Jessica Ingraham, former director of St. Charles High School Band, has accepted a job as 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.

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

SLSO vice president Adam Crane told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he sees Ingraham jumping in and "taking control."

"She's dealt with all aspects of running an ensemble," he said in the article. "She's extremely resourceful, filled with ideas but respectful of what's been in place for 42 years."

Former St. Charles West Assistant Band Director Sean Bippen has stepped in as the new band director for St. Charles High School. Bippen also runs the band program at Hardin Middle School.