Open Positions

About the Role

The Kawartha Youth Orchestra seeks an energetic and talented educator/conductor to lead its Senior Orchestra and to provide vision and direction for our Junior and Intermediate Orchestras. Candidates must be passionate about engaging students in the joy of learning repertoire from a variety of genres. Working closely with the general manager and the board of directors, the Lead Conductor creates a season of music that challenges our students to grow musically, explores extra performances, competition opportunities, leads the KYO performance competition, and initiates community collaborations.

About the Organization

We are a community music and orchestra-training organization serving elementary through post-secondary-aged youth and has been running continuously since 2002. Our mission is to combine accessibility with a pursuit of excellence in our orchestral experiences and training. No child is denied music participation because of restricted financial means. Our instrument-lending library ensures children have quality instruments with which to learn. We at the Kawartha Youth Orchestra provide professional instrumental teaching artists and performers, hosts public education events, advocates for the Arts, and promotes social innovation partnerships that tie music learning and performance to community-building initiatives.

We aim to give our members a life-long love of music, while also helping them develop self-esteem, discipline, teamwork, leadership, performance skills, and a strong connection to their community through music. We currently run three ensembles – one for new musicians, an intermediate group, and a senior youth orchestra for developing and experienced instrumentalists. Since September 2021, we have run a subsidized music program downtown, which is an after-school ensemble instruction program for children, aged 6-18 years, facing pronounced socio-economic barriers. The program runs three afternoons a week and provides a daily nutritious mini-meal, a safe landing place for guided positive social interaction and leadership development, 1:1 attention and role modelling from caring adults, and skill development through ensemble instrumental music instruction.

Responsibilities

• Bachelor degree related to music performance, music pedagogy or theory, or the equivalent experience in performance with orchestras.
• Professional experience working with children and young adults.
• Experience working with symphony orchestras at all levels.
• Flexible, creative, and innovative in approach to curriculum, program, and concert design.
• Ability to arrange music and simplify orchestral parts is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

Hiring Process

• Submit your resume, cover letter, and videos of your conducting expeience.
• Virtual interview with the hiring committee.
• A minimum of three reference checks.
• Two in-person conducting trial days with the SKYO.

Applicants of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. To apply please submit your resume, cover letter, and any videos or suppimentary documentation to employment@kawarthayouthorchestra.org.