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MCLEAN HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR
Kathleen O’Hara is the new orchestra director at McLean High School and Haycock Elementary. In addition to this position she
is currently in her final semester working towards a Masters in Instrumental Conducting at George Mason University, studying under Anthony Maiello.
Prior to coming to McLean she taught orchestra at Carl Sandburg Middle School and Hollin Meadows Elementary (2005-2009), and in Minnesota (2004-2005).
Ms. O’Hara holds a bachelors degree in Music Education from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. At St. Olaf, she studied conducting with Steven Amundson and Timothy Mahr, as well as cello with David Carter and Anna Clift.
As a cellist, Ms. O’Hara has performed with many ensembles including the St. Olaf Orchestra and the Northern Symphony Orchestra. She is an active private cello teacher, chamber music coach and performer. Professionally, she is a member of the Virginia Music Educators Association and the American String Teachers Association. For the 2008-09 season she acted as interim conductor of the Youth Orchestras of Fairfax Concert Orchestra.
Ms. O’Hara grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina in a household full of musicians. Her dad taught her how to play by ear, learning to play Beatles music on cello while he accompanied on guitar. Her mother is an active singer, and both brothers are excellent electric guitar and bass players. Ms. O’Hara enjoys playing all sorts of music on cello, guitar, and mandolin, from 60’s and 70’s rock to fiddle music to classical. In addition for her love of music, she has a passion for Apple computer products and Harry Potter (in the original British)! In the summer of 2010 she will be getting married to her former colleague, a band director in Fairfax County.
Ms.
O'Hara can be contacted at:
katie.ohara@fcps.edu
or KEOHara@fcps.edu
School telephone (703) 714 –
5817
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