Karen Loucks (b. 1958)

Karen Loucks grew up in a small college community in central Kansas. Raised in the rich musical tradition of the Mennonite church, she began at an early age to accompany congregational singing on the piano. During high school Karen dedicated long hours to music - studying clarinet, viola, and piano and singing in select ensembles. She continued her musical studies at Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas, where she studied theory and composition with composer/arranger J. Harold Moyer, Ph.D. Karen now works professionally as both an educator and musician. As an educator, she serves as the Elementary Science Coordinator for the Newton Public School District. She also teaches a methods class at Bethel College. As a musician, Karen has accompanied the choirs at her church for over fourteen years. She served on the Newton Community Theatre Board for six years and has accompanied the annual theatre productions for the past sixteen years. She also accompanies a variety of soloists and groups. Karen's flute compositions originate from her work with flutist Vada Snider