Empire State Youth Orchestras (ESYO) seeks an experienced, creative individual to conduct the ESYO Repertory Jazz Orchestra. The initial appointment is for one year (2026–2027), with the possibility of renewal based on mutual interest and organizational needs. The conductor is responsible for leading rehearsals and performances by the Orchestra during the concert season, which extends from September through June. Rehearsals are held weekly and performances occur three or four times throughout the year at various locations.
ESYO has two jazz orchestras that study and perform jazz music from early 1920s swing, 1980s jazz/rock fusion and today’s contemporary jazz. Formed in 1986, the Youth Jazz Ensemble has performed with Eastman’s Jazz Ensemble and has worked with guest artists such as “Blue” Lou Marini , Allen Vizzutti, and Grammy-award winning pianist/ composer Bill Cunliffe. The Repertory Jazz Ensemble, formed in 2006 for less experienced musicians has performed at the annual SaratogaArtsFest (SAF). In 2014, with an SAF grant, the ensemble premiered Walk Like the Guv, which ESYO commissioned from jazz trombonist Michael Davis.
Job Overview
Commitment: See attached rehearsal and performance schedule
Location: September-December 2026: Brown School, 150 Corlaer Ave, Schenectady, NY; January-May 2027: ESYO Music Campus, 45 MacArthur Drive, Schenectady, NY.
Start Date: September 2026 Employment Type: Part-Time Appointment: Initial One-Year Appointment (September 2026–June 2027), with the possibility of renewal
Duties and Expectations–The Repertory Jazz Conductor will:
- Provide an excellent and meaningful educational experience for Ensemble members.
- Select repertoire of high artistic merit, educationally appropriate and representative of standard jazz styles and periods.
- Make necessary preparations and effectively lead weekly rehearsals and periodic public performances to insure a positive and musical experience for all student members.
- Assist with auditioning and recruiting members in order to maintain the Ensemble’s appropriate instrumentation.
- Attend scheduled meetings, including an annual meeting for ESYO conductors and Artistic staff.
- Adhere to the budget for purchasing the necessary music for rehearsals and performances.
- Maintain excellent relations with public and private music teachers and professional musicians in the community.
The Ideal Candidate will possess:
- The ability and desire to lead an outstanding Jazz Ensemble.
- Proven experience and expertise in conducting youth jazz players.
- Degrees in Jazz Conducting, Performance, and/or Music Education.
- The ability to work collaboratively and creatively with ESYO’s Music Director and Youth Jazz Conductor, as well as other artistic and administrative staff members.
How to Apply:
Please submit the following items to Etienne Abelin, Music Director, Empire State Youth Orchestra at eabelin@esyo.org:
- Letter of interest
- C.V. and References
- Preferred: 10-minute informal rehearsal video (online format—YouTube, Vimeo; does not need to be professionally filmed)
Closing date for the receipt of application materials is August 15.