The Potomac Valley Youth Orchestras (PVYO) is a non-profit organization that strives to advance and inspire the development of young talented musicians of the Washington D.C. region. PVYO was founded in 1990 by Doris Gazda, one of Montgomery County’s leading music educators, and has grown to include the Philharmonia, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Preparatory Orchestra, PVYO North Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Flute Choir, and Clarinet Choir. The PVYO conducting staff works closely together to provide intensive training and unparalleled performance opportunities for the members of PVYO.
Position Overview
The Philharmonia Conductor is an integral member of the PVYO conducting staff, responsible for the artistic direction, musical instruction, and leadership of the Philharmonia, PVYO’s highest level symphony orchestra ensemble. This position requires a commitment to fostering the development of advanced high school musicians through engaging rehearsals, thoughtful programming, and memorable performances.
Duties and Responsibilities
Plan and conduct Philharmonia rehearsals, ensuring students develop rehearsal, performance, and independent learning skills.
Choose suitable repertoire for at least two performances per season.
Collaborate in a timely manner with the Executive and Music Directors to establish a calendar of activities, audition requirements, and ensemble seating charts.
Actively participate in the audition process including selecting students for the Philharmonia and collaborating with the conductors of other PVYO ensembles to ensure thoughtful and appropriate placement of students.
Communicate effectively with students, parents, the Philharmonia assistant conductor and ensemble managers to address and resolve any issues.
Participate in board meetings and conductors’ meetings to support the organization's artistic goals.
Provide technical assistance for the Leon Martysz Memorial Scholarship and Concerto Competitions.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in music or music education (Master’s or equivalent professional experience preferred).
Proven experience conducting high school instrumental ensembles and a broad knowledge of repertoire suitable for advanced high school musicians.
A passion for engaging and mentoring young musicians, fostering their growth, and enhancing their appreciation for orchestral music.
Strong leadership and organizational skills to manage a dynamic youth ensemble.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, Zoom, and audio-visual tools.
Additional Requirements
Rehearsals are held weekly on Monday evenings (7:00 – 9:00 p.m.) from mid-September through mid-May in Potomac, Maryland.
Conductors are expected to maintain a professional, respectful relationship with students, parents, staff, and board members.
Interested candidates should submit to the PVYO Music Director: a cover letter, resume, a concert program from a prior concert conducted, and links to three videos of their conducting work. The cover letter and resume should demonstrate how their background has prepared them to serve as PVYO Philharmonia Conductor and how their involvement will enhance PVYO. The concert program should demonstrate your view of strong programming for advanced high school students. The videos should reflect your work conducting an advanced orchestra. The videos should be submitted via email as an unlisted YouTube link.
Cover letter, resume, concert program and video link should be emailed to: PVYO Music Director Terry S. Alvey atterrysalvey@gmail.com
Located in Potomac, Maryland, the Potomac Valley Youth Orchestra (PVYO) celebrates 34 years of excellence in music education, bringing the best and most experienced music educators together to offer a comprehensive youth orchestra program in Maryland. PVYO provides every musician a strong educational foundation, along with unparalleled performance opportunities. PVYO strives to help young musicians develop personally and grow musically through challenging and exciting educational programs. This year, PVYO welcomes over 400 participating musicians to our community.