Wind Symphony Conductor

JOB TITLE:       Ensemble Conductor (YOBC Wind Symphony)

REPORTS TO:  Sebastian Grand, Music Director

ENSEMBLE:      Wind Symphony

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 Wind Symphony ensemble is an intermediate entry-level concert band ensemble. This ensemble is designed for developing wind players as they advance their individual playing and ensemble skills. Most members are in middle school/junior high school. Wind Symphony is the younger of two concert bands in the YOBC Ensemble Program.

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 at Bucks County Community College (Newtown) on Sundays from September - November and January-March/April. YOBC ensembles do not rehearse from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. 

WIND SYMPHONY CONDUCTOR SCHEDULE:           

Weekly from 5:00 – 6:30pm (student report time of 4:45).

The Wind Symphony rehearsal schedule results in 1.5 billable hours per rehearsal week.

Concerts and Dress Rehearsals as scheduled by YOBC:  

Fall (November) and Spring Concerts (March/April)

Compensation

Rehearsal/Audition: $75 per hour

Dress Rehearsals:  $75 per hour

Concerts as scheduled by YOBC

Concert Fee: $200 flat fee for Concerts                                            

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
• Provide clear and constructive feedback to students and encourage their growth
• 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, masterclasses, chamber programs etc. 
• Assist Music Director in ensuring that students are placed into ensembles in a fair and consistent manner
• 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.

To Apply: Submit resume and cover letter to estockton@yobc.org.
Deadline for Application: February 15, 2026