The Maryland Symphony Orchestra (MSO), a professional orchestra located in Western Maryland, is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the recent formation of a youth orchestra, the Maryland Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO). The MSO is seeking a highly qualified, energetic, motivated, and inspiring conductor to lead this new ensemble. The MSYO conductor will have a unique opportunity to help set the foundations of this program for young musicians in the region. With the primary responsibility of conducting rehearsals and concerts, the MSYO conductor will work collaboratively with the Music Director to create and implement suitable programming for a full youth orchestra, with the goals of achieving musical excellence, nurturing talent, furthering education, and encouraging the joy of making music together.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 Artistic/Educational

• Serve as the principal conductor for the MSYO.
• Lead and conduct weekly rehearsals (1 per week) with arranged pieces for students performing at the Maryland Orchestra Director’s Association (MODA) Grade Level 3 or above. Each cycle will include approximately 13 rehearsals/cycle.
• Conduct 2 dress rehearsals and concerts per year.
• In collaboration with the Music Director, Director of Education, and members of the Education Committee selects repertoire for the MSYO that is appropriate for the organization’s goals and student skill level.
• Work collaboratively with Maryland Symphony Orchestra musicians for sectionals and full rehearsals.
• Adjudicate auditions and determine seating placements, in consultation with MSO sectional leaders.
• Maintain a high knowledge of standard orchestral repertoire including, but not limited to, standard youth symphony repertoire.

Musician Recruitment

• Actively participate in identifying and recruiting new musicians for the ensemble.
• Build, develop, and maintain fruitful relationships with music professionals, educators, and private teachers in the region, including regular outreach and visits in classroom settings, as time permits.
• Use social media to promote the ensemble and generate excitement among the students.

Program Administration

• Communicate information about rehearsal schedules, audition materials, updated forms, and any other relevant details to the Education Director for dissemination.
• Works with the Education Director, and Operations Manager to communicate needs for instrument, music, and equipment logistics for rehearsals and performances.
• Meet with artistic staff and Executive Director as needed.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Music required. Master’s in music education, Instrumental or Orchestra Conducting is preferred.
• 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.
• Ability to speak effectively with, and respond to questions from, educators, partners, students, parents, and the public.

About Maryland Symphony Orchestra

Founded in 1982, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is a fully professional orchestra under the leadership of Music Director, Elizabeth Schulze. Musicians come from throughout the greater Baltimore-Washington DC metro area to perform with the MSO. The orchestra presents five pairs of classical concerts at the historic Maryland Theatre in Hagerstown, MD. A typical season also includes two MSO Pops! Concerts, two Home for the Holidays concerts, four Link Up Youth Concerts, and a free Salute to Independence concert. Each year, over 14,000 young people participate in the MSO’s extensive education programs and concerts such as Ensembles in the Schools, Kinder Konzert series, Symphony Saturdays, and masterclasses. The Maryland Symphony Orchestra has an annual operating budget of $1.5 million and an endowment of $4.1 million. The orchestra is governed by a Board of twenty-five and has a staff of five full-time and four part-time employees. Hagerstown is in western Maryland – 70 miles from Washington, DC and 75 miles from Baltimore, Maryland. There area is well known for historic sites such as the Antietam National Battlefield, and has extensive park areas for hiking, skiing, bikin...g, white-water rafting, and other outdoor activities. The MSO provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and any other character protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, compensation, and training.

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Connections working at Maryland Symphony Orchestra