Westminster Youth String Ensemble
Young musicians (ages 6-18) listening, learning, rehearsing, and performing music together
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Here's what your child will learn
Teamwork
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To join an ensemble is to become part of a team. Each child learns that by playing their part, they can add to the greater goal of making fine music together.
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Responsibility
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In order for an ensemble to sound it's best each member needs to come prepared. Children who play music in an ensemble learn there are rewards for hard work, practice, and study.
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To Listen Carefully
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Listening is one of the most important skills that we develop as musicians, and playing in an ensemble requires students to listen extensively and to hear beyond their own part.
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I was introduced to strings by Mrs Monroe in my freshman year. She gave me the amazing opportunity to play the viola and to be part of the Westminister Youth Strings Ensemble. I loved every minute of it. Music is such a huge part of my life and I'm so thankful to WYSE and Mrs Monroe for making it possible for me to play. Abby Guthrie |
Here's How We Do It
Sound Instruction
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Whether your child is exploring music for the first time or has been playing for years, we make sure that they receive a great orchestral foundation.
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Live Performances
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The best way to learn is to perform! Students are given the opportunity to rehearse and perform orchestral music in a series of yearly concerts.
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A Place For Every Player
To best serve our musicians WYSE is divided into three age appropriate ensembles.
It’s FUN!
Ensemble Music is a great combination of playing music and spending time with friends!
A great influence and caring teacher
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"WYSE has been a real blessing for our daughter, providing her both with a place to play cello with others and with a venue to grow musically. With WYSE’s varied repertoire, and with room for beginner, intermediate and advanced, our daughter has steadily progressed in her abilities as part of the group. Kathy has been both a great influence and caring teacher, for which we are grateful." - Bill Martuscello |
Mrs. Monroe oozes inspiration!
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"Westminster Strings with Kathleen Monroe brings the practice of music to life. Being in a social context with kids of different ages from various schools in the area and working on the same musical project is a wonderful, invigorating juxtaposition to solitary practice at home. Mrs. Monroe oozes inspiration! She works with a great mix of expectation and humor, taking time to tune into the individual student, while working through an ambitious program. I am grateful for this gifted educator and the opportunities she creates for youth in CT and RI." -Uli Brahmst |
Meet Mrs Monroe
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Kathleen Curran Monroe has served as the director of Westminster Youth String Ensemble since its inception in 2014. A Rhode Island native, Mrs Monroe attended the University of Rhode Island and earned a Bachelors’ Degree in Music Education. She attended New England Conservatory where she studied cello with David Wells, and earned a Masters’ Degree in Cello Performance. She worked for several years as a String Specialist in the Somerset, MA, School System. Kathleen was a long-time cellist with the Rhode Island Philharmonic. She has been a String Specialist in a variety of school systems, from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania. Besides directing WYSE, Kathleen performs with a variety of string ensembles, is a private cello instructor, and is an advocate for the incorporation of String Music Programs into our public school systems.
Music is one of the greatest gifts that God has given us in this life! My pledge is to bring the gift of music to each child that crosses my path. I want every child to be empowered through their experience in music performance. They all deserve the opportunity to experience this precious gift! |
How Do We Get Started?
1. Audition
Auditions are held prior to the beginning of each 6 week season.
Season 1: October through December
Season 2: March through May.
Season 1: October through December
Season 2: March through May.
2. Choose the Ensemble That is Right For Your Child
Three (age and experience appropriate) ensembles are available to provide every student with the best learning experience.
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Festival Strings
Introductory ensemble
Festival Strings provides a first exposure for young musicians to perform in a small ensemble setting. Students must be at least seven years of age to participate. $200 |
String Ensemble
Intermediate ensemble
String Ensemble is for the more advanced string musician. Most students have had prior ensemble performance experience. $400 |
Chamber Players
Advanced ensemble
Members of the Chamber Players are the most experienced players of the three groups, playing challenging musical selections. Some String Ensemble members are also members of the Chamber Players. $400 |
3. Register
WYSE Summer Ensemble
