The Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra has appointed Jaymes Winn as the new director and conductor of the Ottumwa Symphony Youth Orchestra, the Ottumwa Post reported. The organization also announced details regarding the ensemble’s 2026-27 season. Winn earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Northern Michigan University in December 2024, where she focused on violin studies while taking private lessons in cello, bass, piano, voice and bassoon, according to the report.
Following her graduation, Winn completed student teaching with Traverse City Area Public Schools in Michigan before accepting a part-time orchestra position with the district, the Ottumwa Post stated. She recently finished her first year as an elementary music teacher for Horace Mann and Eisenhower elementary schools within the Ottumwa Community School District. The publication noted that Winn also joined the main Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra as a second violinist in February.
Winn expressed enthusiasm about guiding older students in the area who possess a strong passion for music, aiming to create an environment where young musicians are eager to perform, the report said. The youth orchestra offers a full orchestral experience for talented musicians across Southeast Iowa and Northeast Missouri to supplement their private and school instruction. Rehearsals are scheduled for Sunday afternoons from September through May, with mid-year entry available, the Ottumwa Post indicated. The organization ensures that no accepted student is excluded due to financial constraints because scholarships are available.
For more information, visit ottumwapost.com.