Conductor, Cairn University Symphony Orchestr Position Available In Bucks, Pennsylvania

School of Music Conductor, Cairn University Symphony Orchestra Part-time Cairn University’s School of Music is seeking to fill the part-time position of Conductor, Cairn University Symphony Orchestra for the 2025-26 academic year. This position reports directly to the Dean of the School of Music. The School of Music exists to educate and prepare students to be musicians of excellence and integrity who glorify God by serving in the church, society, and the world.

Position Summary:

The Orchestra Conductor plays a pivotal role in shaping the artistic direction and musical interpretation of an orchestra. Responsible for leading rehearsals and performances, the conductor serves as the guiding force behind the ensemble’s cohesion, expression, and excellence. This position demands exceptional musical proficiency, strong leadership skills, and the ability to inspire and unify musicians toward a shared artistic vision.

Work Schedule:

The orchestra holds weekly rehearsals lasting 2 ½ hours. Each semester, the ensemble prepares for a concert, with the possibility of making an additional appearance at the Christmas concert.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Musical Interpretation:

Develop a comprehensive understanding of the musical score, interpreting the composer’s intentions while infusing personal insight and creativity to bring the music to life.

Rehearsal Direction:

Lead orchestra rehearsals with precision, clarity, and efficiency, while considering the varying levels of musical ability among the orchestra members.

Performance Leadership:

Conduct orchestral performances with charisma, confidence, and expressiveness.

Collaboration:

Collaborate closely with orchestra members, soloists, composers, and artistic staff to foster a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages artistic exploration and growth.

Artistic Vision:

Develop and articulate a clear artistic vision for the orchestra, aligning programming choices, rehearsal strategies, and performance goals to achieve artistic excellence and audience engagement.

Administration:

Work with the music office on administrative tasks such as scheduling, repertoire selection, budgeting, and marketing to ensure the smooth operation and success of the ensemble.

Skills and Abilities:

Proven experience as a conductor, demonstrating exceptional musicality, conducting technique, and leadership skills.
Extensive knowledge of orchestral repertoire spanning various musical styles and periods.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and collaborate effectively with musicians.
Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities within deadlines.
Passion for music education and local engagement, including community players and dual-enrollment students.
The Orchestra Conductor is a key artistic leader who shapes the musical identity and impact of the orchestra, inspiring both musicians and audiences with memorable performances and transformative musical experiences. Required Education and Experience
Advanced Degree in Music or equivalent professional experience.
Serving at Cairn University
Located in Langhorne, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Cairn University exists to educate students to serve Christ in the church, society, and the world as biblically minded, well-educated and professionally competent men and women of character. Students earn bachelor’s degrees in various areas including Bible, Education, Music, and Business Administration; and graduate degrees in Business, Divinity, Education, Organizational Leadership, Worship and Music, and Counseling. Cairn is a conservative evangelical institution within the protestant tradition that employs faculty and staff who profess Jesus Christ as personal Savior; agree to Cairn’s Statement of Faith and Community Life Covenant; and serve students in a ministerial capacity through imparting and upholding biblical instruction, prayer, and mentoring. Members of the faculty are required to integrate biblical instruction in their respective professional subject areas. All members of the Cairn community are obligated to affirm, agree with, and align with the University Foundational Statements. During the application process, applicants will have the opportunity to review these statements and must agree to affirm and support the position of the University, if hired. Applicants are also asked to provide a Personal Testimony of salvation as part of the application process. To apply, please follow the link below. You may upload and submit your resume/CV and cover letter and unofficial transcripts with the application. Ineligible for sponsorship of H1B visa. Cairn University does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability
or other protected characteristics, in administration of its educational, employment and admissions policies.