| Doris Au MacDonald, supplying keyboards, background vocals and orchestral arrangements, started piano lessons at the age of five. Born to a family of musicians, she remembers sitting on the front pew of the church, following the alto line in the hymnal and listening to her oldest sister play the piano.
"I can't remember when I didn't read music or harmonize," she recalls, "it just came naturally- like breathing." Doris took her turn at playing the church piano, accompanying choirs and singing in small groups from an early age. But with both older sisters majoring in music, she decided to become an elementary school teacher. She was particularly drawn to working with children with learning disabilities in reading and math.
Doris followed her husband on his career through the Philippines, California, Hong Kong, Texas and currently Washington DC. Utilizing her skills as a teacher and writer and taking time out to raise a family, Doris rediscovered that missing piece when Sharon asked her to play for her church's praise band. The first Sunday, Doris returned home to announce, "I finally know what I want to be when I grow up!" Doris collaborates with Sharon on songwriting and manages the duo's schedule. "I'm so fortunate," she exclaims, "I used to be afraid to dream-- and now I am living my dream!"
Doris loves to harmonize and occasionally sings lead. She helps write songs, orchestrates many of the duo's creations, plays piano, keyboard, and the occasional fiddle, tinwhistle and even melodica line! Rumor has it that she is practicing her concertina as well. Her workhorse keyboard is a Korg X50 because it is so portable ("and the older we get, the lighter our gear gets!") but at home she plays and teaches from her 1891 rebuilt Steinway Model A, a gift from her physician-musician mother.
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