About the Ensemble

The Portland Youth Conservatory Orchestra (PYCO) is the Portland Youth Philharmonic’s full symphony ensemble for advanced young musicians, typically at the upper middle school to early high school level. PYCO serves as the primary preparatory group for the Portland Youth Philharmonic (PYP) and plays a vital role in developing future Philharmonic musicians.

Position Summary

PYP seeks an inspiring and collaborative conductor for PYCO, with a strong background as a professional orchestral performer. The ideal candidate is an experienced instrumentalist with chamber music experience and proven success working with young musicians. We seek a musical leader who can coach from inside the music—someone who understands the art of orchestral playing from within the ensemble and can mentor students through that lens. Limited conducting experience should not discourage an applicant.

Responsibilities

• Conduct weekly PYCO rehearsals (3.5 hours/week) and prepare lesson plans, scores, and rehearsal strategies (2 hours/week)
• Coach one section weekly (1 hour/week)
• Conduct all PYCO concerts (5 per season)
• Attend all PYP main orchestra concerts and donor events (3-5 per season)
• Participate in all auditions (new and re-auditions, approx. 60 hours/year)
• Attend staff meetings (monthly, Sept–May)
• Attend orientation and summer planning sessions (September)
• Conductor visits to local schools (mileage reimbursed)

Required Qualifications

• Substantial experience as an orchestral performer; chamber music experience is a plus
• Deep knowledge of the orchestral repertoire—including contemporary music—and the ability to program appropriately for the level and age of the ensemble
• Strong rehearsal technique and proven success working with middle and high school musicians
• Conducting experience (professional, youth, school, or community ensembles)
• Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills
• A passion for mentorship and youth development through music
• A team player who understands the unique and critical role of the PYCO conductor in the PYP system.

Application Requirements

Deadline: Open until filled; priority given to applications received by August 10, 2025

Please submit the following materials to pypjobs@portlandyouthphil.org with the subject line “Application – PYCO Conductor”:

• Cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience
• Resume
• Video work samples if available
  • Conducting or rehearsing an ensemble. Conductor view preferred.
  • Chamber Music Coaching or Masterclass
  • Instrumental performance of any kind

Applicants will be contacted for further information and interview scheduling.

About Portland Youth Philharmonic

PYP, founded in 1924, consists of four large ensembles: String Ensemble for string musicians, Wind Ensemble for wind, brass, and percussion players, Percussion Ensemble, Conservatory Orchestra for intermediate players, and the Portland Youth Philharmonic, or the Philharmonic Orchestra (PYP), for the most advanced students. Camerata PYP is a chamber orchestra comprised of PYP musicians concurrently enrolled in one of the other large ensembles. PYP also incorporates music theory instruction into rehearsals, has a chamber music program, free bass classes and wind/brass workshops open to the public, a coaching program for low-income middle school band programs, a Peer Mentor program offering low-cost private lessons, and master classes. The Philharmonic Orchestra annually performs a series of four concerts at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall; all ensembles perform concerts throughout the season at venues in the greater Portland metro area. Learn more about PYP at portlandyouthphil.org.

Connections working at Portland Youth Philharmonic