The Conductor of Worcester Youth Philharmonic (WYP) is responsible for conducting the ensemble in rehearsals and concerts, recruiting and retaining members and providing a positive ensemble and social experience to the enrolled students. The WY Philharmonic is part of the wider WYO program, serving as a training orchestra and providing instruction that nurtures a student’s musical development and introduces them to the full orchestra literature. The position has much potential for the candidate’s own ideas and creativity in further developing an established youth music education program. The conductor should have an extensive knowledge of standard orchestral repertoire as well as arrangers/editors of pieces adapted for younger players. The WY Philharmonic is composed of strings, woodwinds, brass & percussion for students grades 6 and up.

Reports directly to the Artistic Director

Rehearsals & Performances

• Conduct all Philharmonic rehearsals, preparing students for performances. Rehearsals are Sundays (September  through May), 3:00pm to 5:00pm, arriving 30 minutes prior to rehearsal and being available 30 minutes post rehearsal to meet with students, staff and parents if needed.
• Conduct Philharmonic Fall & Spring concerts, collaborate with other ensemble colleagues on 3 joint/side-by-side performances.
• Assist with set-up and breakdown of chairs, stands, percussion equipment for all concerts and rehearsals that involve the Philharmonic.

Duties, Requirements & Expectations

• Adjudicate yearly auditions and seating placements, providing excerpts as needed. 
• Submit to the Artistic Director concert programming with appropriate repertoire for approval.
• Submit music purchases to the General Manager in a timely manner.
• Check WYO provided email, responding to administrative/student concerns in a timely fashion.
• Knowledge of and access to Google Docs/Drive, Outlook/iMail is required. 
• Attend monthly conductor/faculty meetings, usually scheduled after orchestra rehearsal.
• Work with the Director of the Peer Mentoring Program, identify Philharmonic string students to participate.
• When schedule allows, visit schools and attend concerts to support local music programs.
• Display appropriate personal behavior and professional conduct as befits someone working with children in a public facing position.
• Ability to work as a member of a team with regard to coordinating performances, rehearsals, concert programs, projects and events with good organizational/time management skills.
• Maturity and comfort in dealing with and responding to parental concerns and questions.

Qualifications

• Bachelors in Music required, Masters in Music Education/Instrumental/Orchestral Conducting preferred.
• Connections in the Greater Worcester and Central Massachusetts music community, including positive relationships with teachers and public/private school music teachers is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of basic technique of one traditional orchestral string instrument: violin, viola, cello, bass.
• Knowledge of fingerings and basic technique for wind, brass, percussion preferred.
• Ability to arrange / adapt music parts as needed.
• Experience working with young musicians, primarily ages 9 to 14 in a group environment.  
• Desire to inspire young musicians with a love of music.
• Desire to be a part of an outstanding team of students, parents, faculty and board who are passionate about serving central Massachusetts with a high quality youth orchestra program.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume and 3 references with contact information to search@worcesteryouthorchestras.org by May 1st. Materials will be reviewed and potential candidates interviewed as applications are received. Final candidates may be asked to lead a rehearsal with students in May or early June. Do not submit videos unless requested. 

Start date is mid-August 2025 for the 2025 - 2026 Season.

Please direct all questions to Cecilia Berger, Search Committee Chair, search@worcesteryouthorchestras.org

About Worcester Youth Orchestras

Founded in 1947, the Worcester Youth Orchestras (WYO) have maintained an integral presence in Central Massachusetts for over 70 years. Drawing from over 65 Massachusetts communities, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, the orchestras are open to all aspiring young musicians studying their instruments in individual and/or school lessons. WYO is comprised of four orchestras, a jazz program, wind ensemble and chamber groups. Each season WYO produces 10-15 concerts welcoming more than 8,000 concertgoers. WYO maintains offices at Mechanics Hall where it produces a number of its concerts, including the popular Annual Family Holiday Concert. In addition, WYO regularly collaborates with other arts organizations and maintains a community outreach program.

Connections working at Worcester Youth Orchestras