- Washington Conservatory of Music

Yoko Wylegala

November 28, 2023 at 10:33 AM

Congratulations, Kathy, for 25 years serving for the Washington Conservatory of Music as the Executive & Artistic Director.
You have always been so supportive since I met you in 2001. I remember that you gave me several opportunities to work for the WCM as a volunteer including the Beethoven ensemble grope etc., these musical experiences enabled me to grow professionally. I love your sense of humour as well!

Thank you so much for your great support for the upcoming concert of the WCO in December.

Yoko

Richard Schreitz

November 8, 2023 at 1:55 PM

In my efforts to appropriately congratulate you for your 25 years of outstanding service to the community and, in fact, to the nation as the Executive and Artistic Director of the Washington Conservatory of Music, I find that I’m facing a problem: “words fail me.”

In my mind I see two lines on an 8” by 2” desktop name plate: your name and another title: “Ministry of Music.” With your actual job title you have so accurately conveyed the basic Christian message by your actions that perhaps others also see this same name plate in their minds. One exemplary venture among many: the Tapestry program for underserved children. Possibly others envision this same name plate with a different job title, a title that indicates association with a different faith, e.g. the Jewish faith, or the Muslim faith, or any of numerous other faiths. In any case, the students (and the teachers!) have a person that they can deeply respect to lead them.

With gratitude and best wishes for the future,
Richard Schreitz

Nancy Illman

November 3, 2023 at 5:24 PM

It was so wonderful to meet you last year, Kathy, when you volunteered to lead our amateur chamber Orchestra as concertmaster in a concert to help raise money for a local food bank.

And then, after that wonderful experience, how could I possibly resist your invitation to spend an entire week making music with other amateur musicians at Glen Echo? I am so glad to know you; you’re such an asset to our local community!

Kevin Jang

November 3, 2023 at 7:51 AM

Kathy- congratulations, what a wonderful time it has been! It’s been amazing to see the growth of the school over the years. And thank you for so supportive over the years! I hope all the best for more fruitful years and look forward in being part of it!

Gina DiMedio Marrazza

October 31, 2023 at 11:02 AM

Oh Kathy! What a milestone!!! I respect (and love you!) and honor all of your hard work, tenacity, musical/community building, and excellence as a fellow musician! Now onward we go! Brava…bravissima! Sempre, Gina!

Emily Rogers

October 27, 2023 at 8:58 AM

Kathy – congrats on 25 amazing years at WCM! Under your leadership WCM has been able to accomplish much, and we are lucky to have you at Glen Echo Park.
Emily

Thomas Lowenstein

October 26, 2023 at 10:31 PM

Congratulations on 25 years with the Conservatory! It was a pleasure working with you last summer, and I have gained invaluable skills and lessons that I will carry on for the rest of my career. Through all my time with the Conservatory this last year, I have known you to be entirely dedicated to ensuring that WCM has a bright future and continues forging a lasting impact on the music community of D.C. and Maryland. Congratulations once again, and thank you for everything!

Jennifer Suess

October 25, 2023 at 6:05 PM

Congratulations on 25 years of your leadership at Washington Conservatory and thank you for serving the community with your hard work, dedication and unflagging determination to create a positive musical learning experience for all. I have been privileged to be a part of your staff for over 6 years and am so grateful. You allow each of us to teach with our own style and individuality while providing excellent teaching spaces, recitals and concerts that further enrich the experience for our students. May we all continue to enjoy your guidance for many years to come!

Michael Adcock

October 25, 2023 at 12:44 PM

Congratulations Kathy on 25 yrs! Wow – what a significant milestone for both you and the conservatory…as well as all of us here who have benefitted from your vision, commitment, expertise and artistic guidance. We are indeed fortunate. I have many fond memories of the last 20 years or so, in particular many recitals at the former Westmoreland campus, and fund-raising concerts/galas that celebrated our wonderful school AND faculty. All best wishes for the current Glen Echo chapter going foward!

Amy Horn

October 25, 2023 at 8:10 AM

I can’t thank you enough for taking a chance on the Capital Horns in 2017 and giving us a home at the Washington Conservatory of Music. I had no idea there were so many horn players in the area and you helped create a community that has fostered many friendships and musical opportunities to share our passion for the horn. Congratulations on twenty five years! Wishing you many more years of great leadership and help in making dreams happen! Amy Horn

Keith Kerman

October 24, 2023 at 4:11 PM

Wow! 25 years! Congratulations on such an amazing milestone. The Washington Conservatory and the DC area have been so incredibly lucky to have benefited from your artistic leadership and vision for a quarter century.

