Ed Karrels

When Ed Karrels came to UW Oshkosh to start his studies in Computer Science, he brought with him a strong passion to continue his active involvement with music that he developed in high school. Every semester, Ed took trombone lessons and he regularly played in a wide range of instrumental groups: Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Trombone Choir, and student Brass Quintets. The culmination of his music studies was a senior trombone recital. He graduated with a degree in computer science in 1997.

Ed’s involvement with music did not stop when he left UW Oshkosh. Soon after he began his work as a computer programmer in California, he sought and found opportunities to play in local symphony orchestras, pit orchestras, jazz bands, and brass quintets. Music continues to be an important part of his life.

Ed established the Ed Karrels Continuing Music Performance Scholarship in 2010 to support UW Oshkosh students who share his passion for music. It’s important to Ed that these students are able to use their free time to focus on music instead of working to pay for their college education.