Faculty - Dr. Karen Soderberg

Name Karen Soderberg Rank Professor and Chair, Department of Music Degrees B.Mus.Ed., Pacific University M.Mus.Ed., Lewis and Clark University M.Mus., University of Arizona D.M.A., University of Arizona Teaching Interests vocal, choral, choral music education Office Location 202B Performing Arts Center Office Phone 301/687-4110 Fax 301/687-4784 E-mail ksoderberg@frostburg.edu

Dr. Karen Soderberg-Sarnaker , Director of Vocal and Choral Activities, came to Frostburg State University in 1989. Dr. Sarnaker served as Chair of the Department of Music from 1994-2000. She earned degrees of Bachelor of Music Education from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon; Masters of Music Education from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting and Vocal Performance from the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. She has studied conducting under Brock McEhleran, L. Stanley Glarum, Norman Luboff, Paul Salamunovich, Maurice Skones and Eric Ericson in Stockholm, Sweden.

Prior to taking up her present position at Frostburg State University, Dr. Sarnaker was Director of Vocal Music at Astoria High School and Clatsop Community College in Oregon. She was co-founder of the Cannon Beach Chorale in Cannon Beach, OR.

Active in the American Choral Directors Association, Dr. Sarnaker has served as the Maryland State President and Vice-President. She is currently the Maryland ACDA Repertoire and Standards Chair for Community Choirs. She has also served as the Western Region President and the Maryland Choral Educators Association State Choral Sight-Reading and Solo and Ensemble Chair for the Maryland Music Educators Association.

Dr. Sarnaker has also conducted the Goldsmiths University of London Chamber Choir and University Chorus. She has performed with the Kalina Choir, who specializes in Russian Choral Music, at the Royal Festival Hall in London, England and the Asia Pacific International Choral Institute Chamber Choir in Singapore.

Dr. Sarnaker is active as a guest conductor, solo performer, adjudicator and clinician.