Our Oboes

Mary Jackson

Oboe & English Horn

A native of Melbourne, Florida, Mary Jackson grew up in a home where music was more than a pastime—it was a way of life. Surrounded by melodies from her earliest years, she fondly recalls family performances and community concerts that first sparked her lifelong passion for sharing the joy of music. Her grandfather, Vernon Boushell, served as a beloved local music director and left a lasting legacy in Brevard County; Riverside Presbyterian Church continues to honor his memory through the Vernon Boushell Concert Series. Her mother, Sheryl MacLean, is a noted soprano and distinguished voice teacher who inspired Mary’s deep appreciation for artistry and excellence.

Growing up in Brevard County, Mary eagerly embraced every opportunity to perform, from school ensembles to All-County and All-State bands and orchestras. She was a proud member of the Brevard Symphony Youth Orchestra, where she developed her artistry and discovered the power of collaboration through music.

Mary earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Bryan College in Tennessee, studying oboe under the late Bob Burke, a devoted student of the legendary John Mack. She continued her studies at the University of South Florida, earning her Master of Music in Oboe Performance while studying with Lauren Baker Murray and Martin Herbert.

Since graduating in 2002, Mary has devoted her life to nurturing the next generation of musicians. She began teaching at South Lake Elementary in Titusville and has inspired countless students through her engaging and imaginative approach to music education. Her leadership has twice earned her programs the prestigious Music Demonstration School Award from the State of Florida—an honor that recognizes exceptional teaching and innovation in the classroom.

In addition to her work in education, Mary continues to share her talents as a performer and leader in the community. She serves on the Brevard Public Schools Music Leadership Team, directs her church choir, and performs in the church orchestra, where her musicianship continues to enrich worship and inspire others. Alongside her husband and sister-in-law, she also performs with The Jackson Trio, delighting audiences at community gatherings and special events with their elegant chamber music.

Mary’s husband, Paul Jackson, is the Principal Second Violin of the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra and a fellow music educator. Together, they share a deep love for music—and for raising their two daughters, who are already following in their parents’ musical footsteps.

Lora Macpherson

Oboe & English Horn

Lora MacPherson is an accomplished oboist and English horn player whose artistry and commitment have made her a respected fixture in Florida’s vibrant classical music scene. Praised for her expressive tone and refined musicality, she brings both warmth and precision to every performance.

A graduate of Northwestern University, MacPherson studied under leading mentors who helped shape her distinctive sound and interpretive style. Her career spans many of Florida’s most prominent ensembles, including the Brevard Symphony Orchestra, where she serves as Principal Oboe, as well as regular performances with the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, Lakeland Symphony Orchestra, and Florida Wind Band. Her versatility and reliability have made her a first-call musician for orchestral, chamber, and studio engagements across the state.

MacPherson’s artistry extends beyond the concert hall to diverse musical settings. She has performed for the Disney World Candlelight Processional, captivating audiences with her elegant phrasing and stage presence. During the height of the pandemic, she contributed to the BSO Cares virtual concert series, helping bring comfort and connection to audiences through remote performances—a testament to her dedication to sharing music’s unifying power.

Equally passionate about collaboration and community, MacPherson continues to inspire fellow musicians and audiences alike. Whether performing masterworks of the orchestral canon or lending her artistry to contemporary projects, she approaches each performance with sincerity, curiosity, and a deep respect for her craft. Her career reflects not only her technical mastery but also her steadfast belief in music’s ability to uplift, heal, and bring people together.

Dawn Hardy

Oboe

Dawn Hardy is currently in her tenth year as the band director at Bartow Middle School. She is also an adjunct instructor at Southeastern University and The University of Tampa, teaches private lessons, and has performed with various artists, including Renée Fleming, Copland, Sandy Patty, Il Volo, Dennis DeYoung, and Roberta Flack. She has been a member of the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra since 2003, where she is currently 2nd Oboe/English horn, the Florida Wind Band since 2012, where she is currently Principal Oboe; the Gainesville Orchestra since 2022, where she is 2nd Oboe/English horn, and most recently as a Disney World Candlelight musician.

Dawn received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Florida Southern College in 2009, where she studied with Jo Jossim, and her Master’s in Music Performance from Florida State University in 2010, where she studied with Eric Ohlsson. She came upon an amazing opportunity to pursue her Doctorate in Education back where she started at Florida Southern College and graduated in December 2023.

Dawn Hardy has been happily married for 13 years. Her husband Michael, whom she met at Florida Southern College in a Wind Ensemble rehearsal, is also a double reed musician (bassoon). Their oldest daughter, Lillian, is currently 10 years old, and their youngest daughter, Jacqueline, is 4 years old. In her spare time, Dawn likes to take baking classes and experiment with new recipes, which her family happily taste tests.

Vincent Artusa

Oboe

Vincent Artusa is an Orlando-based freelance musician and private teacher. He also serves as a Librarian Aide with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. The youngest of five children, Vincent is the only musician in his family. Vincent was born in Ormond Beach Florida, but has been an Orlando local for about 6 years now.

As an educator, Vincent maintains a private studio of about 25 oboists throughout Central Florida, spanning four counties. His students regularly perform with All-State, All-County, and Tri-State Bands and Orchestras, as well as the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra (FSYO). He also works as a woodwind and double reed clinician in band programs across the state.

Vincent is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, where he studied oboe with Jamie Strefeler and earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Music Performance. He has performed with ensembles including The Villages Philharmonic, The Venice Symphony, The Orlando Symphony Orchestra, and the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra.

Beyond orchestral performance, Vincent has collaborated with groups such as Encore Performing Arts and The Strokestra at the Dr. Phillips Center. At The Strokestra, he works with stroke survivors to explore improvisation and group performance—an experience he considers one of his most meaningful musical endeavors.

In addition to the oboe, Vincent is an active woodwind doubler and has performed in numerous musical theater productions on a variety of instruments. During his time at UCF, he performed with the UCF Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Opera, and Theatre Department productions. He was also a member of several chamber ensembles, including a woodwind quintet, the Cassiopeia Reed Quintet, an oboe trio, and an oboe quartet.