The New Jersey Youth Symphony seeks a conductor for the NJYS Youth Symphony. The Youth Symphony is a full orchestra, the most advanced of the 9 ensembles in the NJYS program. Comprised of musicians in 9th through 12th grades, “YS” currently rehearses once a week on Tuesday evenings (and very occasionally on a Sunday afternoon) during the school season. The orchestra performs on average five times per season: 3 main concerts, at least one outreach performance, and an annual appearance together with all the NJYS ensembles in a major fundraising concert.
YS has historically performed some of the most challenging of orchestral repertoire, including works such as Mahler symphonies, the Bartok Concerto for Orchestra, or Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story. This season concluded with a performance of Gershwin’s Cuban Overture and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 in Carnegie Hall.
Weekly rehearsals, monthly Artistic Staff Meetings, student recruitment and outreach to music education professionals (in cooperation and collaboration with the Artistic and Executive Directors, Staff, and fellow conductors), progress evaluations of strings for each concert period, and annual entrance audition judging are included in the conductor’s duties. The YS conductor works cooperatively with the Operations Manager and a team of volunteers which supports the orchestra’s activities. Position reports to the Artistic Director, who oversees all Artistic Staff and NJYS ensembles.
The conductor of YS should combine the ability to inspire in performance with the understanding and wisdom to teach. S/he will apply strong conducting and communication skills, based on both training and experience, in empowering young players to rise to instrumental and ensemble challenges. S/he will balance musical ambition for the orchestra with a realistic appreciation of its limits, choosing repertoire to inspire and challenge the players while allowing for high performance standards. In addition s/he must be mindful of the role of the YS orchestra within the entire NJYS continuum of ensembles, and contribute positively to the team of conductors and Artistic Director in support of the institution’s vision.
The YS conductor will be expected to take an active role in recruitment of students. This entails building a strong relationship with current students, designing the right programs, developing positive cooperative relationships with private and school music teachers, and working with the AD and fellow conductors in targeted outreach efforts.
A Master’s Degree level of education in conducting and/or significant professional experience and accomplishment is preferred. Candidates residing in New Jersey and within a near geographic radius to New Providence are encouraged to apply.
Applicants should submit a personal letter of interest, resume materials, and references. Letters of recommendation may also be included. Also requested: two sample concert programs for two different youth orchestra levels: highly advanced, and moderately advanced (for a total of four sample programs). Applicants are encouraged to apply electronically, and to include links to performance and/or rehearsal video. Do not attach video or audio files to electronic submissions. No phone calls please.
Submit applications electronically to . Please format the subject window as follows; “Conductor Search (Candidate’s Name)”.
Applications can also be sent by mail to:
David Commanday Artistic Director/Search Committee Chair New Jersey Youth Symphony 570 Central Avenue New Providence, NJ, 07974
Deadline for submission is July 16, 2010.
Note: Selected candidate must pass a standard background check prior to hire.
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