Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras Music Director & Jacksonville Symphony Assistant Conductor

Position:                     JSYO Music Director & Jacksonville Symphony Assistant Conductor

Reports to:                             Marianne Rice, Vice President of Music Education & DEI Initiatives                      

Supervises:                            JSYO Assistant Conductors 

About the Position

The Jacksonville Symphony seeks a talented and dynamic conductor and educator to lead our premiere Education & Community Engagement (ECE) program: the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras (JSYO). The JSYO is comprised of six separate ensembles – four focused on progressive string instruction and two advanced ensembles for full orchestra – serving approximately 200 students in grades 4 through 12. The JSYO program operates on Sunday afternoons during the season.

The JSYO Music Director also serves as the Assistant Conductor of the Jacksonville Symphony and has the opportunity to cover or conduct select programs across a variety of repertoire ranging from standard classical literature to pops and film and performs other conducting and non-conducting duties such as video & writing and cue calling. Interest and aptitude for speaking from the stage and engaging audiences in pops and educational settings is important. 

Preferred candidates will have demonstrated experience leading youth ensembles, professional conducting experience, and broad knowledge of orchestral repertoire and programming. All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States, speak fluent and articulate English, possess a desire to educate and mentor student musicians, and be available to reside in Jacksonville, Florida while in season. 

Responsibilities

As JSYO Music Director  

• Guide, shape and direct the educational and performance activities of the six ensembles of the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras program.
• Select repertoire and conduct all rehearsals and performances of the two advanced ensembles, Repertory Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra; lead non-musical activities such as retreats and orientations. 
• Actively recruit and build participation across the JSYO program; maintain positive relationships with area teachers and school and community music programs. 
• Collaborate with Vice President of Education & DEI Initiatives and other team members in building external partnerships that advance the mission and goals of the JSYO and Jacksonville Symphony. 
• Participate in short- and long-range planning of all ECE activities and programs. 
• Contribute as an active partner in fundraising as needed around JSYO and ECE initiatives.

As Jacksonville Symphony Assistant Conductor  

• Conduct select Jacksonville Symphony programs. 
• Serve as cover conductor for select Jacksonville Symphony programs. 
• Contribute to program planning as needed.  
• Participate in the production and execution of Jacksonville Symphony concert livestreams and other media projects. 

Requirements

• Graduate degree in conducting or equivalent experience.
• Ability and enthusiasm to engage with, educate, mentor, and guide elementary, middle school and high school students and maximize their experience as young musicians. 
• Experience and skill in engaging audiences, with specific focus on skill in the role of hosting and narrating from the podium during concerts. 
• Experience in programming and conducting a professional orchestra.
• Experience conducting a professional orchestra in standard symphony pops programs and film-with-orchestra presentationspreferred.
• Availability to conduct JSYO rehearsals Sundays from September through May, and for other evening and weekend work as needed. 
• Attend administrative meetings as needed and maintain effective communication among ECE staff and JSYO students and parents and other stakeholders. 
• Ability to assist in the acquisition and preparation of performance materials.  

To apply, please email Marianne Rice, Vice President of Education & DEI Initiatives AssistantConductor@jaxsymphony.org with the following by the deadline of March 5, 2024 by 11:59 p.m. EST.

• Résumé. 
• Letter of interest describing your qualifications and experience. 
• Links to at least three conducting videos available online demonstrating contrasting styles and clearly showing the conductor from the orchestra’s perspective. If videos are available on a password-protected channel or site, please provide login information.

Important  Dates:

• March 5, 2024 application deadline.
• March 22, 2024 finalist candidates notified. 
• April 30, 2024 auditions in Jacksonville.

This position offers a competitive salary and is eligible for full benefits including medical, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, and a 403(b)-retirement plan. 

About the Jacksonville Symphony

 

As Music Director Courtney Lewis continues his ninth season as Music Director, the Jacksonville Symphony celebrates the 2023/24 Season that promises another year of exemplary symphonic music. The Symphony performs in the 1,790-seat Jacoby Symphony Hall within the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. The Symphony reaches over 113,000 individuals annually through over 125 performances in Jacoby Symphony Hall and communities throughout Florida. The Symphony offers the following series and events: Florida Blue Classical, Paysafe Pops, Coffee Concerts, Symphony in 60, Symphonic Night at the Movies, Family Concerts, Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras performances and so many more. Special events include Handel’s Messiah, The Nutcracker and other exceptional concerts throughout the season. 

The Jacksonville Symphony is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, sexual orientation or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.