Carolyn Danielson Holtman’s childhood was filled with music and dance. She played both piano and clarinet. She attended Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia, where she was a member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority, and the Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity – with plans to pursue a music education degree. While she and her husband, Stephen, raised their two children, Carolyn devoted a great deal of time to volunteering with the Junior Women’s Symphony Alliance, where she served as Designer’s Showhouse Chairman in 1983 and President in 1984. This work evolved into a full-time newly created position as the Auxiliary Coordinator with the Kansas City Philharmonic/Symphony, a position she held for many years.

After leaving the Kansas City Symphony, Carolyn became the manager of the Youth Symphony of Kansas City, taking the orchestra to the World’s Fair in Spain on its first international tour in 1991.

Music continued to be an important part of Carolyn’s life. She played for nearly 30 years in the handbell ensemble at Village Presbyterian Church and was an active member of the Kansas City Alumnae Chapter of Sigma AIpha Iota, receiving many honors for her contributions. Members fondly remember years of board meetings held at her home, and her exceptional hospitality.