Karen Veverka serves as High School and Middle School Orchestra Director in the Skaneateles Central School District in Skaneateles, New York. During her twenty-six year career, Ms. Veverka has led the Skaneateles HS Orchestra to annual “Gold” and “Gold With Distinction” awards from the New York State School Music Association. In 2009, the Skaneateles HS Orchestra was awarded first place in a national competition at George Mason University, and performed the following year in Segerstrom Concert Hall in Los Angeles, California. Ms. Veverka holds a B.A. from St. Olaf College, and M.A. and M.M. degrees from the University of Nebraska and Syracuse University, where she completed her performance and education degrees as a fellowship student. During post graduate study at Aspen and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute, Ms. Veverka collaborated with conductors Sir Simon Rattle, David Zinman and Leonard Slatkin, as well as cellist Lynn Harrell. While serving on the faculty of Setnor School of Music at Syracuse University, Ms. Veverka taught music education courses as well as applied violin and viola. She has presented on music education topics at state and national conferences, as well as serving as a NYSSMA adjudicator since 2001. Ms. Veverka mentors student teachers in string education on a regular basis, working closely with Ithaca College. Her passion for violin performance, music education and conducting is reflected in her continuing engagement with all three areas on a regular basis.