- Director, Stanford University Flute Ensemble
- Director of NCFC
- Performs with the Symphony Silicon Valley and Ballet San Jose Orchestras
Proudly serving as NCFC's Director for 28 years, Karen Van Dyke made her professional debut at the age of 17 when she performed as a soloist with the Baltimore Symphony. She currently maintains an active and versatile career. As an orchestral musician she has performed with the Berkeley Symphony, Symphony Silicon Valley, the Ballet San Jose Orchestra, and served as the principal flutist of the Anchorage Festival of Music. As a Lecturer in the Music Department at Stanford University, she founded the highly acclaimed Stanford Flute Ensemble at the request of the late, eminent flutist Frances Blaisdell in 1996 and has directed the SFE in showcase performances at NFA and in a TEDx Stanford performance. Included in her active chamber music life have been performances of Jake Heggie’s Statuesque with the composer at the piano, and a duo performance with flutist Jeanne Baxtresser. A highly sought after teacher and clinician, students of Ms. Van Dyke have been admitted to top music schools and conservatories, and to prestigious summer music programs. She currently serves as a Winds Coach for the California Youth Symphony. Ms. Van Dyke has produced one solo CD, Movements Perpetuels, with guitarist Paul Binkley. She is immeasurably appreciative of her primary teachers: Eleanor Lawrence, William Montgomery, Frances Blaisdell, and Norman Katz.. Ms. Van Dyke has been named in Who’s Who in America.