Music Director & Conductor

Currently in its 37th season, the Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon (YSSO) is an established nonprofit organization serving young orchestra musicians.

The YSSO organization encompasses two orchestras : Youth Symphony and Youth Orchestra (preparatory level). Participants include young musicians (ages 6-23;

the majority 8-18) from throughout southern Oregon. Concert season rehearsals begin in September and continue through mid-May.

Musicians are selected through an annual audition process. The season currently includes three multi-performance ticketed Concert Series, and non-ticketed programs including a Concerto Competition for advanced Youth Symphony musicians, a two-concert Chamber Music Series, and Community Outreach Concerts.

Performances are presented in professional venues, community and school settings, and a large retirement community. Repertoire includes masterworks, concerti, arrangements, chamber music, new works, opera literature, and selections from musical theater.

The YSSO has also commissioned music. The approved operating budget for June 2024-July 2025 is $185K. The organization is governed by a board of directors.

Programs are underwritten through financial support from foundations and funds, annual giving, fundraising events, ticket sales, and tuition.

All qualified musicians may participate regardless of a family’s financial position.

Is your CV ready If so, and you are confident this is the role for you, make sure to apply asap.

• Duties : The Music Director & Conductor leads weekly and special rehearsals and conducts (fall, winter, spring) Concert Series performances;
• recruits musicians and cultivates future participants; interacts with school music educators; coordinates and participates in auditions and the selection / placement of musicians;
• selects repertoire for the orchestras and chamber music ensembles; coordinates and conducts (fall, winter, spring) Community Outreach Concerts;
• participates in and supports fundraising efforts and community outreach efforts; reports to the governing board at quarterly board meetings or more frequently, as directed;
• works with the executive director to plan and budget for the concert season; works with the stage manager on concert production / logistics needs / plans;

works with staff on music needs / acquisition / library issues. The Music Director & Conductor reports to the president of the governing board.

Application : Please send letter of interest describing qualifications for and experience related to this position, list of repertory conducted, resume with conducting positions and pedagogical experience, and three references to : Search Committee, Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon, P.

O. Box 4291, Medford, OR 97501. Submissions may also be made via e-mail : [email protected] (PDF file or MS Word format). Please do not send video or audio files / recordings or other samples of work at this time.

Anticipated Closing Date for Applications : Extended to November 15, 2024. The search committee will review all materials and may conduct preliminary telephone or remote interviews prior to recommending final candidates to the governing board.

The search committee and governing board or its executive committee will conduct an in-person interview with each final candidate.

Final candidates will be asked to provide repertoire recommendations, lead rehearsals, meet with staff, and conduct performances during the winter 2025 or spring 2025 terms.

The anticipated start date for employment is July 1, 2025.

Qualifications & Characteristics : Candidates must be credentialed with graduate-level training or advanced degrees in music.

Candidates must demonstrate exceptional musicianship and conducting skills, a proven record of success as a music educator, and knowledge of repertoire and innovative programming for young musicians.

Candidates must have strong interpersonal, leadership, and both oral and written communication skills, and communicate in a timely and professional manner with musicians, educators, music coaches, family members, volunteers, governing board directors, and staff colleagues.

Candidates must be enthusiastic and energetic and possess qualities necessary for working with young musicians and families.

The individual sets elevated expectations for music technique and performance skills; demonstrates humanity and empathy for the musicians as individuals engaged in physical, artistic, and emotional endeavors;

and models a professional attitude and demeanor. The Music Director & Conductor fosters a climate of purposeful inclusion and respect, encourages a sense of belonging, and champions the dignity of all individuals.

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