Meet CSO Flute Principal Karen Sheely
An IRS CPA with a Heart for Beautiful Music
Carmel Symphony Orchestra (CSO) Flute Principal, Karen Sheely, has had a lifelong love for music. She started playing the flute at nine years old, and it’s always given her a great place to land and good friends along the way. There are not many afterschool activities that you can say that about. Music is something you can do forever.
Karen’s deep love for music led her to Butler University, where she would have loved to major solely in music and flute, but her wise father guided her to a business administration major, along with music. While at Butler, she was invited by a French Horn musician to come explore CSO.
Karen instantly fell in love. It was a different experience than any symphony she had been involved with previously. All the musicians were so nice and supportive of one another, and the audience was so engaged. Moreover, at CSO “Hoosier hospitality” really shined through, and she 100% felt at home.
Fast-forward to 2015, and even with a busy and full life as a Technical Advisor for IRS, Karen still savors her evenings with her fellow musicians playing beautiful music at Carmel’s The Palladium. “At each performance I love the interaction with the audience. You can just feel that they are pulling for us,” said Karen. “But I still am afraid when it’s quiet that they’ll hear my heartbeat from sheer excitement!”
Join Karen for a Family Fun Concert
As a champion for the arts and beautiful music, Karen would like to encourage area families to come explore CSO on January 31st at the Family Fun concert (link to page). Families will be able to delight in excerpts from some of the world’s greatest classics, sit on stage among the musicians and enjoy an instrument petting zoo! As Karen puts it, Artistic Director, David Bowden, has the heart of a teacher, and the extremely affordable event is wonderful experience for young and old alike.
Musician Fun Facts:
Orchestra Position: Principal Flute
Sponsored By: Michael C. & Kimberly W. Donahue
Lives In: Broad Ripple
Favorites: Comedy Shows