Job Description
TITLE: MacPhail Northside Youth Orchestra (MNYO) Conductor & Coordinator
REPORTS TO: School Partnerships Director
DEPARTMENT: School Partnerships
STATUS: Exempt; Part Time (12 Hours/week for 24 weeks)
LOCATION: Twin Cities & Surrounding Area, On-Site
COMPENSATION: $24,000/Annual
JOB SUMMARY The MacPhail Northside Youth Orchestra (MNYO) Conductor & Coordinator provides artistic, educational, and operational onsite leadership for the Orchestra. This role is responsible for conducting, K-12 music education, and program administration, all of which support students’ musical growth within a structured ensemble experience.
The MacPhail Northside Youth Orchestra (MNYO) Conductor & Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day success of the orchestra, including rehearsals, performances, student engagement, and program coordination.
RESPONSIBILITES and ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Artistic & Educational Leadership
- Lead weekly orchestra rehearsals on Saturdays from 1:00–3:00pm along with an additional hour for setup and teardown
- Foster a supportive, high-expectation learning environment aligned with strong K-12 pedagogical practices
- Audition and interview prospective students to ensure appropriate ensemble placement
- Lead sectionals within area(s) of musical expertise and coordinate additional sectionals with coaches
- Oversee rehearsal and concert logistics, including equipment management, setup, and teardown
- Contract additional musicians when repertoire or performances require expanded instrumentation
- Support student musicianship, ensemble skills, and artistic confidence through thoughtful repertoire selection and rehearsal planning
Music Preparation & Library Management
- Select, prepare, and arrange repertoire appropriate to the ensemble’s instrumentation and skill level
- Maintain the orchestra library, including copying, distributing, and tracking parts
- Provide music to sectional coaches and collaborating faculty in a timely manner
- Prepare concert programs in coordination with staff
- Record and edit performances for archival and promotional use
Program Coordination & Administration
- Develop the annual program budget under the direction of the School Partnerships Director
- Serve as the primary liaison with the host site
- Hire and supervise sectional coaches and interns under the direction of the School Partnerships Director
- Track attendance for students, interns, and coaches, including reporting additional hours related to performances
- Create and distribute the annual rehearsal and performance calendar
- Lead program communications with students, families, and staff
- Schedule and coordinate a minimum of three concerts annually, along with additional performance opportunities
- Partner with the Minnesota Orchestra and other organizations to coordinate educational outreach and pre-concert performances
- Organize community-building events for students and families as appropriate
Community & Culture Building
- Foster an inclusive, student-centered environment that supports risk-taking, mutual respect, and creative expression
- Support outreach and communication efforts to help raise awareness, engage new participants, and connect the work of MacPhail Center for Music to the broader community
- Model curiosity, openness, and professionalism in all interactions with students, families, and colleagues
QUALIFICATIONS Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, Conducting, Music Performance, or a related field, required
- Master’s Degree in Music Education, Conducting, Music Performance, or a related field, preferred
Experience
- 3+ years of demonstrated experience working with K-12 students in an ensemble setting, required
- Experience with student-centered teaching practices, required
- Experience managing programs and/or ensembles with operational independence, preferred
Skills & Abilities
- Strong conducting skills
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to collaborate effectively while leading
- Ability to lead with initiative and accountability
Job Tags
Contract work, Part time, Work at office