Jose Ramos Santana

October 23, 2023 at 5:49 PM

Dear Kathy,
Congratulations on your 25 th anniversary at the Washington Conservatory!
You have been a great director, highly professional, always keeping high standards and a delight to work with.
The Washington Conservatory is really privileged to have you as you are one of the forces in the musical scene in the Washington area
To many more years!!
Jose Ramos Santana

Susan Starr

October 23, 2023 at 3:35 PM

Dear Kathy,
Congratulations!!! I hope you keep on going, as you are one of the most professional people I have ever worked with. We need more people like you!!!
Susan Starr

Bob Snyder

October 23, 2023 at 3:04 PM

Dearest Kathy,

I can’t believe you have been at WCM for 25 years already. You have been such a guiding light with your professionalism, extreme competence and intellectual inspiration. Ever since I met you years ago at Mount Gretna where you were running the series there, I have been impressed with your amazing competence and extreme professionalism. Anything you undertake I know will always be of the highest quality and extremely professional. I wonder if WCM realizes what a gem they have in you. The concerts you have presented at WCM are of examples of the highestt artistic excellence and given by musicians of the highest calibre. This alone has been an outstanding achievement for the benefit of the community. In addition your outreach to the community has benefitted many of your students by the various programs you have instituted.

I also always enjoy discussing the many pianists and especially violinists we have heard together. Your knowledge of the violin always teaches me something I have not heard which you bring to my attention. I always learn so much from your fount of musical knowledge. In short, I value your friendship immensely.

I hope you have many more years of expert guidance to present to WCM and lead them into the future. I just hope they appreciate you.

In highest regard and esteem,

Robert C. Snyder, MD

Ron & Mary Johannes

October 23, 2023 at 10:54 AM

Congratulations Kathy on 25 wonderful years! You have established the Washington Conservatory as a center of musical excellence in the Washington DC area and a venue for performers of worldwide renown. You have secured its financial base. You have extended its presence to the Glen Echo campus. You have strengthened its teaching facilities (eg the Wenger rooms), from which our three children benefited for many years. And with all this, you have helped bring artistic pleasure to thousands. Thank you!

Dr Madeline Schatz-Harris

October 22, 2023 at 8:55 AM

Congratulations Kathy on 25 incredibly successful years at the helm of the Washington Conservatory of Music. As a professional musician and administrator myself I have been in awe of your contributions to Washington Conservatory. The energy with which you have increased the financial resources and concert productions there is remarkable. However, having known and worked with you over a period of 40 years, I am constantly awed by your dedication to excellence in all areas of your musical life. Your reputation among your national and international peers has added to the success of the school. I hope that WCM is aware of the jewel that they have at the helm of their ship. To many more successful years!

Nessa Spitzer

October 21, 2023 at 5:44 PM

Congratulations, Kathy, on your 25th anniversary! My friends and I have enjoyed so many performers at concerts under your leadership. We are so fortunate to have had you directing the Conservatory all these years. All best wishes for your continuing leadership for many years to come!

John O'Conor

October 21, 2023 at 5:07 PM

Dearest Kathy,

I wonder if Washington realizes what a jewel they have in you ! Over the last 25 years you have influenced so many people’s lives and have nurtured so many young musicians who have gone on to enrich the lives of others in their turn. I have the greatest respect for your achievements and hope that you will continue to forge ahead with your ambitions and plans for the future. I also hope that you will get the support you need and deserve to achieve these goals.

With my highest respect and much love

John

Lucia Leith

October 21, 2023 at 3:37 PM

Dear Kathy, Congratulations on your milestone anniversary! Thank you for assembling such an outstanding faculty to the benefit of so many students and families. With appreciation.

Margaret Keefe

October 21, 2023 at 10:36 AM

Congratulations Kathy✨

Thank you for making a huge positive difference in my life. That terribly hot day three years ago when you graciously accepted my music book donations for the WCM library, you unloaded my car and kindly invited me in for a cup of tea. Then you told me about the community WCM orchestra, as I had recently returned to the violin. I was lucky to study with you and now I’m a member in my fourth season playing in the orchestra. As a senior I can’t tell you how great that has been for my life.

I’m sharing my story to illustrate what a hard worker, creative and generous person YOU are. Your standards of excellence show in every aspect of WCM. How fortunate for us all!

