The West Allis-West Milwaukee Strolling Strings is a co-curricular school music ensemble. Participating youngsters, grades eight through twelve, must be enrolled in the school district's orchestra and lesson program in order to be eligible for membership in the ensemble.

     Strolling Strings has performed for school district activities, as well as for community service clubs, civic organizations, church groups, wedding and anniversary dinners, and convention banquets in the greater Milwaukee area since 1985.

     The recruiting focus is different from other musical youth groups. There are no auditions. Co-directors, Miss Kolb and Ms. Stringer firmly believe that this approach is an important educational experience, and has discovered that the struggling youngster gains as much from the group as the youngster who may be very talented.

     Music students interested in joining the WA-WM Strolling Strings attend the school district's week long summer music camp during the month of August. At camp youngsters are encouraged to focus on strolling techniques, memorization of a new show, and to improve their general musicianship.

     Most youngsters need a year or two with the group before they begin to feel comfortable with the idea of "playing for someone." Graduates from the program agree that performing one on one, from memory, has been a tremendous confidence builder in their lives.

     West Allis-West Milwaukee Strollers all enjoy the performance experience of strolling, as well as the personal satisfaction of growing as a person and a musician, inspiring others, and making people happy through their musical efforts.