The 2009 YMCA of Western Ontario Women of Excellence Honourees
Karen Pincombe
Arts, Culture & Heritage
“Karen is not simply an outstanding teacher, music teacher or volunteer – we would expect that of most women. Karen stepped outside the traditional pathways by making a difference in the lives of children from less fortunate circumstances, and in the lives of female musicians, specifically percussionists.”
Carol Beynon, Associate Vice Provost, School of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies, The University of Western Ontario
Growing up, Karen, a member of the Salvation Army, was determined to play in the all-male Citadel Band. Through perseverance and excellent musicianship, she succeeded, opening the doors for women to play on all instruments in the Band.
She was also one of the few young women at the time to play percussion in her high school band. She went on to study music at The University of Western Ontario, becoming the first female timpanist with the UWO orchestra. She has played with Orchestra London for more than 25 years, serving as its first female percussion section leader.
Karen teaches music at Mountsfield Public School, where she has created three choirs and a band. She is a leader and educator in her profession, and serves as an Associate Teacher with the UWO Faculty of Education.
A volunteer at the London Food Bank since 1987, Karen founded the Arts for All Kids and Piano Project programs, which provide free fine arts instruction to children whose families can’t afford extra-curricular instruction. Thirty volunteer teachers work with more than 70 children at the Food Bank. Karen and her husband Brian also organize the annual Aid for Southern Sudan Concert., helping to raise funds and awareness.
Through the melodies and rhythms of music, Karen Pincombe expresses herself and touches the lives of others.