Margaret Keefe

Finghin Collins

October 19, 2023 at 3:04 AM

Dear Kathy – what an achievement! Congratulations. I have such happy memories of my performances at Washington Conservatory and most of all of your commitment, dedication and generosity of spirit towards the visiting artist, but also towards the students who are the fabric of your college. I was fortunate to give a masterclass there on at least one occasion. In Ireland we are famous for our hospitality and warm welcome, but you have outdone us with your warm welcome. I salute all that you have done and send you lots of love and strength for the next chapter!

sarah helmstadter

October 18, 2023 at 10:12 PM

Congratulations Kathy! We have loved our experience at WCM. You have indeed built a special place!

Virginia Nanzetta

October 18, 2023 at 3:56 PM

Kathy, what you have accomplished for the Conservatory and the community is truly awesome. Your calm guidance and amazing creativity at the helm has resulted in immeasurable good for all who have been associated in any way with the Conservatory. Personally, I have always known you would be there to help if needed, with sensible remedies and clear-eyed guidance. Your sensitive, friendly, and encouraging manner is appreciated and inspiring. Thanks, Kathy.

Diane Monash

October 18, 2023 at 8:44 AM

The Washington Conservatory has become a very important part of my life. Your support as a wonderful Director has made this possible for so many students.. Fabulous teachers led by a conscientious, artistic Director. It works. Thank you for 25 years!!!!!

Katey Boerner

October 17, 2023 at 4:07 PM

Many congrats to Kathy for a quarter century of amazing work in our community! You keep a lot of balls in the air while still producing fantastic programs and keeping an entire community engaged. The Park is so grateful for the high caliber music programs you have produced here and for being a really proactive planner and communicator. We love the participation in our festivals and the performances that have been presented. The working relationship you have built with the Park has been extremely positive. Many congrats and keep the creativity flowing!

Katey

Genevieve Lee

October 16, 2023 at 10:38 PM

Congratulations, Kathy! Even though I only visited Washington Conservatory once, I was awed by how much work you do. What a huge contribution you have made to the musical lives of so many people. Wishing you many more successful years!

Chengcheng Yao

October 16, 2023 at 3:22 PM

Congratulations, Kathy! Although this is only my third year working at the WCM, I could not be more grateful for all your support since the very beginning. Thank you for giving me so many opportunities to share my music – I’m very lucky to have those beautiful memories. Looking forward to many more years of our musical journey at the WCM!

Chengcheng

Robert Silverman

October 16, 2023 at 1:05 PM

Glad to hear you are still there, Kathy. As am I. Yays for both of us.

Dionne Laufman

October 16, 2023 at 1:00 PM

A Joyous 25th Anniversary to You, Dear Kathy!!!!

When you first came to us 25 years ago, one of the first things you did was set up personal 1/2 hour meetings with each faculty member, to get to know us and discuss whatever interesting thoughts we may have about ways in which we could be helpful in contributing to the development of our Conservatory. Our 1/2 hour meeting turned into an exciting 2 1/2 hours of sharing creative ideas, which was welcoming and heartwarming!!
You kept us alive during Covid!! Without your courageous guidance and perseverance, our Conservatory could not have survived!! Since the beginning of your tenure as our Administrative and Artistic Director, you have almost singlehandedly, with minimum office help due to lack of funds, brought our school special national recognition and accreditation as one of only 16 highest quality pre-college preparatory music schools in the country. Thank you, thank you, dear Kathy, for all you have done and continue to do for all of us and for our entire community!! We couldn’t have made it this far without you at the helm!!!!

Jeffrey Carlton Mumford

October 16, 2023 at 12:44 PM

I have known Kathy Judd for almost 30 years and always been impressed by her intelligence, musicianship and wit.
She is a deeply insightful person with a heart of gold.
She has high standards for herself as well as for the society in which well al live and it is a privilege to call her a friend.
During her tenure at the Washington Conservatory she has transformed a small community music school into a visionary and vibrant community.
The list of her accomplishments is most impressive among which are the concert series she started, the expansion to Glen Echo, and creation of an environment of inspiration for all ages.
She is a true visionary whose intellectual curiosity is utterly compelling and infectious, making everything around her better!!
Congratulations Kathy!!
Bravo for all of your good work!!

Jeffrey

Sulema Stewart

October 16, 2023 at 12:10 PM

Kathy,

Our relationship started as a partnership and quickly became a friendship. I still remember our first meeting when we talked about the Washington Conservatory of Music and how we could create a partnership to bring families joy during the holidays. Ever since, we have continued to make our partnership grow to enhance their lives. Your 25th anniversary is just a clear signal of your dedication to the music world and the Washington Conservatory of Music.

