"WYSE is an incredible young people's String Ensemble. It offers both my daughter and my son the opportunity to rehearse weekly in the string orchestra and perform in concerts. Mrs. Monroe, WYSE's fantastic conductor, manager, administrator, producer, and organizer, has played an integral role in helping my children progress instrumentally and love and appreciate music, and even more importantly, enjoy playing music in an ensemble with other kids. Kathy is nurturing, funny, and works admirably well with children of all ages, teens included, while maintaining high musical expectations. Thank-you for letting kids from Westerly and the area have such a wonderful experience"
~Eliane Aberdam, mother of two (violin and cello)
My child has performed with Kathleen Monroe for eight years, from 5th grade right on through senior year of high school. It has been the funnel that has brought her so much success as a musician. She was accepted into the Rhode Island All State Orchestra every year (both junior and senior orchestras), and she played in the All Nationals Honors Ensemble this past year in Nashville TN, thanks to Kathleen Monroe's dedication to instilling a strong appreciation for musical excellence. My budding violinist was immersed in a fun environment that included older students she was motivated to compare herself with; and on it went, concert after concert. What a great journey.
- Robyn Pothier
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. Most of these activities that demand commitment and discipline and are not counting towards school credits, stand or fall with the instructor. 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
The Westminster Strings is a wonderful opportunity for young people to exercise their musical skills, develop technique, & feel important. The conductor, Kathleen Monroe, is an exceptional teacher, coach, & mentor! I have 2 kids in this orchestra, have observed practices, and a concert... I am so impressed how they feel accepted and so encouraged under her guidance. Would highly recommend for your child to perform with confidence & class!
- Lisa Guthrie
WYSE has been an amazing blessing for our family. Our daughters (violin and cello) have had the opportunity to perform and become better musicians in this amazing group. Kathy has a tiered program which allows even the beginners a chance to perform with other players of their own level. Strategically placing student leaders in the lower level groups has been just one of the ways Kathy has built in group learning which also develops the confidence of the younger players. The desire to move up to the next level of players has been a great motivator to my girls to progress in their instrumental skills. I can’t say enough about Kathy Monroe—she is both nurturing and kind while still challenging the students to excel and move beyond their individual comfort zones. WYSE has truly been a huge contributor to our town’s music education.
- Lori Jones
WYSE has been wonderful for my ten year old daughter, both in terms of increasing her proficiency on the violin, but also a congenial group in which she has a lot of fun. She started last year in Festival Strings and progressed to WYSE this year. The music they play is beautiful and within their technical grasp but still sufficiently challenging that I've seen a material improvement in her sight reading, musicality and, as a member of a group, understanding the importance of timing.
We are thrilled to be a part of the WYSE!
- Michele Kirk (mother of 10 year old violin player).
‘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. With multiple concerts throughout the year, WYSE is also a fun community to be part of as a parent and concertgoer.
- Bill Martuscello
There is something about playing music with a group that is both educational and very enjoyable for young musicians. My daughter is thoroughly enjoying her experience with WYSE.
- Diana Tesni
My two middle school children joined WYSE a few weeks ago and are thoroughly enjoying it! The musicians, and their director, are engaging and enthusiastic making rehearsals lively and fun. Middle school can be a tricky time for making new friends but my son and daughter felt warmly welcomed. The members of the ensemble take their lead from Mrs Monroe, supporting and encouraging each other - the quality of the music they produce is fantastic!
- Beth Riungu
~Eliane Aberdam, mother of two (violin and cello)
My child has performed with Kathleen Monroe for eight years, from 5th grade right on through senior year of high school. It has been the funnel that has brought her so much success as a musician. She was accepted into the Rhode Island All State Orchestra every year (both junior and senior orchestras), and she played in the All Nationals Honors Ensemble this past year in Nashville TN, thanks to Kathleen Monroe's dedication to instilling a strong appreciation for musical excellence. My budding violinist was immersed in a fun environment that included older students she was motivated to compare herself with; and on it went, concert after concert. What a great journey.
- Robyn Pothier
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. Most of these activities that demand commitment and discipline and are not counting towards school credits, stand or fall with the instructor. 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
The Westminster Strings is a wonderful opportunity for young people to exercise their musical skills, develop technique, & feel important. The conductor, Kathleen Monroe, is an exceptional teacher, coach, & mentor! I have 2 kids in this orchestra, have observed practices, and a concert... I am so impressed how they feel accepted and so encouraged under her guidance. Would highly recommend for your child to perform with confidence & class!
- Lisa Guthrie
WYSE has been an amazing blessing for our family. Our daughters (violin and cello) have had the opportunity to perform and become better musicians in this amazing group. Kathy has a tiered program which allows even the beginners a chance to perform with other players of their own level. Strategically placing student leaders in the lower level groups has been just one of the ways Kathy has built in group learning which also develops the confidence of the younger players. The desire to move up to the next level of players has been a great motivator to my girls to progress in their instrumental skills. I can’t say enough about Kathy Monroe—she is both nurturing and kind while still challenging the students to excel and move beyond their individual comfort zones. WYSE has truly been a huge contributor to our town’s music education.
- Lori Jones
WYSE has been wonderful for my ten year old daughter, both in terms of increasing her proficiency on the violin, but also a congenial group in which she has a lot of fun. She started last year in Festival Strings and progressed to WYSE this year. The music they play is beautiful and within their technical grasp but still sufficiently challenging that I've seen a material improvement in her sight reading, musicality and, as a member of a group, understanding the importance of timing.
We are thrilled to be a part of the WYSE!
- Michele Kirk (mother of 10 year old violin player).
‘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. With multiple concerts throughout the year, WYSE is also a fun community to be part of as a parent and concertgoer.
- Bill Martuscello
There is something about playing music with a group that is both educational and very enjoyable for young musicians. My daughter is thoroughly enjoying her experience with WYSE.
- Diana Tesni
My two middle school children joined WYSE a few weeks ago and are thoroughly enjoying it! The musicians, and their director, are engaging and enthusiastic making rehearsals lively and fun. Middle school can be a tricky time for making new friends but my son and daughter felt warmly welcomed. The members of the ensemble take their lead from Mrs Monroe, supporting and encouraging each other - the quality of the music they produce is fantastic!
- Beth Riungu