Music Director / Symphony Orchestra Conductor

Dino Anagnost Youth Symphony Orchestra

Manchester Community Music School – New Hampshire Youth Ensembles

Job Description

The Dino Anagnost Youth Symphony Orchestra is a full orchestra composed of talented middle and high school string, woodwind, brass, and percussion musicians from throughout New Hampshire. The ensemble provides students with the opportunity to perform challenging orchestral repertoire while developing exceptional musical skills in a collaborative, high-level setting. The Music Director serves as the artistic leader of the Youth Symphony Orchestra and is responsible for the artistic vision, musical excellence, and educational development of the ensemble. Responsibilities include conducting rehearsals and performances, selecting repertoire, leading auditions, assigning ensemble placement, and engaging qualified sectional coaches or guest clinicians as needed. In addition to artistic leadership, the Music Director plays a vital role in recruitment, community engagement, and the continued growth of the New Hampshire Youth Ensembles (NHYE) program by building strong relationships with school and private music educators. The Music Director reports directly to the Executive Director and collaborates closely with the Ensemble Manager, MCMS faculty and staff, and student interns. All responsibilities are carried out in accordance with the mission, policies, and strategic goals of Manchester Community Music School.

Qualifications

  • Demonstrated conducting experience with youth or community orchestras
  • Strong knowledge of orchestral repertoire appropriate for middle and high school musicians
  • Exceptional leadership and teaching abilities
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills
  • Ability to inspire young musicians while fostering a positive, inclusive, and disciplined rehearsal environment

Musical Responsibilities

  • Conduct all scheduled rehearsals, performances, and auditions.
  • Select engaging, educational, and age-appropriate repertoire that challenges and inspires students.
  • Collaborate with the Executive Director and Ensemble Manager to purchase, rent, prepare, and distribute music.
  • Ensure all scores and parts include consistent bowings, markings, and performance instructions prior to distribution.
  • Lead fall and spring auditions for NHYE ensembles and determine student placement and principal assignments.
  • Develop the artistic quality and musical growth of the orchestra.
  • Collaborate with MCMS leadership on long-range artistic planning, including special concerts, chamber music opportunities, tours, and collaborative performances.
  • Determine orchestra seating and stage setup to maximize both acoustical and visual presentation.
  • Engage and supervise sectional coaches or guest clinicians when appropriate.

Recruitment and Community Engagement

  • Develop and implement an annual recruitment strategy to grow and strengthen the orchestra.
  • Build and maintain positive relationships with school music educators, private instructors, and community arts organizations.
  • Serve as an ambassador for Manchester Community Music School and the New Hampshire Youth Ensembles within the community.
  • Assist with outreach events, recruitment concerts, and promotional activities as requested.
  • Stay informed about trends and best practices in youth orchestra programming and recommend new initiatives that advance the organization’s mission.

Collaboration and Administrative Responsibilities

  • Attend conductor meetings to coordinate auditions, concerts, calendars, and long-term planning across the New Hampshire Youth Ensembles.
  • Communicate regularly with the Executive Director and Ensemble Manager regarding student progress, attendance, repertoire, scheduling, and program needs.
  • Meet established deadlines for music selection, concert planning, and other administrative responsibilities.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Time Commitment

  • Approximately 5–8 hours per week
  • Rehearsals are held Tuesdays from 6:30–8:00 p.m., beginning in early September.
  • Additional time is required for concerts, auditions, planning meetings, music preparation, recruitment, and occasional community events.

Compensation

This is a 10-month stipend position. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience, qualifications, and time commitment.

Application Procedure

Please submit:

  • Cover letter
  • Resume

Applications should be emailed to:

Polly Towner

Executive Director

Manchester Community Music School

Polly@mcmusicschool.org

Application Deadline: July 31, 2026

 

Snow Day Alert:

Closed Monday, February 23rd, due to winter weather. School re-opens on Tuesday the 24th for make-up classes only. NHYE rehearsals cancelled. Happy Winter Break!