Annual Salary $65,000

INTRODUCTION
Youth Music Monterey County seeks an inspiring and visionary Music Director. The Music Director will lead existing and develop new bold, dynamic, and innovative programs to ignite a passion for classical music in young people, inspiring young musicians and audiences alike.

The Youth Music Monterey County Music Director is responsible for the artistic development of two orchestras, and supervision of other YMMC programs, including The Brass, Woodwind, and Chamber Players Ensembles, and The South County Strings program (which provides in-school string instruction to underserved rural communities in Monterey County) with the goal of enabling and inspiring members to achieve excellence. The Music Director advises and participates in all aspects of an artistically, pedagogically and financially successful organization. 
 

The Music Director reports to the Board of Directors and works closely with key staff. The Music Director, in conjunction with the Executive Director and staff, serves as an artistic liaison to the community: with parents, students, donors, and funders, as well as music professionals, school educators, local and state government, and traditional and new media.

ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY
For over 50 years, YMMC has provided high-caliber music education and ensemble-playing opportunities for young people throughout Monterey County. YMMC's unique programs, the Youth and Honors Orchestras, South County Strings, Brass, Woodwind, and Chamber Players Ensembles, enrich the lives of students and their communities and facilitate a greater appreciation of music.

Founded by Ruth Phillips Fenton, Youth Music Monterey County was established as a 501(c)(3)  organization in 1988 with the merger of two programs: the Youth Orchestra of Monterey County (est. 1981) and Summer Music Monterey (est. 1965).

In the North County/Peninsula/Salinas area, our Youth and Honors Orchestra programs provide two levels of orchestra experience, intermediate (Youth), and advanced (Honors), allowing students the opportunity to ultimately study and play standard symphonic repertoire.  These audition-based orchestras include approximately 90 students ages 8-20 from over 35 schools throughout Monterey County. The orchestras perform three concerts at Carmel's  Sunset Center to much acclaim each season. The orchestras program has allowed our young students to study with distinguished conductors, including Stuart Robertson, Vincent Gomez, John Larry Granger, Farkhad Khudyev, and Danko Drusko.

 

Over the years, YMMC has benefited through affiliations and collaborations with the Eastman School of Music, Monterey Jazz Festival, Carmel Bach Festival, and the Monterey County Symphony. Through combined concerts with other local youth music education programs (Orchestra in the Schools, YOSAL).  YMMC strives to help support a means by which a student can progress from beginner to collegiate and conservatory level playing.  YMMC's South County Strings program provides free music instruction to approximately 150 students in South Monterey County, bringing instruments and music instruction to areas where the opportunity would not otherwise exist.
 

MUSIC DIRECTOR'S DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 
Artistic Oversight and Responsibility

1. Plan and conduct a minimum of 3 classical concerts, and one holiday pops concert, with two orchestras in a joint presentation, for a total of at least four concerts per season. At least one of those concerts might include a collaborative performance with the Monterey County Symphony.

2. Conduct auditions and place students in appropriate ensembles.

3. Lead rehearsals in a positive and creative manner to inspire a passion for music and the pursuit of excellence.

4. Assist in recruiting students to YMMC throughout the year through school visits, contact with local music teachers, and collaboration with other music organizations. Foster a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with teachers and professional musicians. Develop new ways to attract students.

5. Work with the Board of Directors and key office staff to plan, evaluate, and review the music programs of YMMC. Discuss student and parent feedback, and initiate agreed-upon changes.

6. Work closely with key staff and the board of directors to plan and administer budgetary matters.

7. Communicate with the office in a timely manner regarding library issues, i.e. editions, bowings, rental costs, etc.

8. Work with the Board and staff to develop long-range artistic and educational goals for  YMMC.

9. Participate in the promotion of all YMMC programs.

10. Work closely with sectional coaches in preparation for sectional rehearsals.

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Administrative Responsibilities

1. Foster a collegial working relationship with orchestra members, parents, music teachers, volunteers, staff, and the Board of Directors.

2. Participate as an Ex-Officio member of the YMMC Board of Directors. Present a monthly music director's report at each board meeting.

3. Support development and marketing activities. Serve as a spokesperson in the community and fundraising events.

4. Maintain regular communication with the staff and Board of Directors.

5. Write a monthly letter for students, parents, and supporters for the YMMC website in order to encourage and support the organization.

6. Provide a letter for the program about the musical selections for each concert.

7. Be a visible and active part of the cultural community.

8. Help to develop a bold and dynamic image of YMMC in the community.

9. Support all policies and procedures as established by the Board of Directors.

 

To apply, please submit via the following email or address:
 

1) Resume
2) Rehearsal footage, 2 hours unedited preferred, (other footage also acceptable) in DVD format or online.
3) Three references
4) Letter stating personal philosophy of the role of a youth orchestra music director.

Send to:

Youth Music Monterey County 
Attn: Music Director Search Committee 
546B Hartnell Street
Monterey, CA 93940

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or by email to:

office@youthmusicmonterey.org
 

For more information on YMMC, visit our website at: 
www.youthmusicmonterey.org