"We prepare students to engage in the world that is and to help bring about a world that ought to be."
Linda Monssen
Minute of Appreciation
Linda Monssen
Teacher of Music - 1979 - 2005
Faculty Emerita
Arriving at Friends Seminary as a Lower School music specialist - hired to establish a K-6 Orff Program - Linda states, with pride, that she is the only teacher in the School to have taught each and every grade, kindergarten through twelfth. Linda's work at Friends assumed a natural crescendo - evolving organically along themes that wove their way through her work: a balance of experiential and intellectual; a recognition of the interplay of mind, body and spirit; an interdisciplinary approach to the performing arts. Her work with students has been symbiotic in nature - give and take - helping students realize their musical voices, while often discovering vocal qualities that inspire her own musical exploration, such as the unique and beautiful counter tenor range. With an affinity for Orff teaching concepts, approach rather than method, improvisation, storytelling, drama, child in role of creator -- Linda has been a driving force in growing the School's music program and sparking musical curiosity in generations of students. She served as Coordinator of Lower School Specialists; Chair of the Performing Arts Department for 10 years; she established a full vocal program in the Upper School; she has served as music director for school productions, embracing challenging works. We express heartfelt gratitude for the breadth and depth of service Linda gave to Friends Seminary and are proud to honor her as Faculty Emerita.
Linda Monssen
Teacher of Music - 1979 - 2005
Faculty Emerita
Arriving at Friends Seminary as a Lower School music specialist - hired to establish a K-6 Orff Program - Linda states, with pride, that she is the only teacher in the School to have taught each and every grade, kindergarten through twelfth. Linda's work at Friends assumed a natural crescendo - evolving organically along themes that wove their way through her work: a balance of experiential and intellectual; a recognition of the interplay of mind, body and spirit; an interdisciplinary approach to the performing arts. Her work with students has been symbiotic in nature - give and take - helping students realize their musical voices, while often discovering vocal qualities that inspire her own musical exploration, such as the unique and beautiful counter tenor range. With an affinity for Orff teaching concepts, approach rather than method, improvisation, storytelling, drama, child in role of creator -- Linda has been a driving force in growing the School's music program and sparking musical curiosity in generations of students. She served as Coordinator of Lower School Specialists; Chair of the Performing Arts Department for 10 years; she established a full vocal program in the Upper School; she has served as music director for school productions, embracing challenging works. We express heartfelt gratitude for the breadth and depth of service Linda gave to Friends Seminary and are proud to honor her as Faculty Emerita.
Friends Seminary actively promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in all its programs and operations, including admissions, financial aid, hiring, and all facets of the educational experience. To form a community which strives to reflect the world’s diversity, we do not discriminate on the basis of race or color, religion, nationality, ethnicity, economic background, physical ability, sex, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Friends Seminary is an equal opportunity employer.
Friends Seminary — the oldest continuously operated, coeducational school in NYC — serves college-bound day students in Kindergarten-Grade 12.
