Youth Symphony Conductor

Youth Symphony Conductor Northern Valley Youth Orchestras Grand Forks, ND 58201 Hybrid work From $13,500 a year - Part-time From $13,500 a year - Part-time Job Summary We are seeking applications for the dual position of Artistic Director, and conductor of the NVYO Symphony. Composed of advanced strings, winds, brass and percussion aged 14 to 21, the Symphony orchestra draws students from a 75 mile radius of Grand Forks. NVYO provides opportunities for students to grow both musically and personally, through exposure to a wide variety of challenging symphonic repertoire within an encouraging, supportive environment. The NVYO rehearsal season runs from early September until mid- March, with two formal concerts in fall and spring. Each includes an extra dress rehearsal and a Saturday or Sunday afternoon performance. A third concert or educational experience, collaborative or community- based, may be scheduled with input from the conducting staff. Compensation begins at $13,500 for a 9 month contract (Sept-June), but is commensurate with experience and/or adjustment to the job description. A more complete and detailed job overview is attached below. This is a part time employee position, with no additional benefits. Other than once per week rehearsals and occasional other events, a majority of planning and preparation can be done at the employee's choice of location and time. The ideal candidate for this position is a professional conductor and educator with teaching and symphonic conducting experience at the high school level or above, preferably some experience at university or professional level, who is also comfortable working with young musicians in a symphonic training capacity. Applicants should have degrees in orchestral conducting or a related music field, Master's Degree or beyond preferred.

Specific time commitments and roles:

leading rehearsals in Grand Forks, primarily Sunday evenings 6:30-8:30pm. selecting music and planning rehearsals for the Symphony orchestra assisting with recruiting, listening to auditions, and placement of students within the NVYO orchestras (Philharmonic and Symphony) collaborating with the Executive Director and other conducting staff and section coaches to further the artistic goals and mission of the organization as a whole; assisting with advocacy in the community, and donor engagement. Applicants must be able to work for ANY United States employer, we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. Applicants will also be required to pass a background check. To apply, please submit a current resumé, brief cover letter, 2 professional references, and video examples of conducting and rehearsal technique, shared via unlisted youtube link, or online video. Deadline for submission is May 24th, 2026. The successful applicant will be expected to participate in recruiting and auditions for the fall semester either in person or via review of recordings. Application materials may be sent in digital format to info@novyo.org . Any paper material may be mailed to: NVYO attn. Naomi Welsh 415 Demers Ave Suite A Grand Forks, ND 58201 Please contact Executive Director Naomi Welsh with any questions info@novyo.org Video of past season performances can be found at NVYO's youtube account: youtube.com@NVYOrchestras and on its Facebook and Instagram pages, www.facebook.com/NorthernValleyYouthOrchestras or @nvyorch The website nvyo.org includes a great deal of detail about the NVYO programs, mission, vision and values. Job Description, Conductor/Artistic Director of NVYO Symphony Reports to the Executive Director who in turn reports to the NVYO board.

General Responsibilities:

Collaborate with the Executive Director in developing long-range artistic plans for the orchestras Assist in fund raising efforts and developing relationships to increase the exposure community awareness, and funding of NVYO; play a visible and active role in developing the overall public image of NVYO in the community. Coordinate with the ED on events, policies and artistic direction of the orchestras Stay aware of artistic trends and activities in the youth orchestra field; recommend to the ED new activities that may advance the NVYO program's objectives Provide necessary feedback on scheduling to create season calendar Foster teamwork and cohesion among the ensemble participants, the other NVYO ensembles, and any collaborative groups. Approve selection of guest artists and student soloists, within budget Artistic/Conducting Responsibilities Participate in audition process, provide excerpts/sight reading, help determine appropriate placement of students within the continuum of the NVYO ensembles. Seat the orchestra, and coordinate the planning and programming of the orchestras' rehearsals and performances. Recruit students necessary for filling positions in the ensemble. Select repertoire that will challenge the students to achieve maximum musical potentialwhile remaining aware of the reality of their abilities and the existing instrumentation; choose repertoire that is appropriate to season theme, if there is one. Choose music that aligns with organizational goals, and which offer a varied and rigorous experience to musicians. Work with NVYO coordinator/director to acquire the scores and parts needed forperformances; clear any rental or purchase requests through ED, staying within budget. Provide or delegate the provision of prepared music for distribution, including acquiring needed markings for string players and assigning or delegating the assignment of wind parts. Plan and execute weekly rehearsals during season, including recommending sectional needs and preferred sectional coaches In borrowed / rented rehearsal space, make sure chairs, stands and equipment are set up for rehearsal and the space is returned to original state when finished. (may be delegated) Provide sub plans and scores in case of emergency absence Encourage effective communication within NVYO and between NVYO and students,parents, private lesson instructors, and area teachers. Determine the stage set-up to offer the best acoustic and visual performance. lead the orchestra in at least two concerts and a third educational or performance event each season, as per contract Communication expectations Offer musical and educational feedback to students, parents and teachers as necessary and appropriate. Communicate with NVYO Executive Director during rehearsal season to coordinate rehearsal logistics; promptly notify Executive Director if any problems arise. Provide NVYO office with all the information necessary for printing the concert programs. Provide feedback to the Executive Director at the close of the season, as part of ED's performance review. Convey any needs for funding or budget changes to the Executive Director/board Suggest any ideas for improving or enhancing the program to the Executive Director.

Pay:

From $13,500.00 per year

Benefits:

Flexible schedule

Education:

Master's (Preferred)

Experience:

symphonic conducting : 2 years (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Grand Forks, ND 58201 (Required)

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Grand Forks, ND 58201