Assistant Conductor

About the job

ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR

We are seeking a talented and dynamic conductor to serve as Assistant/Cover Conductor for our Music Director, which position also includes service as Principal Conductor of the Youth Orchestra.


RESPONSIBILITIES

Assistant Conductor

Assist and provide support to all our Conductors as requested.
Serve as the cover conductor for the Music Director, Principal Pops Conductor, and guest conductors for all our rehearsals and concerts.
Be available for media events, speaking engagements, and other activities as determined, including pre-concert talks and speaking from stage during assigned concerts.
Assist the Education Manager and Principal Pops Conductor with planning and programming our Education, Community, and other concerts.
Conduct our Education, Community, and other concerts as assigned.

Note: We are currently in the process of a Music Director search. During this time, the Assistant Conductor will report to the Executive Director and Principal Pops/Resident Conductor.


Youth Orchestra Music Director

The Youth Orchestra is a new endeavor for the organization and requires a conductor with long-range vision, leadership, and a strong commitment to building the program in the community. As Music Director of the Youth Orchestra, this individual will serve as the Youth Orchestra’s primary conductor and oversee all artistic matters for the ensemble, including auditions, rehearsals, and repertoire selection.
Conduct all rehearsals and concerts of the Youth Orchestra as agreed by contract.
Collaborate with Education Manager, Director of Artistic Administration, and our Music Director to plan the concert season.
Determine all repertoire to be performed, number of full rehearsals, and number of sectional rehearsals required for each program.
Select repertoire appropriate for the level of the ensemble and ensure the effective use of all orchestra players.
Oversee student auditions, both for admission to the ensemble and seating placement. Establish audition requirements for all instruments.
Coordinate rehearsal priorities with all sectional coaches.
Determine stage set-up for the ensemble and arrange any special needs with the Education Manager and/or Director of Operations.
Collaborate with the Education Manager, Music Director, Education Committee, and Youth Orchestra Parent Organization in developing long-range artistic plans for the ensemble.
Serve as an artistic liaison for the Youth Orchestra with schools and community music educators.
Help develop the overall public image of the Youth Orchestra by playing a visible and active role in the community.
Study best practices of established youth orchestras and maintain a presence in the national youth orchestra community.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Substantial conducting experience
Master’s Degree in Orchestral/Instrumental Conducting preferred
Experience conducting youth orchestras or other student ensembles is extremely desirable
Thorough knowledge of symphonic repertoire and concert programming
Strong leadership and personal communication skills, particularly with young people
Strong commitment to music education
Exceptional oral and written communication skills
Exceptional organizational skills and management ability

COMPENSATION

Minimum annual starting salary of $25,000, commensurate with experience
100% of Blue Cross PPO premium for employee
Employer contributes an amount equal to 5% of employee’s wages into company paid 403(b) plan offered through TIAA-CREF
Company paid life insurance and disability insurance
Option for Flexible Spending Accounts


APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Candidates should submit a letter of interest, current resume, contact information for three professional references, and sample programs for a Young People’s Concert (audience grades 3-6) and a Youth Orchestra Concert.

All application materials must be received by Monday, March 1, 2012.

AUDITION PROCESS

Qualified semi-finalists will be invited to audition and interview for the position in Birmingham, Alabama on Sunday April 22nd with the Youth Orchestra and Tuesday, April 24th with the Symphony Orchestra.