Karen K. Benson serves as the Professional Development Director for the American Orff-Schulwerk Association (AOSA), where she is also a Past President and former National Conference Chair. Karen taught grades PreK-5 for 33 years, including 29 years in the Millard Public School District in Omaha, Nebraska, where she also directed the school’s choir and the district’s Orff Schulwerk Honors Ensemble.

Karen continues to teach AOSA Teacher Education Level Courses at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the Alvin Independent School District. Additionally, she serves as an instructor for supplemental Orff Schulwerk seminars and AOSA chapter workshops, a guest lecturer for collegiate music education classes, and adjunct faculty for the University of Nebraska-Omaha and Ashland University. Karen received the 2026 Alumni Achievement Award in Music from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 

As a performing musician, Karen plays saxophone, performs on recorder with the Renaissance Thyme Recorder Consort and violin with The Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha, and sings in the Sing Omaha Master Chorale.

Workshop Title: Halfway There! Middle of the School Year Lessons to Keep Learners Engaged

Description: Keeping students engaged in the learning process right before and right after the holiday break can be challenging. The tried and true lessons in this workshop are designed to keep students making music through singing, moving, and playing instruments.