NextGen Youth Orchestra: Conductor Positions Open For Application

April 29, 2024

There are three position openings for the NextGen Youth Orchestra. The NextGen Youth Orchestra moves beyond the traditional Western music experience by embracing concert programming that fuses commercial rock and pop music, broadway, video game music, film scores, traditional orchestral pieces, as well as repertoire from underrepresented circles, including the BIPOC music community. Please see the position opening for the NextGen Beginning Band (Junior Hawks). 

Artistic Co-Director (Classical): NextGen Youth Orchestra 

Term: June – December 2024, with the possibility of renewal (rehearsals begin in September) 

Position remuneration:  $5,000 

Position description:  

The Laurier Academy of Music and Arts (LAMA) invites applications for Artistic Co-Director (Classical) of the NextGen Youth Orchestra commencing June 1st, 2024. The successful candidate will work alongside the Artistic Co-Director (Commercial) to collaboratively provide artistic leadership to the ensemble. Responsibilities include orchestra rehearsals, conducting concerts, advising on arrangements, developing innovative programming and overseeing recruitment and auditions. Other duties may be added as they emerge. The successful candidate must be passionate about engaging students in the joy of learning music across a wide range of musical genres. Professional experience in either classical or commercial music required.  Experience in both is an asset.  

Ensemble description:  

The NextGen Youth Orchestra moves beyond the traditional Western music experience by embracing concert programming that fuses commercial rock and pop music, broadway, video game music, film scores, traditional orchestral pieces, as well as repertoire from underrepresented circles, including the BIPOC music community. 

This ensemble will expand the boundaries of a conventional youth orchestra program by nurturing musical excellence and fostering personal and communal growth through leadership opportunities, collaborative learning, and peer-to-peer coaching and mentoring.   

This ensemble is for all instrumentalists ages 14-19 (strings, winds, brass, percussion, electric and bass guitar, keyboard/synth, etc.).  2-hour rehearsals will happen weekly September – December 2024 at Wilfrid Laurier University (Faculty of Music).   

Director responsibilities:  

• Co-lead a weekly 2-hour rehearsal for twelve weeks 
• Jointly conduct at least one performance with the Artistic Co-Director: Commercial 
• Oversee auditions and assist with student recruitment 
• Work with NextGen Steering Committee to develop innovative concert programming  
• Nurture a constructive and inspiring environment for performers 
• Establish and maintain community partnerships for performance opportunities  
• Communicate with LAMA and FoM staff on administrative needs (student registrations, promotion, acquiring scores, etc.)   

Applicants for this position must have the following qualifications:  

• Bachelor of Music degree (specialization in Music Education, Conducting, or Performance an asset)  
• Evidence of excellence and experience (3+ years) in conducting youth ensembles 
• Evidence of innovative concert programming  
• Evidence of diversity and inclusion in programming and pedagogy 
• Evidence of creating experiences that foster community engagement 
• Evidence of excellence in commercial music is an asset 

Applications must include:   

• a letter of interest that highlights qualifications for the position 
• a curriculum vitae;  
• sample programs from completed concerts;  
• video(s) of conducting in performance (10 minutes max);  
• a Philosophy of Teaching statement, with examples  
• a Pedagogical Values statement, with examples;   
• the names and contact information for three referees that can speak to professionalism, teaching effectiveness, character, and collegiality. Only shortlisted applicants will have their referees contacted for letters.   

Application deadline – May 17, 2024 

All applications should be addressed to:  

Completed electronic applications should be emailed to the address listed above by the deadline of May 17, 2024.

Artistic Co-Director (Commercial):  NextGen Youth Orchestra 

Term: June – December 2024, with the possibility of renewal 

Position remuneration:  $5,000 

Position description: 

The Laurier Academy of Music and Arts invites applications for Artistic Co-Director: Commercial of the NextGen Youth Orchestra commencing June 1st, 2024. The successful candidate will work alongside the Artistic Co-Director: Classical to collaboratively provide artistic leadership to the ensemble. This includes rehearsing the band and singers, arranging parts, programming instruments, assisting with conducting (as needed), developing innovative programming and overseeing recruitment and auditions. Other duties may be added as they emerge. The successful candidate must be passionate about engaging students in the joy of learning music across a wide range of musical genres. Professional experience in both classical and commercial music is an asset. 

Ensemble description:  

The NextGen Youth Orchestra embraces diverse genres by moving  beyond the traditional western music experience by embracing concert programming that fuses commercial, rock and "pop" music, broadway, video game and film music, and traditional classical music.  This ensemble will expand the boundaries of a conventional youth orchestra program by nurturing musical excellence and fostering personal and communal growth through leadership opportunities, collaborative learning, and peer-to-peer coaching and mentoring.   

This ensemble is for all instrumentalists ages 14-19 (strings, winds, brass, percussion, electric and bass guitar, keyboard/synth, etc.).  2-hour rehearsals will happen weekly September – December 2024 at Wilfrid Laurier University (Faculty of Music).   

Director responsibilities:  

• Co-lead a weekly 2-hour rehearsal for twelve weeks 
• Jointly conduct at least one performance with the Artistic Co-Director: Classical 
• Oversee auditions and assist with student recruitment 
• Work with NextGen Steering Committee to develop innovative concert programming  
• Establish clear learning goals at each rehearsal  
• Nurture a constructive and inspiring environment for performers 
• Establish and maintain community partnerships for performance opportunities 
• Communicate with LAMA and FoM staff on administrative needs (student registrations, promotion, acquiring scores, etc.)   

Applicants for this position must have the following qualifications:  

• Minimum Bachelor of Music degree (specialization in Music Education, Community Music, or Commercial Music an asset) 
• Evidence of excellence and experience working with youth ensembles 
• Evidence of excellence and professional experience in commercial/contemporary music  
• Experience in/knowledge of classical music performance practice is an asset (for arranging, adapting scores, etc.) 
• Experience in stage management/concert production is an asset 

Applications must include:   

• a letter of interest that speaks to the required qualifications for the position 
• a curriculum vitae;  
• sample concert programs;  
• video(s) of conducting in performance (10 minutes max);  
• a Philosophy of Teaching and Pedagogical Values statement, with concrete examples;   
• the names of three referees that can speak to professionalism, teaching effectiveness, character, and collegiality. Only shortlisted applicants will have their referees contacted for letters.   

Application deadline – May 17, 2024 

All applications should be addressed to:  

Completed electronic applications should be emailed to the address listed above by the deadline of May 17, 2024.