Kara M. Stolle

Kara M. Stolle joins the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir as Managing Director with a wealth of experience on stage as a musician and in management roles behind the scenes. She received her Bachelor’s degree in music performance from Butler University and her Master’s degree from the Indiana University School of Music in Bloomington, IN.

Kara is Principal Bassoonist of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and has been a member of the orchestra since 2001. Her performance of Villa-Lobos' Ciranda das Sete Notas for bassoon and string orchestra with the ICO was praised by the Indianapolis Star having “exhibited delightful virtuosity, her command of her role — its tenderness and breadth of expression — seemed superior to the dance-inspired material, which was deployed playfully…in a well knit performance.” Kara is an veteran chamber and studio musician in the Indianapolis region and has performed with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Fort Wayne Symphony Orchestra, the Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, Indianapolis Opera, Indianapolis Ballet, for touring production shows, and many community orchestras including Richmond, Lafayette, Anderson, Muncie Symphony Orchestras. Kara is a member of the electric rock band Rock E Bassoon, which provides unique and creative performances for local venues and charities.

Kara began her music management career as an orchestra personnel manager with the Lafayette Symphony. Additionally, in her work as a music contractor and office manager with Wood & Rodin, Inc., she worked with and established client relationships with some of the most prestigious publishing and production companies including the Hal Leonard Corp., Lorenz Corp., Alfred Publishing, FJH Music Co., Feld Entertainment, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Touring LLC., AWR Music, Plank Road Publishing, and Beckenhorst Press. As a result of her many years working in local recording studios in this capacity, she was appointed as a Production Manager with Aire Born Recording Studios and worked directly with the Lorenz Corporation, managing recording demo production. She has assisted in hiring and managing ensembles in many of Indiana’s premier venues, including the Murat Theatre/Old National Centre, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Clowes Memorial Hall, the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, and with local arts organizations and churches including the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, Indianapolis Opera, Second Presbyterian Church and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Assistant Professor of Music at DePauw University for 20 years, Kara's responsibilities included teaching applied bassoon and reed-making, and coaching chamber music. She has also been an adjunct professor at the University of Indianapolis, Anderson University, Purdue University, Wabash College, and Butler University. In addition to her educational activities within the arts community, Kara spent three years mentoring high school students as a college planner and music specialist with Class 101 College Planning.