Eureka Graduate to Lead St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra

Jessica Ingraham, a 2002 graduate of , will be the new youth orchestra manager and education programs coordinator of the St. Louis Symphony. The Youth Orchestra consists of 95 to 100 young musicians ranging in age from 12 to 22 years old.

Youth Orchestra members represent more than three dozen schools throughout the St. Louis region, and some from as far away as Rolla, Jefferson City, and Columbia, MO, as well as Springfield, IL. The orchestra was founded in 1970 by Leonard Slatkin.

Click here for a schedule of the Youth Orchestra concerts.

Music education is one of Ingraham's passions. She previously served as director of bands at St. Charles High School since 2006.

Eureka High School teacher John Arata described Ingraham as a musical leader. “During her time at Eureka, she was a drum major, a John Philip Sousa Award winner, the first chair clarinetist and a bass player in the jazz band,” stated Arata in a announcement. 

“Jessica is a positive advocate for music education and we‘re excited for her to serve students from St. Louis and beyond in this capacity.”

Ingraham told Patch she considers herself a clarinetist. "In high school I played bassoon in the concert band and bass guitar in the jazz band. I get a few gigs around town playing bass in musicals. I also played tenor saxophone in marching band in college. But, my main instrument is clarinet."

Ingraham holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Miami of Ohio, and a master's in music education from the University of Missouri St. Louis. Following graduation in 2006, she worked for Rockwood during the summer with Spotlight Productions. 

“I was truly blessed to have wonderful music teachers at both and . Mr. Marvin Medcalf, Mr. Larry Mueth, Mr. Joe Pappas, Mr. John Arata, Mrs. Valerie Waterman, and Mrs. Patti Fleer all had such a profound impact on my life and my love for music," she said.

"I attribute my success in life as a performer and an educator to their constant encouragement and support. I cannot thank them enough for sharing their love of music with me. They taught me the key to happiness is to always keep music in my life.”