Music Director & BYSO Principal Conductor

Bay Youth Youth Orchestra is Hampton Roads’ premier youth orchestra. For over 50 years we have provided the highest level of ensemble training and performance experiences to young musicians across Hampton Roads. We are in search of our next Music Director and Bay Youth Symphony Orchestra Principal Conductor–a dynamic, skilled, organized, and passionate music educator and pedagogue–to provide artistic leadership and vision and challenge our talented students through carefully selected music and skill development.

About the Role

The Music Director and BYSO Principal Conductor is the artistic supervisor of all BYOV ensembles, whose overall responsibilities include the following:

• Provide artistic leadership to all ensembles
• Conduct the Bay Youth Symphony Orchestra (BYSO), our fully-auditioned, top-level orchestra with students with the highest degree of musical training, and supervise all ensemble programming throughout the year
• Work with the Executive Director to develop and execute recruitment and marketing strategies for the organization and directly recruit for BYSO
• Oversee organizational auditions, working with conductors on their plans for their respective ensembles
• Performing all required duties in a manner consistent with policies, procedures, goals, and objectives established by the Board of Directors and the Executive Director

Artistic Leadership

• Directly supervise BYOV conducting staff
• Provide quarterly evaluation of rehearsals and give written feedback to all BYOV conductors. Collaborate with conductors to correct any issues
• Communicate with conductors regarding artistic matters and music selection for their ensembles
• Coordinate with the librarian to prepare music for BYSO
• Board of Directors
• Attend Board meetings as a Board Advisor when available/requested to advise Board regarding artistic matters, formally reporting on progress of all ensembles
• Serve actively in organization-wide strategic planning
• Work closely with Executive Director, Operations Manager, and all artistic and administrative staff to facilitate BYOV’s artistic operations
• Aid in the planning of trips and tours, and attend whenever available
• Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team of the organization and meet regularly with the Executive Director and Board President
• Collaborate with Executive Director and meet regularly to achieve organizational goals
• Conduct all rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances of Bay Youth Symphony Orchestra (BYSO)
• Communicate directly with the ensemble regarding rehearsals, performances, and expectations
• Select music for BYSO and stay within the ensemble's library budget
• Coordinate with Operations Manager whenever needed for logistical and equipment needs
• Notify the Executive Director of any personnel or staff problems.
• Communicate with students and parents when necessary regarding personnel or behavioral issues

Recruitment & Marketing

• Maintain a close relationship with school and private music instructors, and carry out public relations activities on behalf of BYOV. This includes:
• Securing teacher databases from public school music supervisors
• Sending targeted emails to teachers about auditions and openings
• Attend All-City and All-District events, when available
• Coordinate with all ensemble conductors, identifying recruitment needs, and executing recruitment practices to maintain full instrumentation in all BYOV ensembles
• Giving input to the ED to produce mailings and email advertisements for public, private schools, homeschool and private teachers
• Provide letter templates for recruitment

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Bachelor’s Degree in Music
• 3 years of conducting experience and/or classroom management
• Demonstrated background in repertoire selection from standard symphonic repertoire
• Knowledge in and experience interacting with the diverse network of music educators and programs in Hampton Roads
• Long‑term plans to stay in Hampton Roads community and to invest in the cultural enrichment of our region through this position
• The ability to pass a background check

Preferred Qualifications Include

• Master’s Degree in Music Education
• 5 years+ of conducting experience and/or classroom management
• Band and orchestral pedagogy

Bay Youth Orchestras of Virginia is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family responsibilities, political affiliation, genetic information, genetic carrier status, unemployment status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

All materials submitted to Bay Youth Orchestras of Virginia shall be used solely for the purpose of hiring and will not be used for any other purpose. BYOV shares hiring information when required by applicable local, state, or federal law – we do not accept any other request for notes or feedback made during the hiring process.

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