Director of the Niagara Youth (NYOA)

About the NYOA

Now in its 55th season, the Niagara Youth Orchestra is the premiere training ground for young orchestral musicians under 25 years old in the Niagara region. Led by professional coaches and conductors who are affiliated with across the province, musicians in the Niagara Youth Orchestra receive extensive and performance experiences through sectionals, rehearsals, regular concert seasons and special events.

Within the Niagara Youth Orchestra, there are three programs: NYO-Symphonic, NYO-Concert and the NYO Training Program. Musicians come from all over the Region, but rehearsals are held in St. Catharines every Saturday morning from September to May. Administratively, the NYOA is a non-profit organization run by a Board of parent volunteers and one part-time staff member.

JOB SUMMARY Conduct three (3) Series Concerts of the Symphonic Youth Orchestra. Each includes a dress rehearsal on the same day. November/December, 2020 February (Chamber), 2021 May, 2021

Conduct regular Symphonic Youth Orchestra rehearsals every Saturday, from September to mid- May, with the exception of Christmas Break and March Break. Regular rehearsals take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at Calvary Church, 89 Scott Street, St. Catharines. The conductor is to be present from 11:30 – 12:30 to work with coaches on a rotating basis to provide musical direction during Sectional rehearsals.

In conjunction with the Concert Orchestra conductor, plan, rehearse and conduct a Holiday Open House program on the third Saturday in December during regular rehearsal hours.

QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION • Music degree • Orchestral experience • Experience working with children and youth • Residing in the Niagara Region is an asset • Vulnerable Sector Check will be required

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT Salary: $12,000 per year Work Week: Saturday 9:30 am – 12:30 pm plus Saturday concerts TBD Proposed Start Date: September 12, 2020 Location: Calvary Church, 89 Scott St., St. Catharines

Applications will be accepted by EMAIL ONLY. Please email a cover letter, a resume and a list of 3 references attached as a single PDF downloadable file to [email protected] with the subject line “job application”. DO NOT CALL.

Visit niagarayouthorchestra.org for information about the NYOA.

Job Description The Music Director / Symphonic Youth Orchestra Conductor will be responsible for the following:

1. Player interview and placement in consultation with coaches and Concert Orchestra conductor 2. Abiding by the NYOA Code of Conduct (see Appendix 2) 3. Choice of repertoire within budgetary bounds. 4. Submitting the proposed program for the following season to the NYOA General Manager no later than June 30th of each year and submission of music to be ordered to the librarian/NYOA General Manager by July 15th. 5. Musical interpretation of orchestral repertoire. 6. Scheduling and use of rehearsal time. 7. Conducting the rehearsals and performances of the orchestra. 8. Consulting with management on the selection of coaches. 9. Informing the NYOA General Manager or Management Committee of any specific additional requirements for rehearsals and /or concerts. 10. Actively recruiting for the NYOA in the community. 11. Informing the Librarian of music requirements. 12. Preparing and filing a brief report to the NYOA General Manager in advance of every Board meeting.

Code of Conduct for Niagara Youth Orchestra Conductors & Coaches Niagara Youth Orchestra Conductors and Coaches will: • Treat all musicians equitably and with respect at all times. • Place the well-being and safety of each participant above all other considerations, including the development of performance. • Develop an appropriate working relationship with each musician based on mutual trust and respect. • Encourage musicians to accept responsibility for their own behavior and performance. • Strive to be current in professional knowledge and apply that knowledge and experience to promote musician learning. • Provide feedback to musicians in a caring manner that is sensitive to their needs, e.g., focus criticism on the performance rather than on the individual • Display high standards of behavior and not tolerate nor use inappropriate language. • Promote the NYOA within the community, and assist with promotion and recruitment when applicable. • Communicate in an open manner, ensuring that the General Manager, coaches and conductors are kept up to date, especially when problems may be developing.