Something About Mrs. Kolber ~
Mrs. Karen Kolber and her husband have made Evergreen their home for many years. She is the Music Director at Chaboya Middle School, and teaches band at Evergreen, James Franklin Smith, and Tomas Matsumoto elementary schools. She is a graduate of San Jose State University with a BA in Music Performance and holds a Teaching Credential in Music Education. She has studied flute with noted instructors Isabelle Chapuis Starr and Mimi Carlson. Karen keeps current in course work with band and choral conducting through various musical opportunities whenever possible. She gained a graduate certificate in guitar instruction from Duquesne University, Pa. She completed her Master’s in Music Education at SJSU.
In addition to musical studies Karen has also worked on studies in language development obtaining her CLAD certificate from UCSC and CELTA from Cambridge University, UK. She taught English as a second language in Krakow Poland.
Karen currently performs with California’s Premier Wind Orchestra, the “Ohlone Wind Orchestra” as well as the “Villages Band,” an Evergreen Community Band. She has participated in numerous band and instrumental adjudications both as a participant and an adjudicator.
When not playing music with her students or performing in various ensembles; Karen loves visiting family - her adult married children: Greg and Ruthy, Aimee and Christian. She especially loves spending time with her grandchildren: Jacob, Abigail, Tabitha, Jedediah, Dune, and Frankie; walking her dog Scooby Doo, riding her horse, reading historical fiction, visiting family, traveling anywhere, and hiking with her husband Greg.
A Student Interview with Mrs. Kolber
Student Interviewer: Who are you?
Mrs. Kolber: My name is Mrs. Karen Kolber. I am a music teacher at Chaboya Middle School, JFS, and TMS Elementary Schools. Band (Concert and Symphonic), guitar and ukulele are the subjects that I teach at CMS. Some of my interests include playing with my grandchildren (my favorite thing to do), playing and listening to music, reading, hiking, walking my dog, riding horses (in the wide open spaces), camping and goofing off out doors. My favorite song is “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. I love animals; dogs, cats, horses, and I love kids!
Student: When did you become interested in teaching and why did you decide to become a teacher?
Mrs. Kolber: I didn’t decide to become a teacher at first. When I was in high school, I had a work experience class teaching a select group of students. Ever since that time, I found myself teaching others. Becoming a teacher was a logical step. I became interested in teaching middle school during my teaching phase of the credential process. Previously, I wanted to teach at the college level, but in the process, I found that I got a real kick out of teaching these unpredictable middle school musicians. I love middle school kids and I love music. A perfect combination! I love to study, play, teach, and listen to music!
Student: Do you have any educational philosophies?
Mrs. Kolber: All students can learn and all students can learn music!
Student: Can you tell us one thing you love about Chaboya Middle School?
Mrs. Kolber: I love the sense of community and kids helping kids - the students here are great!
Student: Why thank you! Well, we know that not everything is perfect ... so if you could change one thing about the school, what would you change?
Mrs. Kolber Chaboya is a great place to learn - I would love to see all students enjoy learning. Learning is fun! Everyone can learn to make music – don’t miss out – take a music class!
I look forward to teaching a new generation of musicians and music lovers! Did you know when you play in a band you are joining an elite group of people? Only 10% of the population understand what you are doing when you play. To many when you play an instrument, it is incomprehensible. Be part of an elite group and join band!