Karen Hallowell

Orchestra Director
Joined George School in 1979


“When the students are touched by the music, I am, at that moment, completely happy.”







How do you approach teaching music in orchestra?

Music has meaning and subtext. It’s not just about the notes and technique. When you play, you share an idea, a hope, and a dream.

I like to introduce my students to many different style periods and genres so that they can begin to see and experience how, over the centuries, humans have used music to say what words can’t express. For instance, the year begins with a single piece of polyphonic music from the Renaissance. Students, returning and new, work together in small groups to create their own arrangements and then perform them for the rest of the class.

It’s amazing to see how differently each group interprets the same piece of music…that’s a lesson in itself! For contrast, I often will program a full orchestra arrangement of a Broadway play score or film soundtrack to help students work on expression and technique in that more contemporary and dramatic context.

I have been astounded at how much joy I derive from being with orchestra students. I love passing on to them what I know about music and what it means to be a musician. It requires that students tap into their creativity, learn self-discipline, balance their individuality with their responsibility to the group, take risks, and listen deeply. All of these things are valued at George School.


More about Karen:

Karen came to George School in 1979 with a BA from Lycoming College and an EdM from the University of Pennsylvania. Formerly the director of admission, she now serves as director of alumni relations and continues to teach and conduct the orchestra. Karen is an active musician and a serious cook. She enjoys gardening and watching baseball.