Happy 25th! my friend, love always, Sulema

Deborah Fryman

October 16, 2023 at 12:01 PM

I am beyond grateful for Kathy’s expertise in the music world and the wealth of connections she holds with the leading creative forces in the music community. With her sage guidance and generosity of time and kindness, we have gathered the most amazing talent from across the country to perform at our events over the past three years. Her valued contributions continue to make our events better, and have contributed to an audience experience that, as we’ve been told, “leaves us feeling hopeful and truly connecting with what is beautiful in our world.”
With heartfelt sincerity – THANK YOU KATHY!

Jaewon Lee

October 16, 2023 at 9:31 AM

Congratulations on your 25th anniversary, Kathy! You have been an amazing leader for the conservatory and I cannot imagine WCM without you. Thank you so much for all the support you’ve given to me: excellent teaching environment, encouragement and many wonderful performance opportunities. I enjoy working for the conservatory because of you. I hope you continue to be a great leader for the school for many more years.

Sheryl Myers

October 15, 2023 at 9:27 PM

Congratulations on 25 years at TWC! Under your leadership, the greater community has received the gift of music through your commitment and efforts to provide quality classes, concerts, events and so much more. As a minister, I am especially grateful for the opportunities you have created for children in underserved communities through The Tapestry Music Project. The impact of this program is/will be life changing!
Kathy, thank you for all that you’ve envisioned and created at the conservatory. How fortunate this organization is to have you at the helm!

Ha An, Liem, and Mai Lan Do

October 15, 2023 at 9:26 PM

Dear Kathy,

Admiration and gratitude for what you have built at the Washington Conservatory. The children (and their parents) have found an environment where music is increasingly becoming a part of their lives.

Thank you

Alexander Paley and Peiwen Chen

October 15, 2023 at 8:46 PM

Congratulations,Kathy!!!Thank you for your leadership for building up this wonderful school and the fabulous concert series through these incredible 25 years.We see the results from every steps and efforts you have planned and given-how lucky we all are being musicians in all ages to have your support so we can make music.Thank you so much!!!Sasha and Peiwen

Sandy Strokoff

October 15, 2023 at 8:38 PM

Thank you, Kathy, for all you have done for this amazing conservatory. Taking lessons from you in my retirement has changed my musical life, greatly improving the way I play and encouraging me to tackle music and, for the first time in my life, to perform solo recitals.

Your ever expanding programs WCM offers enriches the community and all of the DMV area. I look forward to continuing to work with you at the conservatory in the future.

Ardita Statovci

October 15, 2023 at 8:34 PM

Happy 25th Anniversary, Kathy, and thank you for your visionary leadership! Your devotion, dedication and hard work are exceptional and your commitment to excellence is truly inspiring! Thank you for your support, for always lending an ear and for making the WCM my musical home. Looking forward to many more years at the WCM filled with music and joy under your guidance!

Ardita

Elissa Feinstein

October 15, 2023 at 8:11 PM

Your twenty five years of top shelf leadership astounds me. Your unwavered commitment to TWC has been one to witness as your legacy has literally reached thousands of students, their families, musicians, while clearly gifting joyful and endless impacts for generations to come. I have been blessed with following your efforts since your days when I met you in 1990 and have continually cherished your acumen and artistry since your years solidifying Music at Gretna reknowned as a true music destination during your time in Central Pennsylvania. It has been no surprise to see the highest of excellence continue at TWC. You have made it look easy. I believe only the best leaders achieve this level. However, the true blessing is that your have served so graciously without ego as your base. What you have done benefits all who have studied, performed and collectively cemented the importance of the arts for decades to follow in a time where we all know how the arts make a person achieve, believe and succeed. You are and will continue to be the best in leading and demonstrating how the world wins by your efforts. Bravo and cheers to your next TWC chapter that we shall witness with the highest of high gratitude. Carry on as you do so well. I will continue on with the same spirit of life that you have grandly shared. You are the gift that keeps giving.

Elissa Feinstein

Akemi Takayama

October 15, 2023 at 7:34 PM

Kathy, you are an inspiration to many of us, and congratulations on this incredible 25-year milestone!!

You have consistently demonstrated a remarkable level of professionalism, always leading by example and setting high standards for everyone around you. I hope you get to relax and celebrate this special time!

