Job Description
Introduction:
The person serving as Conductor of the Springfield Youth Symphony (SYS) is hired by and is under contract to the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. The Conductor is under the supervision of the Executive Director, with the artistic guidance of the SSO Artistic Director & Conductor. The SYS Conductor shall be responsible for the supervision of all artistic operations of the Youth Symphony and maintenance of the artistic quality of performances. The Conductor shall work in cooperation with the SSO Executive Director, SSO Youth Education Programs Manager, SSO Artistic Director & Conductor and the SSO Operations Manager.
Responsibilities:
Artistic Selection & Performance
Plans, rehearses and conducts performances of the Springfield Youth Symphony with precision, energy, and musicality, ensuring a high standard of performance.
Selects appropriate repertoire that challenges and engages youth musicians while fostering their technical and musical development, providing constructive feedback and instruction to individual musicians and sections to improve their playing skills and ensemble cohesion.
Conducts auditions, selects all playing personnel and determines seating within each section of the orchestra, along with the input of coaches hired to help with seating auditions. Conductors have input on the hiring of additional judges from the SSO roster.
Dedication to professional growth and stays current with best practices in music education and conducting techniques for development and enhancement of personal musical and conducting skills.
Actively recruits in regional schools, through outreach, master classes, conducting workshops and clinician opportunities. Assists in identifying and recruiting students for the youth symphony. Works with the SSO Education staff in devising recruiting strategies which are not limited to but may include outreach performances by SYS LiveWire chamber ensembles during the concert season.
Administrative/Educational Activities
Communicate weekly rehearsal schedule plans to youth musicians to let them know what to prepare for each rehearsal. Recommend listening options for repertoire the youth symphony is playing.
Conducts weekly rehearsals, scheduled on Monday evenings, 7:00-9:00pm, currently at John Legend Theater in Springfield, Ohio.
Works directly with the SSO Education and Artistic staff to determine students selected for LiveWire chamber ensembles and assists with and/or coaches rehearsals and provides artistic input when necessary. Also provides recommendations for students to be selected for the SSO Project Protégé program, student string players who are chosen based on their advanced musicianship to play with the SSO on season concerts.
Assists with the planning and execution of the Youth Orchestra’s annual Play-a-Thon and Flavors fundraisers and spring youth musicians camp when offered.
Takes an active role with the Springfield Youth Strings Ensemble (SYSE) and Springfield Youth Chamber Orchestra (SYCO), the two younger string ensembles, particularly regarding season planning to coordinate repertoire.
Compensation:
Compensation shall be defined and specified under a written Employment Letter of Agreement Contract between the SSO and the holder of the position. Compensation and performance shall be reviewed annually.
Qualifications:
Master’s degree or above in Music, Music Education, or a related field. String player preferred.
Proven experience conducting youth orchestras or ensembles, with a strong track record in musical excellence.
Exceptional conducting and rehearsal skills, with the ability to communicate musical concepts effectively to young musicians.
Deep knowledge of orchestral repertoire across various styles and periods.
Ability to work collaboratively with students, parents, conductors, and administration.
Please Submit to
Springfield Youth Symphony Conductor Position
Dave Zeng, dave2zeng@gmail.com
or
PO Box 1374
Springfield, OH 45501
Cover Letter, Resume & References
Links to Sample Videos of Conducting
