Jessica McNamara
Philharmonia Strings Conductor
Jessica began her tenure with Norwalk Youth Symphony in 2007 as a sectional coach for violins and was appointed conductor of Philharmonia String Orchestra in 2009. She went to Providence College on a full scholarship and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Music Education. Jessica also holds a Masters Degree in Music Education from the Hartt School of Music.
Jessica taught middle school orchestra in the Westport public schools for 11 years and later went on to found the Ridgefield Suzuki School in Ridgefield, CT. Jessica and her colleagues at Ridgefield Suzuki School enjoy inspiring children as young as 3 years old to begin playing violin, viola, cello or piano and continue to make music an important part of their lives as they grow into adults. Jessica also conducts with the Fairfield County Summer String Orchestra and Band, a summer program she and her husband founded in 2009. Beginning with just one level and 50 students, the program has developed to a four-tiered organization for students in 3rd to 12th grades, with over 200 students participating.