08/21/2026
We are delighted to introduce Kara Silverman as the Old York Road Symphony’s new Assistant Conductor for the 2026–2027 season! A familiar face to our OYRS family, Kara has performed with the orchestra on flute and piccolo since 2022. Now, she brings her extensive experience as a musician, educator, and conductor to the podium.
Growing up in Fanwood, NJ, Kara fell in love with music as a child through singing in choirs and playing in school bands. She got her conducting start as drum major of her high school marching band in 1993 and was also selected for the NJ All-State Chorus.
Kara earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a Master of Music in Wind Conducting from James Madison University. While at JMU, she conducted the JMU Flute Choir at the 2002 National Flute Convention in Washington, D.C., and conducted several university ensembles, including the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Symphony. She has also completed postgraduate studies in music at the University of the Arts.
Kara has been a professional music educator in Virginia and Pennsylvania, teaching band and general music before devoting the past two decades to raising her three musical sons—all string players who have performed with OYRS!
She has been Principal Flutist of the Abington Symphony Orchestra since 2006 and has performed as a featured soloist, freelance musician, recitalist, and member of other local orchestras. Kara has also guest conducted the Abington Symphony Orchestra and Abington Festival Strings.
An avid surfer, skier, artist, songwriter, poet, gardener, and rollercoaster enthusiast, Kara finds immeasurable joy in all things musical and is grateful for the opportunity to make music with OYRS in this new role.
Please join us in welcoming Kara to the podium!
