Karen Thurman-Palmer, Music Director and Conductor
Mrs. Palmer
received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Pacific Union College and a Master’s of Music degree in Violin Performance
from the University of Redlands. She is an Artist Faculty member teaching Violin and String Instrument Techniques for
the University of Redlands, and was Professor of Violin and Chamber Orchestra Conductor at California State University,
San Bernardino. Mrs. Palmer is a tenured first violinist with the Redlands Symphony Orchestra and has served as Concertmaster
in past seasons and summer concerts throughout southern California. She has performed with Opera Pacific, San Bernardino
Symphony Orchestra, Riverside County Philharmonic and the Neumark Ensemble and has experienced great orchestral performances
with Maestros Leonard Bernstein, Leonard Slatkin, Shuzaku Sitzumi, Denise de Coteau, John DeMain, John Williams and Jon Robertson.
As a conductor, she directed the University of Redlands, School of Music Civic Orchestra, Summer Music Camp orchestras and
the Southern California Young Artists Symphony. In 1993, Mrs. Palmer was appointed Music Director and Conductor
of the Community School of Music and the Arts’ Youth Ensemble of Strings (YES). Three years
later she founded the Virtuosi In Progress (VIP), and in 1999 organized and developed the Youth Symphony Orchestra
and Summer Workshops for Preparatory Strings Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, and Youth Symphony held annually at the
University of Redlands in July. She has served as faculty at the Claremont Community School of Music conducting the “Prelude”
and “Attaca” string ensembles. Mrs. Palmer is regarded as an Educator and Conductor and in 2007 was the
high school Honor Orchestra Guest Conductor for the San Bernardino County Music Educators Association. In 2008, 2009
and 2010 she was a Guest Clinician for the Rialto Unified School District String Festival and has been invited to serve again
this year as the String Orchestra Clinician in March. Mrs. Palmer was also an adjudicator for the String Divisions for
the Redlands Bowl Young Artist Competition in April. Mrs. Palmer has a passion for teaching youth, conducting and performing
and has enjoyed the success stories of students in these programs.
In addition to teaching and conducting,
Mrs. Palmer regularly appears in solo and chamber music performances as Faculty for the University of Redlands, School of
Music and venues throughout southern California. As a freelance musician, Mrs. Palmer is also a member of the Pacific
West String Quartet.
