Westminster Youth String Ensemble

==Westminster Youth String Ensemble== ===History=== The Westminster Youth String Ensemble (WYSE) is a distinguished musical organization founded in 2014 by Kathleen Curran Monroe, following her 18-season tenure as the director of the Musica Dolce Youth String Ensemble. The inception of WYSE marked the beginning of a new chapter in youth string music performance in Southern Rhode Island and Southeastern Connecticut. ===Mission=== WYSE is committed to providing a high-quality string music performance experience for promising young musicians in the region. The ensemble's mission is to offer a platform where young string players can rehearse and perform orchestral music, thereby enhancing their talents and providing them with valuable exposure through a series of concerts held in diverse settings. ===Purpose=== The purpose of the Westminster Youth String Ensemble is to fill a gap in the musical education available to young musicians, particularly one that local public and private schools may not currently offer. WYSE presents a unique opportunity for string musicians of all ability levels to engage in both private and group instruction, aiming to foster a high level of proficiency and skill. The ensemble emphasizes the importance of live performance as a means to inspire its members towards achieving the highest level of musical expression. Participation in WYSE is designed not only to lay a strong foundation for those considering a professional career in music but also to enhance the participants' self-discipline and create lifelong memories. ===Leadership=== Kathleen Curran Monroe has been at the helm of the Westminster Youth String Ensemble since its establishment. Her extensive background in music education includes directing the Musica Dolce Youth String Ensemble until 2013, during which time the ensemble was invited to the National Orchestra Festival as part of the American String Teacher’s National Conference, a prestigious event that featured only 16 orchestras from across the United States. A native of Rhode Island, Monroe pursued her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education at the University of Rhode Island, followed by a Masters’ Degree in Cello Performance from the New England Conservatory, where she studied under David Wells. Her career has spanned various roles, including serving as a String Specialist in school systems across Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, and performing as a cellist with the Rhode Island Philharmonic. Beyond directing WYSE, Monroe is a passionate advocate for the integration of String Music Programs into public schools, a private cello instructor, and an active performer in various string ensembles. ===Location and Contact=== The Westminster Youth String Ensemble is based in Westerly, Rhode Island. They can be contacted via email at Westminsterstrings@gmail.com or by phone at 401-596-5225 for those interested in contributing, enrolling, or seeking further information about the ensemble and its events.