Before graduating from the Manhattan School of Music, George Kim Scholes won an audition to tour and record as a member of Harry Chapin's band, playing cello and keyboards. He composed the score for the horror film The Nesting. He began his orchestral career with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and is principal cellist of the Pasadena Pops and plays with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. He is former principal cellist of Opera Pacific and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.