Acclaimed violinist Diane Monroe wowed Agnes Irwin students in the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools on Wednesday, February 1, as she performed for Black History Month, playing a mixture of well-known classical scores, jazz and blues. Monroe is known for blending classical music and jazz improvisation to create unique compositions.

 

Monroe spoke about the tradition of African-American spirituals and their origins, instructing students in the call and response patterns of such music. Her renditions of "Go Tell It on the Mountain," "Wade in the Water" and other familiar and unfamiliar melodies left students in Upper School asking for an encore.

 

She started playing the quarter violin in third grade, and said her musical talent developed from watching and hearing her grandfather and great-uncles play "country" music on the guitar. She credited her junior high and high school music teachers in the Philadelphia public schools with providing exceptional instruction that fostered her talent as a musician.

Monroe generally performs her own solo, duo, trio and quartet projects and has appeared as a guest artist with orchestras and ensembles throughout the United States. Her compositions and arrangements have been heard on “The Cosby Show” and “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.” She has performed with Yo-Yo Ma – a Grammy Award-winning virtuoso cellist and orchestral composer, among other celebrated musicians.

Monroe has taught at Oberlin Conservatory, Michigan State University, Swarthmore College, Temple University and the Opus 118 Harlem School of Music.