PYSO STRING ORCHESTRA CONDUCTOR

REPORTS TO:

Director of Education and Community Engagement
CLASSIFICATION:

Part Time, Non-Exempt
The Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestras (PYSO) is seeking a String Orchestra Conductor to lead the PYSO String Orchestra, one of its core developmental ensembles for students placed by ability and readiness, typically ranging from late elementary through middle school and beyond. This ensemble plays a central role in the PYSO training pathway, serving as a bridge between foundational instruction and more advanced orchestral performance. The conductor in this role directly shapes how students develop ensemble skills, musical independence, and confidence as young orchestral musicians.
We are looking for an experienced educator-conductor who enjoys working with developing musicians and who knows how to build strong ensemble habits while maintaining an engaging, structured, and supportive rehearsal environment. The ideal candidate is someone who takes pride in helping students grow through clear expectations, thoughtful pacing, and meaningful musical experiences.
About the Pasadena Symphony Association
The Pasadena Symphony Association (PSA) is a leading arts organization dedicated to artistic excellence, education, and community engagement through its Pasadena Symphony, Pasadena POPS, and Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestras (PYSO) programs. PYSO provides high level orchestral training and performance opportunities for young musicians across the region. We value process and believe in thoughtful placement so that every student has a meaningful place in one of our ensembles that supports their growth.
About the PYSO String Orchestra
The PYSO String Orchestra is designed for middle school musicians who have established foundational technique and are ready for more structured ensemble work. Students come from a range of school music programs and private instruction backgrounds, and many are progressing toward more advanced orchestral placement.
The focus of the ensemble is to strengthen core musicianship at the ensemble level including rhythm, intonation, listening, balance, articulation, phrasing, and stylistic awareness while helping students develop the habits, discipline, and confidence needed for continued orchestral growth.
Responsibilities

The Conductor provides artistic and educational leadership for the ensemble in collaboration with the Director of Education and Community Engagement.
Responsibilities include:
Leading rehearsals and performances throughout the season
Selecting developmentally appropriate repertoire that is both challenging and engaging for intermediate string players
Balancing technical accessibility with meaningful musical challenge to support steady student growth and ensemble cohesion
Building ensemble skills including rhythm, intonation, blend, articulation, and stylistic awareness
Creating a rehearsal environment that is structured, positive, and student-centered with clear expectations and strong musical focus
Participating in student auditions and ensemble placement as needed
Working closely with teaching artists who lead sectionals
Coordinating with PSA staff on repertoire planning, rehearsal structure, and concert logistics
Communicating clearly and consistently with students and families regarding expectations, schedules, and program updates
Supporting recruitment and outreach for the ensemble
Attending conductor meetings and select organizational events as feasible
Ideal Candidate

We are especially interested in candidates who have experience teaching school orchestras or youth string ensembles at the intermediate level and who are comfortable working with developing middle school musicians in a structured ensemble setting.
The ideal conductor enjoys the process of building an ensemble over time and understands how to develop both musical and behavioral expectations in a way that is consistent, positive, and sustainable. They are skilled at shaping rehearsal culture, pacing instruction effectively, and helping students take ownership of their ensemble work.
A strong candidate demonstrates thoughtful repertoire selection and programming, choosing music that is developmentally appropriate while still musically engaging and artistically meaningful. They understand how to balance technical accessibility with challenge in a way that supports growth in rhythm, intonation, articulation, ensemble awareness, and expressive playing, while keeping students motivated and invested in the music.
We are looking for someone who:
Builds strong ensemble fundamentals while maintaining student engagement and musical curiosity
Selects repertoire that is both achievable and appropriately challenging for developing players
Creates a positive, focused, and student-centered rehearsal environment with clear structure
Communicates effectively with students, families, and colleagues
Enjoys collaborating with other educators and teaching artists in a team setting
Is committed to long term student development within a youth orchestra pathway
This position is well suited for experienced school orchestra teachers or conductors who find meaning in helping students take the next step in their orchestral development and who value both discipline and joy in music making.
Season Structure

The String Orchestra presents two concerts each season: a winter concert in December and a spring concert in early May. Rehearsals are held on Mondays from 5:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Pasadena High School in Pasadena, California.
Compensation

$75 per hour for rehearsals, performances, auditions, and instructional time
$35 per hour for preparation time up to 15 hours per week, with prior approval for additional hours
Biweekly pay
Reporting Structure

This position reports to the Director of Education and Community Engagement and works collaboratively with the artistic and administrative team of the Pasadena Symphony Association.
How to Apply

Please email a cover letter and resume/CV to the attention of Alex Chu, Director of Education and Community Engagement, at achu@PasadenaSymphony-Pops.org. View this position posting on our website.
An Equal Opportunity Employer

The Pasadena Symphony Association is committed to creating a sense of belonging by providing broad access points to the world of symphonic music through our concert presentations, community engagement activities, and educational programs. We are committed to equity, and to fostering an environment of inclusion at our concerts, in our education programs, among our workforce and on our Board of Directors. Within this commitment, we strive to be a gathering place where people, regardless of background, feel welcomed to participate fully in the joy of live music. The Pasadena Symphony Association strives to reflect the broad culture of our community.

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