Karen Weckerly is in her second season with the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Her musical training began at the age of 2 as a student of the Suzuki Violin Method. She received her Suzuki teacher training and Bachelor of Arts in Violin Performance from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, IL. She maintains a full teaching schedule at the Northern Illinois University Community School of the Arts Suzuki Violin program, as well as working as a freelance performer.

When she takes a break from her violin, she enjoys yoga, golf, cross-country skiing, cycling, S.C.U.B.A. diving, Tae Kwon Do, and family life with husband, Ryan, and golden retriever, Dusty. Her favorite composer is Beethoven and her favorite composition is his Symphony No. 6, "Pastoral", because of her love of nature and the outdoors.

Karen's philosophy of life can be summed up by: "Work like you don't need the money--Love like you've never been hurt--Dance like nobody's watching--Sing like nobody's listening--Live like it's Heaven on Earth."