Mike grew up in Grand Island, Nebraska, and is an alumnus of Grand Island Central Catholic High School. Karen is a native of North Platte, Nebraska, graduating from North Platte High School. Both are graduates of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Mike and Karen did their undergraduate studies during different years but attended graduate school at the same time. In January of 1984, Mike made a last-minute decision to revise his schedule. He decided to add a course 20 minutes prior the start of class. That class is where he and Karen met. They were married at North Platte’s Holy Spirit Catholic Church in July of 1985.
In August of 1985, Mike began his 37 years of employment at Pius X High School. Twenty-nine of those years, he served as Director of Bands at Pius X. He also taught beginning and middle school band at St. Peter’s, Sacred Heart, and St. Mary’s during that time. In 2014, Mike gave up his high school responsibilities to spend the final 8 years of his career teaching beginning and middle school band at North American Martyr’s, St. Peter’s, St. Michael’s and, prior to its closing, St. Mary’s. He retired at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. Prior to graduate school and his time at Pius X, Mike taught in Wymore, Adams, and Grand Island, all in Nebraska.
Karen began her career in 1985 at Bradshaw, Nebraska, teaching K-12 general, instrumental, and vocal music. In August of 1987, she was hired as a part of the Pius X band staff as an itinerant beginning and middle school band teacher along with assisting at the high school. During Karen’s tenure, she taught at Cathedral of the Risen Christ, St. Patrick’s, Sacred Heart, St. Mary’s, St. Teresa’s, St. John’s, North American Martyr’s, and Pius X. Karen was in the middle of her 30th year of teaching for Pius X when she died suddenly in January of 2017. Karen spent her final day, January 12th, at St. Patrick’s School teaching her kids. She passed away early the morning of the 13th. In 1992, Karen was a recipient of the Jack R. Snider Young Band Director Award.
Between the two, Mike and Karen taught music to thousands of students during combined 67-year careers that included 10 of the Lincoln Catholic Schools. Both were strong advocates of teaching that music serves as a bridge between our human and spiritual selves, a powerful means of expression and prayer.
Mike and Karen have two sons, Sean and Ryan. Both are Pius X alumni and were a part of the band program, as were several nephews and a niece. Teaching their sons and other family was one of the most special aspects of their careers.
In addition to teaching, Mike and Karen are long time professional musicians, freelancing in the Lincoln and Omaha area. Some of their performances include the Lincoln Symphony, the Omaha Symphony, the Lincoln Municipal Band, the Nebraska Chamber Orchestra for the Lincoln Midwest Ballet’s Nutcracker Suite, the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra, Coro di Flauti, shows with national and regional celebrities, recordings, and musical theater pit orchestras. Mike is also the co-music director of the Lincoln Community Concert Band. Karen was a co-founder of Coro di Flauti, a flute choir which performs often in the Lincoln community. Its membership includes several former students.
Mike considers entering the Hall of Fame with Karen exactly as it should be. When past students, families, and colleagues think of the band years of 1985-2022, it is doubtful they think of Mr. Murphy or Mrs. Murphy separately but rather Mr. AND Mrs. Murphy together as always, personally and professionally.
