Kathy Orth recently retired from the Appleton Area School District after 20 years. She has been a vocal/general music specialist for 35 years, having taught all grade
s (kindergarten through high school). She graduated with honors from Lawrence University’s Conservatory in music education as a vocal major, and earned her master’s degree from Lesley University in curriculum with a fine arts emphasis. She has taught in Illinois, Texas, Kiel, Hartland, and Appleton. Kathy has been active as a music adjudicator for Wisconsin district and state solo-ensemble festivals for over 30 years and has directed school musicals, numerous concerts, a church choir, and a handbell choir. In Texas, she was recognized as an outstanding high school choral teacher.
Kathy is currently the lead organist at First United Methodist Church in Appleton (4 yrs.) and previously was the organist at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Appleton (11 yrs.) Her piano accompanying in the area has included the Appleton Boy Choir, Badger Girls Choir, the State Honors Middle School Chorus, musicals at Appleton East High School, recitals at Lawrence University, her church choir, and the Chaminade Chorus. She has played piano for 50+ years and is a sought-after accompanist. Other instruments she plays include alto sax, oboe, guitar, dulcimer, handbells, and autoharp.
Kathy volunteers at the Community Clothes Closet, The Fox Cities PAC, and the prayer shawl ministry at her church.