Illinois State University School of Music is thrilled to welcome Megan Lomonof ‘05 back to campus December 6-7. As an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in music education, Lomonof studied flute with Dr. Kimberly Risinger. She competed and won concerto competitions hosted by both the ISU Symphony Orchestra and the ISU Wind Symphony as an undergraduate student, performing with both ensembles as a soloist. “I loved having Megan in the studio! She was a shining star even as an undergraduate. Megan has always been an incredible musician and so creative! She also has the best sense of humor and always made all of us laugh!” said Risinger.
After completing her degree at Illinois State, Lomonof went on to earn a master’s degree in flute performance from the Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati. She has since been named a prize winner in competitions across the United States, such as those hosted by the Flute Society of Kentucky, the Atlanta Flute Society, the Cincinnati Flute Symposium, and the Frank Bowen Flute Competition. She has won the National Flute Association competitions on both the flute and the piccolo. Following her graduate studies, Lomonof won a position in the prestigious United States Army “Pershing’s Own” band where she currently serves as principal piccolo, performing in numerous concerts and events in Washington, D.C., and beyond.
Lomonof is also known on the Illinois State campus as a skilled and enthusiastic Overwatch player. She was the head coach for the University’s Esports team from 2022-23. Her team was the only collegiate Overwatch team to participate in the international tournament for this game.
Lomonof will be presented with a School of Music Outstanding Young Alumni Award on Wednesday, December 6, at the Flute Studio Recital, in Kemp Recital Hall at 3 p.m. She will perform two works on the recital: Le merle blanc by Eugene Damaré and Concerto for Piccolo by Lowell Liebermann. Current flute students will have the opportunity to work with Lomonof in a master class setting on Thursday, December 7, at 11 a.m. in Kemp Recital Hall. When asked what advice she might give current music students, she replied, “Be kind to yourself and remember that your music is a reflection of yourself. Burning out never created a beautiful melody. Stay focused on healthy and efficient processes and results will come.”
