Principal Conductor, Anchorage Youth Symphony

Contract Position: 2024-25 Season
Date Posted: March 26, 2024

Alaska Youth Orchestras is accepting applications for the position of Principal Conductor, to lead the Anchorage Youth Symphony during its 2024-25 Season. This part-time position, offered for a fixed term, will play a key role in defining the future of AYO as it embarks on a search for its next Music Director.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter and at least two work samples. Work samples should demonstrate the candidate’s skill and ability to engage with youth in a musical setting. Work samples could include, but are not limited to, video recordings of the candidate in rehearsal/performance with an orchestra or musical ensemble. Please submit materials to the AYO Executive Director at ED@alaskayouthorchestras.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning April 1, and should be submitted no later than April 30, 2024.

Alaska Youth Orchestras will conduct a search for its next Music Director, with a tenure to begin in the 2025-26 Season. Candidates interested in being considered for the Music Director search are especially encouraged to apply for the interim Principal Conductor position.

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JOB DESCRIPTION:

Position Title: Principal Conductor, Anchorage Youth Symphony
Structure: Fixed-term, part-time salaried position (July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025)
Reports To: Executive Director, Alaska Youth Orchestras

Summary
The Principal Conductor of the Anchorage Youth Symphony (AYS) plays an integral role in the strategic vision and direction of the Anchorage Youth Symphony, and the Alaska Youth Orchestras organization. This individual serves as the lead authority in determining artistic and educational aspects of the Anchorage Youth Symphony program. The AYS Principal Conductor should possess a degree pertinent to conducting and/or music education. Previous successful experience inspiring and leading advanced student musicians in a large ensemble setting required; experience in programming and curriculum design beneficial.

The AYS Principal Conductor is a champion and advocate for music education and performance within Southcentral Alaska, and builds and nurtures relationships on behalf of the organization within the professional arts and music education community. The AYS Principal Conductor works closely in collaboration with the Executive Director as a part of the organization’s leadership team.

Duties
Artistic/Educational

• Conduct the Anchorage Youth Symphony ensemble, leading the ensemble in all concerts, weekly rehearsals, and special engagements in a timely and professional manner.
• Select the season’s repertoire for the Anchorage Youth Symphony in keeping with the organization’s mission and vision, and in cooperation with designated participants in the process.
• Participate in musician screening process, in collaboration with AYS’s section coaches. Assist with matters relating to musician attendance, seating, parent inquiries, and other items.
• Oversee all artistic roles of AYO staff and supervise those areas of their duties. Collaborate with AYS section coaches to determine rehearsal and sectional coaching priorities.
• Engage in planning and discovery of artistic collaborations with other arts organizations, in collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Maintain a high knowledge of standard orchestral repertoire including, but not limited to, standard youth symphony repertoire.

Musician Recruitment

• Actively participate in musician identification and recruitment for participation in AYO ensembles.
• Build, develop, and maintain fruitful relationships with music professionals, educators and private teachers in Southcentral Alaska, including regular outreach and visits in classroom settings.
• Represent AYO as a guest educator/clinician in area schools and events.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to advocate for music education and represent AYO in the community.

Program Administration

• Provide input and collaboration with the Executive Director and Board to shape and define AYO programs.
• Make recommendations to the Executive Director regarding adjustments and refinements in program structure, scope, offerings.
• Consult with the Executive Director on the overall efficacy of AYO programs.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and operations staff to determine personnel needs and other program aspects and needs.
• Collaborate with Executive Director and operations staff to evaluate, refine and determine core programmatic processes, including annual auditions, chair auditions and other criteria pertinent to student participation; participate in execution of such processes.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to remain visible and active within the Southcentral Alaska community, including visits with stakeholders, donors, music educators, music professionals and private teachers.

Miscellany

• Adhere to budgets and submission timelines for program-related information and execution.
• Serve as the organization’s artistic and educational voice through public appearances, including, but not limited to, media appearances, online and print communications in consultation with the Executive Director.
• Participate in organizational meetings, including staff meetings and board meetings as requested; attend special events and constituent relationship meetings as requested.
• Maintain residency within the Anchorage Area.
• Other duties as assigned.

Compensation, Benefits, Workload, and Scope

Compensation: $20,000

Benefits: AYO employees can elect to contribute to a 403(b) plan. No other benefits are associated with this part-time position.

Workload: This position is a part-time, salaried position. Regular program rehearsals occur weekly, primarily on Monday evenings (5:30 – 8:00pm); dress rehearsals and concerts are held quarterly in the Fall, Winter, and Spring; office hours and school visits shall occur during mutually agreed-upon times within weekdays; other activities as scheduled. The bulk of the season occurs during the months of August-May with planning and shortened summer activities during the months of June-July that may accommodate candidates working remotely. See the AYS Season Calendar (2024-25)

Scope: Additional responsibilities and compensation might include leading and conducting the AYO Symphony School ensembles, which meet Sunday afternoon-evenings in the Fall and Spring.

Alaska Youth Orchestras is an equal opportunity employer. AYO will consider all qualified applicants equally, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, military status, physical or mental disability, or any legally protected status.