About Kamoinge Strings (pronounced “kom-wean-geh”)

Inspired by the concept of community, the string ensemble of Walker West was created to perform works that reflect the cultural diversity of the string students and families in our program.

Kamoinge is a Kikuyu (Kenya) word meaning a group working together, unforced and unconstrained, to do good for the community. Borrowing from this idea, the ensemble seeks to impact the underrepresentation of Black, Latino, and Indigenous participants in youth symphonies and chamber music.

Composed of students in grades 7-12, this ensemble of mostly violinists has performed on the stages of the Ordway and Orchestra Hall. Students are members of the Minnesota Youth Symphonies, the Greater Twins Cities Youth Symphonies, and Artaria Chamber Music School.