Youth Orchestra Director
The Hershey Symphony Orchestra is seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Youth Orchestra Director to lead our developing string ensemble for students in 4th through 7th grade, beginning with the 2026-2027 season. This role is ideal for a music educator or conductor passionate about inspiring young musicians and building a strong foundation for their orchestral experience.
Position Overview
The Youth Orchestra Director will be responsible for selecting age‑appropriate repertoire, designing and leading regular rehearsals, organizing performances, and collaborating with the music directors of the Hershey Symphony Orchestra and the Festival Strings Youth Orchestra (for students in grades 7-10) for special events. A key component of the position is recruiting and retaining young string players, fostering both musical growth and community engagement.
The director will have flexibility in building the rehearsal and performance schedule, with the season running September through May and following the traditional school-year structure.
Key Responsibilities
- Select engaging and pedagogically appropriate repertoire for young string players.
- Lead regular rehearsals and prepare the ensemble for performances.
- Organize concerts and coordinate logistical needs for each performance.
- Collaborate with the Hershey Symphony Orchestra and its leadership team on joint events.
- Recruit students in grades 4–7 to participate in the ensemble.
- Communicate effectively with students, parents, symphony leadership, and partner schools.
- Create a positive, encouraging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
Qualifications
Required:
- Ability to work with school‑aged musicians and guide their musical development.
- Be a string player who can effectively model and teach string technique from the podium for music up through Grades 3 and 4.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Standard Pennsylvania child clearances (or willingness to obtain).
Preferred:
- Prior experience teaching or conducting string students.
- Background in music education, conducting, or a related field.
- Experience planning performances and selecting educational repertoire.
Schedule & Compensation
- Flexible schedule, designed collaboratively with symphony leadership.
- Season runs September–May, consistent with the academic year.
- Compensation will be discussed with qualified applicants based on experience and availability.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following no later than June 1, 2026:
- A résumé
- A brief letter describing your experience working with young musicians
- Any relevant materials (such as conducting samples, if available)
Please send all application materials to Hershey Symphony Executive Director Susan Cort at ContactUs@HersheySymphony.org.