The Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Youth Orchestras is looking for a new conductor/ensemble youth director for our Springfield Youth Chamber Orchestra! The ideal candidate is someone who has a background in advanced string pedagogy, enjoys working with youth string students, and is willing to help continue the artistic excellence of the Springfield Youth Orchestras. If you think you are that perfect candidate, check out the position description below.

Conductor, Springfield Youth Orchestras
Springfield Youth Chamber Orchestra

Position Description

Introduction:

The person(s) serving as Conductor of one or more of the Youth orchestras is hired by and is under contract to the Springfield Symphony Orchestra Association. The Conductor, an at will position, is responsible to and subject to the direct supervision of the SSO Education and Operations Manager and Executive Director, with artistic guidance of the SSO Music Director. Except for those duties specifically retained by the Board, the Conductor shall be responsible for the supervision of all artistic operations of the assigned Youth orchestra(s) and the maintenance of the artistic quality of performances. The Conductor shall work in cooperation with the SSO Board of Trustees, SSO Music Director & Conductor, Springfield Youth Orchestras Parents Association, and other Springfield Youth Orchestra Conductors within any guidelines established by the SSO Board of Trustees and the subsidiary SYO Parents Association.

Compensation:

Compensation shall be defined and specified under a written Employment Letter of Agreement Contract between the SSO Association and the holder of the position. Compensation and performance shall be reviewed annually.

Specific Responsibilities:

Duties include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following areas.

 

1. Artistic Selection and Performance –

Plans, rehearses, and conducts performances of the appropriate youth orchestra (Springfield Youth Chamber Orchestra). This includes the selection of works to be performed and stage setup to present the orchestra at its best acoustically and visually. As the occasion arises through seasonal planning, a youth orchestra may, however, perform under the baton of the SSO Music Director & Conductor.

Plans to attend and listen to all in-person AND/OR online auditions, along with the other youth orchestra conductors. Works with the other conductors to coordinate each ensemble’s personnel and determine seating within each section of the orchestra.

Develops and maintains the total artistic and educational quality of the orchestra and advises the SSO Education and Operations Manager on matters that concern the overall development of all three youth orchestras as an artistic and educational entity.

Make music selections in a timely manner and forward them to the SSO Education and Operations Manager in an appropriate amount of time so they can be distributed.

Continues the development and enhancement of personal musical skills.

 

2. Administrative/Educational Activities –

Adheres to any and all relevant personnel and budgetary policies established by the Board of Trustees.

Maintains communications with administrative and artistic staff in the most convenient way available in order to advise the Association regarding artistic, musical personnel and related matters.

Will assist with contacting local music educators and private teachers in order to help with SYO student recruitment.

Others, as may be assigned by the Board, following consultation with the Education and Operations Manager and the Executive Director.

Newly assigned job responsibilities shall be documented in writing and placed as an attachment to this Position Description.

The Springfield Youth Chamber Orchestra (known as SYCO) is one of three instrumental ensembles that make up the Springfield Youth Orchestras, along with our Springfield Children’s Chorus. SYCO is an intermediate level string ensemble, where students typically have between 2-4 years of experience on their instrument. Ideally, students in SYCO are preparing repertoire that will help prepare them for advancing to our top ensemble, the Springfield Youth Symphony (full symphonic setting). We are looking for a candidate that exemplifies the very best in professionalism, poise, and flexibility, while providing a nurturing and safe environment for our young musicians to thrive.

If interested in this coveted position, please send a cover letter, resume and at least three references in PDF format, and email to the SSO Education and Operations Manager, Axl Pons, at axl@springfieldsym.org. If you have any questions on this position, please call the SSO office at (937) 325-8100. To learn more about the SYO program, you can visit https://springfieldsym.org/youth-orchestras/.