Employment

Alaska Youth Orchestras (AYO) is currently accepting applications for the position of Music Director, with a tenure to begin in the 2025-26 Season. This part-time, salaried position, will play a key role in defining the future of AYO.

Since 1965, Alaska Youth Orchestras has been a cornerstone of youth performing arts in Southcentral Alaska. Through its three performance ensembles and after-school program, the organization reaches 500 K-12 youth every year. AYO’s flagship program, the Anchorage Youth Symphony, is a fully-symphonic ensemble drawing over 80 top-performing youth musicians from all over Anchorage.

As the largest city in Alaska, Anchorage offers an unparalleled living experience that blends breathtaking natural beauty with a vibrant, diverse urban community. Nestled between the stunning Chugach Mountains and the waters of Cook Inlet, Anchorage provides endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, from hiking and skiing to wildlife viewing. The city features a dynamic and tight-knit cultural scene; candidates relocating for this position may find additional opportunities for professional engagement in the Anchorage area.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, three professional references, 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 October 1, 2024. Selected applicants may be invited to audition with the orchestra, as well as interview with the search committee. AYO would like to announce the successful candidate in spring 2025, with the new music director participating in planning and auditions for the 2025-26 season as their schedule allows.

 

 

Job Description

Position Title: Music Director
Structure: Part-time, salaried position (to begin July 1, 2025)
Reports To: Executive Director, Alaska Youth Orchestras

SUMMARY

The AYO Music Director plays an integral role in the strategic vision and direction of the Alaska Youth Orchestras organization. This individual serves as the lead authority in determining artistic and educational aspects of AYO’s programs. The AYO Music Director 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 AYO Music Director is a champion and advocate for music education and performance in Southcentral Alaska, and builds and nurtures relationships on behalf of the organization within the professional arts and music education community. The AYO Music Director works closely in collaboration with the Executive Director as a part of the organization’s leadership team.

 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Artistic/Educational:

• Conduct or oversee conducting of the Anchorage Youth Symphony and AYO’s Symphony School ensembles, leading the ensembles in all concerts, weekly rehearsals, and special engagements in a timely and professional manner.
• Select season repertoire for AYO ensembles in keeping with the organization’s mission and vision, and in cooperation with designated participants in the process.
• Participate in the musician screening process, in collaboration with AYO’s section coaches. Assist with matters relating to musician placement, seating, attendance, parent inquiries, and other items.
• Oversee all artistic roles of AYO staff and supervise those areas of their duties. Collaborate with AYO section coaches to determine and clearly communicate 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.

Community Engagement, Advocacy, and 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, represent AYO, and remain visible and active in the community, including visits with stakeholders, donors, music educators, music professionals and private teachers.
• 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.

Program Administration:

• Work closely with AYO staff to coordinate ensemble activities and communications.
• Provide input and collaborate 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.

Miscellany:

• Adhere to budgets and submission timelines for program-related information and execution.
• Participate in organizational meetings, including staff meetings and board meetings as requested; attend special events and constituent relationship meetings as requested.
• Foster a strong culture of collegiality among all AYO youth musicians, families, and staff.
• Maintain residency within the Anchorage Area.
• Other duties as assigned.

 

OTHER DETAILS:

Compensation: $34,000

Benefits: AYO employees may 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. AYO’s flagship ensemble, the Anchorage Youth Symphony, rehearses weekly, primarily on Monday evenings (5:30 – 8:00pm). AYO’s Symphony School ensembles rehearse weekly for approximately 10 weeks in the Fall and Spring, primarily on Sunday evenings (4:30 – 7:15pm). 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.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. AYO is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

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.