Intermediate Orchestra Conductor
/Organization:
Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra
Deadline:
Mar. 24, 2025
Organization Description:
Founded in 1930, the VYSO has almost a century of dedication to providing young musicians with the opportunity to discover and explore, both artistically and as individuals. Hundreds of young musicians have graduated from VYSO, with many of them going onto successful musical careers and top schools, on the local, national, and international stage.
Website:
Job Description:
This position provides expertise in orchestral instruction and conducting to lead the VYSO Intermediate Orchestra. The role participates in planning, adjudication, and conducting at monthly meetings, auditions, rehearsals, and concerts.
OBJECTIVE OF THE POSITION
- Lead the artistic operations of the VYSO Intermediate Orchestra
- Provide a high-quality learning and musical environment for symphony orchestra musicians aged 12 to 16.
Responsibilities:
• Plan, conduct and supervise rehearsals, workshops, and concerts for the VYSO Intermediate Orchestra between September to May, not including 3 Saturdays for the Christmas break and 2 Saturdays during the school Spring Break. The program format for the Intermediate Orchestra will be one weekly rehearsal on Saturdays from 10:00am – 12:30pm in St. James Community Square Hall.
• Conduct auditions of prospective members of the Intermediate Orchestra in May/June
• Participate in meetings of the Music Directors’ Committee (MDC)
• Managing, directing, and accounting for the activities of the string assistants and sectional coaches, for the Intermediate Orchestra.
• Preparing for and conducting a minimum of 3 performances for the Intermediate Orchestra in a given season, as planned with the Artistic Director and the MDC.
• Planning, administrating, and directing the musical program for the Intermediate Orchestra season, including sectionals and workshops, as determined by the MDC and Artistic Director and within the annual budget.
• In consultation with the Artistic Director, selecting varied orchestral repertoire appropriate with the musical goals of the Intermediate Orchestra and congruent with the progressive musical program of all four VYSO orchestras.
• In consultation with the Artistic Director, selecting sectional coaches and a suitable replacement in the event that the Intermediate Conductor is unable to conduct a regular weekly rehearsal.
• In consultation with the MDC and Artistic Director, assisting in the selection of adjudicators to participate as part of the Intermediate Orchestra audition committee.
• Leading auditions of prospective new and returning members of the Intermediate Orchestra, to be held on mutually agreed dates in May/June or by way of video auditions, as determined by the MDC and the Artistic Director and approved by the Board of Directors.
• Providing the office staff with sufficient advance notice of information required to support the musical activities of the Intermediate Orchestra. This information includes but is not limited to the concert program information, personnel information for concert programs, musical works to be selected from the library, music preparation details, musical works which may need to be purchased, rented or borrowed and plans/requirements for sectionals, extra rehearsals and workshops.
Qualifications:
- Graduate degree in orchestral conducting (preferred)
- Proficiency in orchestral instruments (strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion)
- Strong pedagogical skills and experience teaching young musicians
- Strong conducting skills with experience leading ensembles
- Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
- Legally able to work in Canada and with members of vulnerable sectors
How to Apply:
- Cover Letter
- Resume with contact information for 3 references
- List of repertoire conducted
- Video submission: up to 3 contrasting videos (YouTube link(s) preferred) featuring the applicant conducting a full symphony orchestra with the camera angle showing the front of the conductor (view from the orchestra). One video showing rehearsal process footage is preferred, up to 10 minutes duration per video.
- Please provide the date, repertoire, and a context of these performances or rehearsals.
INTERVIEWS and AUDITIONS:
- Selected applicants will be invited to an interview
- Further shortlisted applicants will need to be available April 19 or May 3, 2025, for a conducting audition to be held at the VYSO rehearsal venue in Vancouver.
- Please note: Travel costs will not be reimbursed by the VYSO.
Remuneration:
Expected compensation $18,000 - $20,000, commensurate with experience.
Contact Name: Emily Yu
Contact Email: info@vyso.com
