George Colburn
George Colburn was born in Highland Park, Michigan to Irish immigrant parents. He earned a doctorate of history from Michigan State University and has created and produced numerous independent television projects.
In 1982, he established a consulting company in New York City to advise public television stations and corporate sponsors on the educational use of major TV shows. His first series was a three-part series on the coming communications revolution that featured commentary from futurist author Arthur C. Clarke from Sri Lanka.
Early Life and Education
Early years are critical for a child’s development. This period allows them to acquire essential emotional skills like self-assurance, regulation of their feelings, self-expression and respect of themselves.
A child’s relationship with their parents or primary caregivers is essential for their development. By cultivating a close bond between the two of them, children are able to cultivate an encouraging self-image which will eventually help shape them into healthy adults who enjoy life fully.
In addition to the parent’s role, there are other critical elements that contribute to a child’s early education. These include small class sizes and ample teacher interaction time, which help kids build the social-emotional skills necessary for success in life.
Professional Career
A professional career is the occupation one chooses and the duties and responsibilities associated with that occupation. It requires developing skills, knowledge and experience in order to reach one’s full potential.
George Colburn has dedicated his life to professional music and conducting, earning him a place of honor in both fields.
He has held various leadership roles, such as Director of the United States Marine Band, Music Advisor to the White House and Assistant Conductor at the National Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, he has performed as a soloist with numerous symphonies and orchestras around the world.
He has served as Assistant Professor of Bassoon at Butler University and is currently an instructor at Colburn’s Community School of Performing Arts. His upcoming activities include conducting Colburn’s Community School Winter Choral Concert on December 10th 2022 at Zipper Hall; and leading the Spring Choral Concert on May 6th 2023 also at Zipper Hall.
Achievements and Honors
Colburn is renowned for his contributions to music. His score for Enrico Guazzoni’s Antony and Cleopatra (1913) is considered one of America’s earliest feature-length original film scores.
He received numerous honors throughout his career, including membership in the American Composers Forum and being an associate of the National Academy of Sciences.
During World War II, he served in the Navy. For injuries suffered during the Battle of Okinawa, he was awarded with a Purple Heart medal in 1945.
In 1974, he established a national newspaper-based educational project for young people that eventually spread to public broadcasting outlets. Subsequently, he resigned his political positions in Michigan to return to journalism – earning him a Pulitzer Prize nomination.
Personal Life
George Colburn began his professional life as a Michigan-based journalist covering local government and politics. In 1970, his reporting on the controversy at Michigan State University that led to the resignation of its president earned him a Pulitzer Prize nomination.
After leaving UCSD in 1982, he founded a consulting company to advise public television stations and corporate sponsors on educational uses of major TV programs slated for national broadcast. Additionally, he began producing television programs, beginning with a three-part series on the coming communications revolution featuring commentary by Arthur C. Clarke from Sri Lanka.
In 1988, Colburn reluctantly agreed to attend a meeting with former aides of Eisenhower in Washington, D.C. As a result of this encounter, Colburn was given the idea for creating a documentary film on Eisenhower’s legacy which would eventually air nationally on public television.
Net Worth
He is believed to have a net worth of approximately $1.5 million, which he has amassed through his career as a commercial fisherman.
He is best known for his role on the reality television series Deadliest Catch. This Discovery Channel show follows the life of commercial fishermen who travel to the Bering Sea to fish for Alaskan king crab and opilio crab.
He has served as MP for Carshalton and Wallington since 2019, having been elected with a majority of 629 votes in the 2019 general election.