Flutist Judy Karinen grew up in Long Beach–a California girl.  She joined the Santa Monica Symphony in 1967 while still a student at USC with a major in Biology. Playing with USA’s wind orchestra, symphony orchestra, and various chamber groups was a nice mix of science and art.  With a Master’s degree from CSULB, and graduating from USC Dental School in 1980, she has been practicing dentistry in WLA and Beverly Hills for 39 years. Throughout, she has continued to play with, and support the SMSO while performing with many amazing people: Maestro Victor Bay, Christopher Parkening, Nelson Riddle, Miklos Rozsa, Anne Akiko Meyers and many others.  Following retirement from dentistry, she continues to study flute with Diana Morgan and looks forward to many more years of music with the SMSO. We share it’s mission to bring this wonderful music to all people!