from the University of Michigan. Her teachers throughout her career have included renowned flutists Alberto Almarza, Amy Porter, Jeanne Baxtresser, Jennifer Lapple, and Judith Lapple.