Conductor, Surrey Youth Orchestra
Job Information
To provide direction for an audition-based full orchestra, including preparation of at least two concerts per year as well as community outreach activities.
To ensure the highest quality instruction and musical experience for youth orchestra members aged 12-20.
To establish and maintain working relationships with existing/potential partners for the purposes of recruitment, publicity, expanding our connections to the broader community, and seeking opportunities for the Society to meet its mandate. These relationships will be with other music educators, musicians, media, civic and community groups in the Lower Mainland. The Conductor is a spokesperson for the organization as a whole.
To support parent involvement and ensure good audience experiences.
To act as a key player in any special projects developed through the season, in consultation with the Board.
This position may provide artistic direction for the Surrey Symphony Society as a whole, working in collaboration with our conductors for two other orchestras, (the Junior and Intermediate Strings), and our chamber music training program.
A four-year undergraduate degree in conducting, music performance or music education, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Education will include formal training in conducting.
A minimum of three years’ professional experience in teaching and conducting, with demonstrated excellence in musicianship in both roles.
Experience working with youth, music students, and people from diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with a diverse team on curriculum, program and concert design.
Ability to communicate effectively with multiple groups including the general public, partner organizations, students, parents, the Board and staff.
Flexible, innovative and creative in the approach to program and concert design.
Interested in creating rewarding experiences for existing and potential audiences.
Our ideal candidate is an educator and an artist, who truly enjoys working with young musicians and will both respect them and challenge them.
The successful candidate will be required to complete a criminal record check for work with the vulnerable sector and must be qualified to work in Canada.
Please email your resume/CV and cover letter to: gm.surreysymphony@gmail.com with the words “Conductor Application” and your last name in the subject line. No phone calls please.
Deadline: Friday, 14 January 2011
We thank all those who apply for their interest in the position, but will not be able to acknowledge each application. Short-listed candidates will be contacted by mid-February and may be asked to conduct a rehearsal of the Surrey Youth Orchestra in early 2011.
The successful candidate will conduct auditions in late May, 2011. The contract for the 2011/2012 season will run August 2011 to May 2012. Regular rehearsals of the Youth Orchestra take place on Saturdays from 9:30-12:00 in Surrey, BC. The Youth Orchestra conductor is required to attend the orchestra’s three-day workshop retreat every year in October/November.
