Winds & Brass Coach - Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras
POSITION
Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO) announces an immediate opening for one Winds & Brass Coach to work with our Debut Orchestra.
ORGANIZATION
CYSO’s mission is to inspire and cultivate personal excellence through music. We offer a continuum of programs serving young musicians 6-18 years old through on-site ensembles, neighborhood programming, and concerts serving students in Chicago Public Schools as well as the wider Chicagoland community. Each season, we serve approximtely 800 musicians in weekly rehearsals and another 8,500 students and families through community programming.
CYSO is investing in the future of music and the next generation of leaders. As an organization, we work to foster a culture of excellence and professionalism among staff. Our team values compassion, collaboration, and an on-going desire to continue to learn as individuals and as an organization. The CYSO staff is passionate about music, young people, education, and equity.
DESCRIPTION
Led by Debut Orchestra Conductor Dana Green, the Debut Orchestra provides predominantly middle school aged student musicians with their first exposure to high level full orchestra training. Their season includes biannual seating auditions, weekly rehearsals, sectionals and performances at local venues such as the Chicago Cultural Center, Northwestern University's Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, and the season the Fine Arts Building’s Studebaker Theater. The Coach must have an intimate knowledge of and skills in all woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments, and demonstrate an ability to work with students with varying musical abilities.
JOB DUTIES
The Winds & Brass Coach will work directly with Debut Orchestra’s woodwind, brass, and percussion players, providing instruction in instrumental technique, intonation, rhythm, tone quality, and musical interpretation. The coach will work with the students in split rehearsals each week as well as assist the students during full orchestra rehearsal time. The coach will consult with the conductor and work collaboratively in determining each week’s coaching format.
The Winds & Brass Coach is expected to be present at all rehearsals, seating auditions, and performances throughout the season. Debut Orchestra rehearses on Saturdays from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. There are approximately 30 weeks per season from late-August through May.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor of Music degree in music education required. Master of Music degree in music education or music performance preferred
- Orchestral training and performance experience required
- Related teaching and coaching experiences required
- Must have ability to communicate easily and effectively with youth and families; excellent interpersonal skills; and ability to create a supportive learning environment
START DATE
As soon as possible
COMPENSATION
Yearly Stipend of $3500 paid over 9 months September through May.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Please submit a cover letter, résumé, and list of three references using this form: https://form.asana.com/?k=6_d6QW1XkQLx9u8qc54QYQ&d=25628033582448
Attention: Madalyne Maxwell, Chief Operating Officer
No phone calls please.
*References will be contacted only after an applicant has been invited to an interview.
SELECTION PROCESS
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applications will be paper-screened and those exhibiting superior qualifications will be invited to an in person or video interview.
Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras’ dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is inseparable from our commitment to musical excellence. We value the unique role and contribution of every member of our team and recognize the importance of a staff that reflects the experience and background of our students in order to equip them to excel as the next generation of leaders. CYSO staff regularly participate in antiracism, anti-bias, and other EDI training and actively seek candidates for all artistic and administrative roles who are equipped and committed to furthering this work.
CYSO is an equal opportunity employer. BIPOC people, trans and gender-nonconforming people, women, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We recognize that individuals may require accommodations during the application or interview process and are committed to providing them. Please contact Madalyne Maxwell at mmaxwell@cyso.org or 312-939-2207 ext 230 to request accommodations.
