Philharmonia Conductor (Youth Orchestra of Bucks County)

JOB TITLE: Ensemble Conductor

REPORTS TO: Sebastian Grand, Music Director

ENSEMBLE: Philharmonia

JOB SUMMARY: The ensemble conductor is responsible for the artistic and educational program of the assigned ensemble(s) in accordance with the YOBC Curriculum. The ensemble conductor will work in close collaboration with the Music Director and artistic staff in all musical matters and will serve as an artistic liaison with community groups on behalf of YOBC. This is an independent contractor position.

YOBC’s Philharmonia is a full symphonic orchestra that provides students with challenging repertoire and performance opportunities. In Philharmonia, advancing strings, winds, and percussion students work on developing their individual playing skills, ensemble skills, and overall musicianship. Philharmonia is a key ensemble within the YOBC orchestral pathway and is the younger of two full orchestras in the YOBC Ensemble Program. Philharmonia is mainly high school students, with some advanced junior high school students.

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW: The Youth Orchestra of Bucks County (YOBC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Newtown, Pennsylvania. YOBC has been educating 4-12th grade students since 1991 and is a thriving, fiscally stable organization with a dedicated Board poised to advance its mission:

YOBC creates opportunities for young musicians to achieve artistic excellence through enriching classical music experiences.

With seven different instrumental ensembles, YOBC serves over 200 students annually, and is proud of its dedicated staff and nurturing environment.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• A college degree in music education or music performance.
• Professional training and experience in conducting.
• Experience in music education

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

YOBC ensembles rehearse weekly on Sundays from September – November and January –April. YOBC ensembles do not rehearse from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.

PHILHARMONIA CONDUCTOR SCHEDULE:

Weekly rotating sectional on Sundays: 1:30 – 2:30pm (student report time of 1:15)

Weekly full rehearsal on Sundays: 2:45 – 4:15pm

The Philharmonia schedule results in 2.75 billable hours per week

Concerts and Dress Rehearsals as scheduled by YOBC

Fall (November) and Spring Concerts (April)

Additional May anniversary or special event concerts may occur during some seasons

Compensation:

Rehearsal/Audition: $78 per hour
Dress Rehearsals: $78 per hour

Concerts as scheduled by YOBC

Concert Fee: $225 flat fee for concerts (concert fee is applied once in November and once in April)

Ensemble Responsibilities

• Prepare and rehearse assigned ensemble throughout the season
• Conduct rehearsals and performances, ensuring an appropriate and high standard of artistic excellence and student engagement
• Select repertoire and plan rehearsals with respect to the guidelines set by the YOBC
• Music Curriculum. Order new music with the approval of the Music Director/Executive Director while adhering to budgetary constraints
• Ensure the effective use of all ensemble players
• Assign recorded excerpts to track student progress and encourage their growth, and provide clear and constructive feedback
• Determine the stage setup to present the ensemble at its best acoustically and visually

General Musical Responsibilities

• Adjudicate auditions as requested
• Collaborate with the Music Director, Artistic Staff, and the Executive Director in planning the concert season: standard concerts, special concerts, tours, master classes, chamber programs etc.
• Assist the Music Director in ensuring that students are placed into ensembles in a fair and consistent matter
• Attend Conductors’ Meetings:  usually held 3 times a year in September, January, and April
• Assist the Music Director in developing long-range artistic plans for all ensembles.
• Assist the YOBC Office in recruiting students for YOBC ensembles as possible
• Assist with artistic programs and events in any way deemed appropriate by the Music Director.

Non-Musical Responsibilities

• Coordinate with the Executive Director and YOBC Office to provide requested concert, rehearsal, ensemble personnel and event information in a timely manner
• Serve as an artistic liaison with schools and community music educators; develop a collaborative working relationship
• Play a visible and active role in the community; help develop the overall public image of YOBC in the community and beyond.
• Adhere to the terms and provisions of all YOBC policy statements and adopted budgets.
• Follow and enforce the rules and procedures set by any host institution (BCCC/TCNJ/Cairn University), or the YOBC Board, for rehearsal and concert facilities.
• In the event that the contractor is unable to conduct rehearsals due to scheduling conflict the contractor will provide at least 2 weeks’ notice and will assist the Executive Director in arranging for a qualified guest instructor to lead the rehearsal. 
• Fulfill other duties as deemed appropriate by the Music Director.