Young Musicians Debut Orchestra (YMDO) Director & Conductor

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director & Conductor is responsible for the artistic operation of the Young Musicians Debut Orchestra (YMDO), a program division of Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute (PYOMI). As such, the YMDO Director & Conductor shares authority in artistic matters according to the guidelines established by the Music Director, including repertoire selection, auditions, rehearsals, and selection of players and guest artists. The YMDO Director & Conductor will work in close collaboration with the PYOMI Music Director and Director of Education and will serve as one of PYOMI’s artistic liaisons within the community.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Collaborate with the Music Director and Director of Education in planning the concert season

Collaborate with the Music Director in selecting works to be performed

Collaborate with the Director of Education in scheduling and implementing the YMDO Sectional Class program

With the librarian, ensure that all strings parts are bowed and clearly marked, and consistent according to PYOMI program guidelines and artistic expectations

With the Music Director, adjudicate student auditions

In consultation with Director of Education and faculty, select principal players, and determine seating within each section

With the Director of Education, select coaches and guest artists, as needed

Conduct all rehearsals (Saturdays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., September through May) and concerts (as scheduled)

Exercise leadership in developing the total artistic quality of the orchestra

Serve as an artistic liaison with schools, community music educators, and private studio teachers, and develop and maintain collaborative working relationships

Play a visible and active role in the community and help develop the overall public image of the orchestra in the community

Lead the planning and implementation of community outreach events for the YMDO

Assist in the general promotion of the orchestra

Stay abreast of artistic activities in the orchestra field and recommend to the Director new activities that may advance the orchestra’s objectives

When requested, attend Board meetings and provide reports on artistic activities

The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute is the tri-state region's premier
youth orchestra organization for gifted, young, classical musicians, and one of the
oldest and most highly regarded youth orchestra organizations in the United States. For 86 years, the Institute has met students w here they are in their musical journey, from their very first orchestral experiences to advanced musical training, while fostering a supportive community where lifelong relationships take root. The PYO Music Institute provides nationally recognized music education and performance experiences to young instrumentalists, while engaging audiences and communities throughout the Greater Delaware Valley Region and beyond.