Audrey Andrist

October 15, 2023 at 6:46 PM

Congratulations Kathy! You are the reason I signed on to teach at the Conservatory, way back in 2011. Your expertise, passion and commitment completely sold me on the value of the Conservatory, and I have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of my teaching and performing experience there since all of those years ago. Thank you so much for making all of that possible for me. I honestly don’t know how you find the time to do everything that you do for the Conservatory, and all of it with so much enthusiasm and grace. You are simply amazing!

Naomi Brodsky

October 15, 2023 at 6:05 PM

Kathy, you have made a profound difference in my life as my violin teacher and as the leader of the Washington Conservatory. When I first came to you twenty years ago (is it really that long?) after having retired, I needed musical direction and instruction. You provided that with expertise, compassion and friendship. And within the Conservatory enrichment came with recitals, concerts, and get togethers. Thank you for all that you have done for me and for the community.

Naomi

Tina Eck

October 15, 2023 at 4:39 PM

Thank you Kathy for your vision, dedication and energy. You made the Irish music folk program happen many years ago – with much enthusiasm and joy and many ideas. We are extremely grateful for all your support and your – around the clock – help to make this a successful endeavor. My classes in Irish tin whistle and Irish flute are the highlights of the week for many of my students, including me. I learned so much learning to teach. And I am happy and gratified to have changed some students’ lives, literally. They said so. I could have never done it without your courage and support. Thanks for taking a chance, giving us a home and helping us along through all those years. Looking forward to the next 25 years of music making. Thanks again

Tina

James Stern

October 15, 2023 at 1:41 PM

Congratulations, Kathy, on your Quarter Century of generous and outstanding service to the Washington Conservatory! I am so grateful that your passion lies where it does. From presenting world-class concerts to gathering world-class faculty to your visionary projects, you have brought music of all kinds to the lives of so many who otherwise would not be enriched by it, giving so many the life-long gift of the ability to participate in music-making. Your strong and devoted leadership has preserved the Conservatory through both fair weather and rough storms. Thank you! James Stern

Grazina Blekaitis

October 15, 2023 at 12:48 PM

Congratulations on 25 years of leadership!
I’ve missed many concerts since
the new location is inconvenient .
I wish you 25 more years of heading the conservatory.

Kathy

October 15, 2023 at 11:10 AM

Thank you for 25 years of sharing your talent and passion for music education. You realize the huge value of making music accessible to all and do you best to make that happen. So much has changed in the world since you started at WCM but you have shown strong leadership through it all. The Conservatory is so fortunate to have you! All the best for your continued success!

Patrick D. McCoy

October 15, 2023 at 11:07 AM

It is an honor to join with my colleagues and supporters of WCM in celebrating the 25th Year Anniversary of Kathy Judd as Executive and Artistic Director. Over the years, I knew of her work and reputation as a fine musician and arts administrator, but I never imagined that I would get to witness and experience her extraordinary leadership as one of the newest members of her staff. Congratulations indeed!

Ernesto Lima-Parets

October 15, 2023 at 11:07 AM

Congratulations, Kathy!! Although it’s my very first year at WCM, I’ve been a witness of your dedication, wisdom, and commitment. Thank you for been the amazing leader you are. I wish you many more years of success at our school.

Thanks!

Yejin Lee

October 15, 2023 at 10:44 AM

Congratulations Kathy!
Your dedication and unwavering commitment keeps transforming our WCM into a better place for musical education. We are very grateful for your remarkable leadership and providing an inspiring community.
Thank you!

Deborah B Hearn

October 15, 2023 at 10:23 AM

Congratulations Kathy – The residents at Ingleside at Rock Creek have been treated to a monthly concert for over 20 years. Kathy has sent us outstanding classical musicians. It has been my honor to host these for the past year. We look forward to many more years with Kathy and the Washington Conservatory.

Roger

October 15, 2023 at 8:38 AM

Thank you.

Louise Buchanan

October 15, 2023 at 8:36 AM

You are an inspiration and your
leadership in keeping the Washington
Conservatory vibrant and community-
serving is vital. I especially appreciate
the thoughtful letters you write to
express gratitude for financial
contributions. You make donors
feel like we matter. Thank you and
all good wishes for continued success.

Marty Nau

October 15, 2023 at 5:08 AM

Thanks Kathy for your 25 years of service to the Washington Conservatory! Thanks for taking a chance on me as Saxophone instructor. And thank you for the high esteem you always held for the musicians who work there! I especially thank you for putting together the jazz concerts that we did at the conservatory and even the instrument petting zoos! It was always fun to see the children’s faces as they dreamed about the instruments they might play one day. Thank you once again!

Marty

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