The Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra (KSO) is proud to announce Jenna Zimmerman as the 2025 recipient of the KSO High School Senior Musician Scholarship. The $1,000 award is granted annually to a local high school senior who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to instrumental music and plans to continue performing at the collegiate level.

Zimmerman, who recently graduated from DeKalb High School, has an extraordinary record of musical involvement and leadership. During her four years of high school, she participated in Marching Band, Pep Band, Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Steel Band, and more. She took on major roles such as drum major, section leader, drumline captain, and principal percussionist. Her leadership extended beyond music into multiple extracurriculars, where she served as captain of the Cross Country, Track, and Forensics teams, National Honor Society president, Student Council president, and student board member for DeKalb School District #428.

She has been a veteran member of the Harambee Percussion Ensemble for 10 years, where she performs and teaches others in a community-centered musical environment. In total, Zimmerman led or participated in over 20 different organizations during high school, many of which combined her passions for music, service, performance, and mentorship.

In her scholarship essay, Zimmerman reflected on the ways music has shaped her life: “Music has helped me grow my leadership skills, improve my communication, and build friendships that have supported me through personal and musical challenges.”

Zimmerman plans to study Percussion at the NIU School of Music this fall. She intends to continue performing in college ensembles and remain active in the Harambee Percussion Ensemble. Whether she pursues music professionally or not, she is committed to keeping music central to her life.

“From a young age, I’ve loved dancing to music and playing from the heart,” says Zimmerman. “Expanding my skills allows me to keep doing what I love while sharing this love with others.”

Learn more about the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra High School Senior Musician Scholarship at: kishorchestra.org/scholarships.

About the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra

Founded in 1976, the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra is a nonprofit, community-based organization dedicated to enriching the cultural life of DeKalb County and beyond. Through diverse concert offerings, community outreach, and youth support initiatives like this scholarship, the KSO brings the power of live symphonic music to audiences of all ages.