Job Announcement

Youth Conductor—Fox Valley Symphony Youth Orchestra Permanent Part time position Reports to: Executive Director

Youth Orchestra Conductor—Fox Valley Symphony Youth program. The FVS Youth Orchestras Conductor provides direction and leadership for one audition-based full orchestra. This person will conduct the Youth Orchestra, our top full orchestra, work with the two conductors of our other orchestras the Concert Orchestra and Philharmonia, work directly with the Youth & Education Programs Manager and will report to the Executive Director. Please see www.foxvalleysymphony.com/youth_and_education/youth_orchestras for a full job description.

The ideal candidate is a dedicated educator and an exceptional musician with an engaging, warm personality who truly enjoys working with young musicians. Qualifications include: A four year degree with orchestral , education or music performance or equivalent emphasis required; experience teaching and/or conducting, particularly high school students. Candidate must also have a strong working knowledge of orchestral literature and be able to demonstrate effective and efficient rehearsal technique. Candidate must also show strong leadership skills and dedication to youth education. Applicants must be within a day’s drive of Appleton, WI.

Anticipated start date: A mutually agreed upon date, but no later than January 8, 2012.

Compensation: Commensurate with skills and experience.

Benefits offered: No

Organization: Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra Association, Inc., Appleton, WI. The Fox Valley Symphony’s mission is to enrich and nurture the human spirit through symphonic music and educational opportunities that enhance the cultural development of our community. Now in its 44th year, the Fox Valley Symphony is one of the largest thriving community arts organizations in Northeast Wisconsin. The Fox Valley Symphony is a semi-professional ensemble that performs throughout the year in the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center and other regional venues. Youth and Education programs of the FVS includes the Fox Valley Symphony Youth Orchestras program, the Youth Soloist Competition and the Partners in Education program. We strive to promote excellence, community involvement, diversity of programming and community service.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Please submit a resume with cover letter and three professional references. Applicants need to apply electronically only. Applications must be received by June 1, 2011. Submit applications electronically to [email protected]. Please format the subject window as follows: “Conductor Search Committee.” Applicants are encouraged to send application materials as soon as possible to ensure full consideration. No phone calls and no video at this time. Semi-finalists will be chosen and contacted at the end of-June. Job Description Conductor of the Fox Valley Symphony Youth Orchestra Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra Association

The Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra Association is currently looking for a conductor to provide direction and leadership and to act as the Conductor of our top full orchestra the Youth Orchestra.

Statement of the Job: Responsible for leading the FVS Youth Orchestra and providing artistic leadership. He or she will ensure the highest quality youth orchestra experience and instructions for children ages 11-18, support parent involvement and work closely with teaching artists and the Youth & Education Programs Manager and Executive Director. The conductor for the FVS Youth Orchestra must represent and communicate the organizations’ values for the FVSOA Youth Orchestras program.

The FVS Youth Orchestra is the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra Association’s initiative to provide exceptional instrumental and orchestral education to students in the greater Fox Valley region. This person will conduct the flagship ensemble, the Youth Orchestra, our audition-based full orchestra. This orchestra currently consists of about 110 high school level students. The orchestra meets the first Sunday after Labor Day for 10 weeks for 2.25 hours. The second semester begins the first Sunday after New Year’s Day for 10 weeks. Participants come mainly from within a 20-30 mile radius of Appleton and represent public, private and charter schools in Appleton, Neenah, Menasha and beyond.

Essential Functions Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: • Leading the audition-based full orchestra (2.25 hour rehearsal, 20 week schedule on Sundays). • Additional six of hours per week of preparation and communication with Youth & Education Programs Manager. • Preparing three (3) concerts per year including the fall and spring concerts in addition to our annual Partners in Education concert for area 3rd & 4th graders in March. • Finding repertoire for the Youth Orchestra and working with the conductors of the Concert Orchestra and Philharmonia to plan a comprehensive curriculum. • Collaborating with the Youth & Education Programs Manager in program design elements such as curriculum, pedagogy, concerts, special guest artist visits, sectional coach visits, tours and other events/projects related to the Youth Orchestras program. • Communicating in a timely manner with the Youth & Education Manager about weekly orchestra rehearsals. • Work with the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra Association’s Executive Director and its’ Board of Directors. • Attend monthly or bi-monthly Education Committee meetings. • Adhere to the Youth Orchestras budget as set forth by the Executive Director. • Oversee the Youth Soloist Competition and be an adjudicator for the two days of annual spring auditions.

Requirements • Demonstrated excellent musicianship and artistry as a conductor and educator. • A minimum of three (3) years professional experience in an arts organization working in the field of arts education with a four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent required. • A strong understanding of youth orchestra repertoire (grades 7-12), instrumental curriculum and teaching artist pedagogy. • Ability to work effectively with a diverse team on curriculum and program and concert design. • Ability to effectively communicate with multiple constituent group including general public, sectional coaches, students, parents and other Youth Orchestras conductors. • Ability to reflect FVS Youth Orchestras values of excellence, community and creativity. • Interest and ability to be a motivational mentor/role model for students, parents, conductors of FVS YO and sectional coaches. • Experience working with a cultural institution a plus.

An Equal Opportunity Employer It is the policy of the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra Association to provide all persons with equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, age or veteran status.