Overview
Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra (BYSO) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Bellevue, Washington, established to provide a unique and stimulating musical environment for Eastside youth seeking to advance their potential beyond traditional in-school programs. Now with six large orchestras and three smaller instrumental ensembles, BYSO has been serving students in elementary through high school since 1964. BYSO is a thriving, fiscally stable organization with a dedicated Board poised to further its Mission:
To enhance the lives of student musicians by providing dynamic musical experiences, fostering collaboration, confidence, and personal responsibility through the pursuit of artistic excellence.
BYSO focuses intensively on each student’s musicianship with a commitment to guide and support the whole person and uniquely complements and builds upon both school music programs and private instruction. BYSO is poised to grow from a local youth orchestra organization into a recognized, regional leader in youth orchestra. BYSO is a forward- looking organization, innovating and evaluating its organizational structure and infrastructure investments to broaden its reach and impact in the community while maintaining, at its core, a program focused upon expanding the capabilities of its student musicians. It is an exciting time of change at BYSO!
Position
The Assistant Conductor for Philharmonia, Flute Orchestra, and Flute Choir provides vital music instructional support and student oversight at rehearsals, retreats, and concerts. The Asst. Conductor works closely with the Conductors of Philharmonia, Flute Orchestra and Flute Choir to ensure that BSYO students are supported and prepared for their concerts. The Asst. Conductor reports to these conductors and BYSO’s Music Director, Matthew Salvaggio.
This is a part-time contractor position. Rate of pay is $54 an hour. The Assistant Conductor will be required to attend evening and weekend events related to BYSO activities.
Roles & Responsibilities
Principal Duties
- Attend all rehearsals of the assigned ensembles including Monday evenings and one Saturday retreat per quarter during the academic year.
- Serve as cover conductor for each of these ensembles, including studying the necessary scores and being prepared to conduct a rehearsal in the event of a conductor’s absence or at the invitation of a supervising conductor.
- Act as an instrumental coach as requested by supervising conductor(s). Including playing as an embedded member of the orchestra or leading instrument-specific sectionals.
- Assist the supervising conductor(s) with attendance, proper orchestra discipline, or any other assignments as needed.
- Adjudicate fall auditions as requested by the Music Director and conducting staff.
- After sectionals and/or rehearsals, ensure that the room is returned to its original condition, replacing all desks, chairs, etc. as you found them.
- Assist in the ongoing recruitment of players for the ensembles.
- Attend staff meetings as requested by the Music Director or Executive Director.
- Assist at all scheduled musical performances of the assigned orchestra. Monitor and guide student behavior on-stage and backstage at scheduled musical performances.
Required Qualifications
- Undergraduate degree in music performance or music education.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to articulate ideas clearly and concisely in both written and oral format, and ability to build and maintain relationships.
- Commitment to Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra’s mission and values.
- Flexibility, transparency, and openness.
- Commitment to working as a member of a team.
- Proactive attitude and friendly demeanor.
- Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office.
- Must be able to pass a Washington State background check.
Preferred Qualifications
- Graduate degree (or degree-seeking) in music performance, music education, or conducting.
- Preference will be given to those with a background in flute or woodwind performance, but other instrumentalists are still encouraged to apply.
To Apply
Please submit a one-page resume to musicdirector@byso.org. Inquiries welcome.
