DCYO - More than Just Music!
Fun! Friendships! Learning!
Kari Ellsworth - Interim Conductor
Kari Ellsworth has been making music for most of her life, having started as a piano student at the age of five. While continuing her piano studies, she added the violin to her repertoire at the age of ten. As a junior high student, she started teaching piano and violin lessons. By the time she graduated high school, she had her own music studio of 20 students. Her parents encouraged her not to get a job at the local hamburger joint, but to teach lessons as her job to build a résumé. At this point, she held two recitals a year, planning recital locations and preparing the refreshments. After high school, her love for music directed her to pursue her higher education in music.
During her university studies, Mrs. Ellsworth studied the violin under Dr. Danwen Jiang while attending Arizona State University and the piano under Lali Breen. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education, violin emphasis from Arizona State University. After her undergrad, she continued her music education at the University of Notre Dame studying the violin under Tamara Stojanovic Albahari. She had the unique opportunity to play for the University of Notre Dame Chamber Orchestra, directed by Dr. Alex Blachly and the University of Notre Dame Symphony directed by Dr. Daniel Stowe.
Mrs. Ellsworth has taught a variety of instruments for more than 24 years: piano, violin, viola, cello, and acoustic guitar. She thoroughly enjoys not only playing and creating music, but teaching others with the hope that they will discover the
same joy of music.
Currently and for the last four years, she is the Associate Orchestra Director for the Colorado Saints Chorale & Orchestra of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Lakewood. Kari is an active member of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), Colorado State Music Teachers Association (CSMTA), and
the Douglas-Elbert Music Teacher Association, (DEMTA).
She resides in Parker with her husband, Josh, and their six children.
DCYO welcomed Kari to the staff during the abbreviated 2019 - 2020 season. She brought her music theory and strings expertise to our rehearsals and conducted during our Fall 2019 Concert, as our Associate Conductor.
We are excited to start the 2021 - 2022 season, after this long pause due to COVID19. DCYO welcomes Kari to the conductor’s podium, bringing her talent and love of music to our musicians and community.
Contact Kari with your questions at:
douglascountyyouthorchestra@gmail.com
During her university studies, Mrs. Ellsworth studied the violin under Dr. Danwen Jiang while attending Arizona State University and the piano under Lali Breen. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education, violin emphasis from Arizona State University. After her undergrad, she continued her music education at the University of Notre Dame studying the violin under Tamara Stojanovic Albahari. She had the unique opportunity to play for the University of Notre Dame Chamber Orchestra, directed by Dr. Alex Blachly and the University of Notre Dame Symphony directed by Dr. Daniel Stowe.
Mrs. Ellsworth has taught a variety of instruments for more than 24 years: piano, violin, viola, cello, and acoustic guitar. She thoroughly enjoys not only playing and creating music, but teaching others with the hope that they will discover the
same joy of music.
Currently and for the last four years, she is the Associate Orchestra Director for the Colorado Saints Chorale & Orchestra of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Lakewood. Kari is an active member of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), Colorado State Music Teachers Association (CSMTA), and
the Douglas-Elbert Music Teacher Association, (DEMTA).
She resides in Parker with her husband, Josh, and their six children.
DCYO welcomed Kari to the staff during the abbreviated 2019 - 2020 season. She brought her music theory and strings expertise to our rehearsals and conducted during our Fall 2019 Concert, as our Associate Conductor.
We are excited to start the 2021 - 2022 season, after this long pause due to COVID19. DCYO welcomes Kari to the conductor’s podium, bringing her talent and love of music to our musicians and community.
Contact Kari with your questions at:
douglascountyyouthorchestra@gmail.com
DCYO was created in 2005 by a group of music teachers who wanted to provide an opportunity for students to be involved in music outside the school setting. As a Colorado 501 (C)(3) non-profit, non-discriminatory organization, we develop students' musical understanding, social growth, and self esteem at a reasonable cost. DCYO is not affiliated with the Douglas County School District.