Job Description — Youth Philharmonic Conductor

Reports To: Elizabeth Young, Youth Program Director
Position Type: Part-time, 10 months (August 1-June 1)

Hours per week:
• 2 hours of rehearsal on Sunday or Monday evenings (day of week TBD) for 24-26 weeks
• 4-5 hours of administrative work per week to support ensemble operations, attend staff meetings, support and participate in performances

Start Date: August 1, 2025; negotiable based on final job duties as assigned

Other Info: Expanded arts administration duties and mentoring/recruiting responsibilities may be available for additional compensation but are not required for this position.

Application Window: April 8-April 24, 2025
First Round Interviews: Week of April 28, 2025

Our ideal candidate for this position can:
• Teach technical and musical fundamentals to middle/high school string, woodwind, brass and percussion players
• Collaborate positively with colleagues and build strong relationships with students and families
• Be an enthusiastic representative of The Santa Fe Symphony in the community
• Participate in recruiting efforts and motivate students and families to join our programs and the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra
• Uphold high musical and behavioral standards while also maintaining a kind and respectful demeanor
• Connect with private teachers, classroom teachers, and music educators in a student’s life to help them succeed in the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra
• Inspire students to love making music together and to continue participating in our youth programs

Overview of Expectations:
• Conduct the Youth Philharmonic (YP) during all rehearsals and performances
• Communicate in a friendly and professional manner on a weekly basis with YP students and families
• to provide updates, practice assignments, schedule reminders, and all other necessary details
• Communicate as needed with individual families and students to support student success
• Collaborate with the Youth Program Director to select repertoire that is level-appropriate and musically rewarding
• Provide teacher, student, and production support at all SFS Youth Program performances as needed
• Provide individual and group coaching to students as needed
• Create and implement rehearsal schedules, working with other staff members to coordinate logistics
• Foster a positive and motivating atmosphere in rehearsals, encouraging teamwork and a strong sense of community within the orchestra
• Participate in Santa Fe Symphony recruiting efforts in our schools and community
• Attend monthly staff meetings and participate in auditions throughout the year
• Prepare all scores and parts for ensemble members
• Act a substitute conductor for other SFS Youth Program ensembles when necessary
• Other artistic duties as assigned

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in music or music education preferred
• Proven experience as an ensemble leader and/or conductor
• Teaching experience in a large-group setting
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Strong organizational skills
• In-depth knowledge of orchestral repertoire
• Engaging, enthusiastic, and up-beat personality
• A strong commitment to providing an inclusive environment for all students and families

Compensation:
The minimum salary is $10,500/year, paid as a W-2 employee (no benefits offered), with the option to regularly participate in recruiting and administrative tasks for additional compensation. Salary can be negotiated based on experience and availability for participation in the organization beyond the duties of the Youth Philharmonic Conductor.

Final Round Auditions:
Interested candidates should hold the afternoon/evening of May 4 in Santa Fe as a possibility forin-person auditions with an orchestra, which will be held after first-round interviews are completed. Not all candidates will be invited to this round.

To Apply:
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and at least two professional references to Elizabeth Young at eyoung@santafesymphony.org. Applications will be accepted until April 24, 2025.

The Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.