Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO)
Part-Time Artistic Staff Position
Position Summary
ESYO seeks a conductor for its String Orchestra, a full-string ensemble of approximately 55–65 musicians serving primarily middle school students. One of ESYO’s longest-standing ensembles, String Orchestra plays a vital role in the organization’s orchestral pathway and has a long tradition of strong student engagement, musical growth, and artistic achievement.
The conductor will lead weekly rehearsals, prepare students for three concert cycles throughout the season, collaborate with ESYO’s Music Director, and support students during an important stage of their musical development. The ideal candidate is an outstanding educator, communicator, and musician who enjoys working with middle school-aged students and helping them develop confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of music.
Responsibilities
- Plan and conduct weekly rehearsals throughout the season
- Prepare students for concerts, dress rehearsals, and special events
- Select repertoire in consultation with the Music Director
- Develop students’ technical skills, ensemble awareness, musicianship, and confidence as performers
- Foster a positive rehearsal culture that balances challenge, encouragement, discipline, and enjoyment
- Introduce students to a variety of musical styles and traditions through repertoire selection and rehearsal instruction
- Participate in annual auditions and ensemble placement activities, including reviewing adjudicator rankings and assessments and assisting with student placement recommendations
- Collaborate with the Music Director regarding student progression within ESYO’s orchestra program
- Support student recruitment and retention efforts as needed
Qualifications
Required
- Experience conducting youth orchestras, school orchestras, or similar ensembles
- Strong knowledge of string pedagogy and ensemble instruction
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Ability to inspire and engage middle school-aged musicians
- Commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment
Preferred
- Degree in music education, conducting, performance, or a related field
- Experience teaching strings in a school or youth orchestra setting
- Familiarity with youth orchestra programs and student development
- Ability to introduce basic improvisation and creative music-making activities appropriate for young string players
Schedule
Weekly Rehearsals
Mondays, 6:30–8:30 PM
First rehearsal: Monday September 14, 2026
Location
- September–December: Brown School, Schenectady
- January–May: ESYO Music Campus, Glenville/Scotia
In addition to weekly rehearsals, the conductor is expected to attend the following events:
Retreat
- Saturday, September 26, 2026 (10:00 AM–2:00 PM)
Concert Cycle 1
- Mandatory Dress Rehearsal: Monday, November 2, 2026
- Concert: Sunday, November 8, 2026, 3:00 PM
- Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
Concert Cycle 2
- Mandatory Dress Rehearsal: Monday, February 8, 2027
- Concert: Thursday, February 11, 2027, 7:00 PM
- Bethlehem Middle School (tentative)
Concert Cycle 3
- Playathon Performance: Saturday, March 20, 2027
- Crossgates Mall (performance time TBD)
- Mandatory Dress Rehearsal: Monday, May 3, 2027
- Concert: Saturday, May 8, 2027, 3:00 PM
- Arthur Zankel Music Center, Skidmore College
The conductor will also participate in annual auditions and one artistic staff planning meeting each year.
Compensation
Compensation is commensurate with experience.
Application Process
Please submit:
- Cover letter describing your interest in the position and your experience working with young musicians
- Resume or CV
- Video samples of conducting and/or teaching (if available)
- Three professional references
Applications will be reviewed as received. Send applications to: stringconductor@esyo.org
Selected candidates will be invited to interview and audition with ESYO in early August 2026. The successful candidate will be appointed by August 30, 2026, with an anticipated start date of September 1, 2026.