My Beyond These Towers Story

WPI is well known for the impact its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) alumni make on the world. What may be less known however, but is just as remarkable, is how many WPI STEM alumni also leave their mark in the Humanities and Arts (HUA) realm. Recently appointed concertmaster for the Farmington Valley Symphony Orchestra (FVSO), Kerry Muenchow ’19 is a perfect example of the university’s STEM and HUA curriculum working in tandem to help develop accomplished and well-rounded professionals.

For Muenchow, a main criterion in her college search was to attend a school where she could continue playing music at a high level while also pursuing an engineering degree. “The strong music program at WPI was a large reason why I chose to attend WPI, and it was a highlight of my four years on campus.” says Muenchow. While at WPI, the chemical engineering major was first violinist in the Medwin Honors Quartet, soloed with the WPI Symphony Orchestra, and earned her first concertmaster experience. “I had my first opportunity to be concertmaster of a symphony orchestra while at WPI, and I draw on that experience greatly in my new position with the FVSO,” adds Muenchow.

Following WPI, the chemical engineering major earned an MS in materials engineering from the University of Southern California and is currently a materials & process engineer with Collins Aerospace.” Of her recent appointment, she says, “Playing classical music has always been an important part of my life, and finding a strong and welcoming orchestra in the FVSO had a great impact on me.”