ASO, Associate Conductor and ASYO Music Director Job at The Woodruff Arts Center

ASO, Associate Conductor and ASYO Music Director

Apply locations Memorial Arts Building

Time type: Part time

Posted on: Posted 2 Days Ago

Job requisition id: 2024-0182

Woodruff Arts Center employees play an integral role in creating and supporting great art and education initiatives at the nation’s third largest arts center. Comprised of three Art Partners—Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and High Museum of Art—there’s a role for everyone at The Woodruff.

Reports to: Vice President of Education

FLSA: United States of America (Exempt)

Employment Status: Regular/Part time

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) seeks a highly skilled and musically accomplished individual to serve as the Associate Conductor (Family and Student Concerts) and Music Director of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO), starting in the 2025/2026 season. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional communication skills both on and off the podium and a passion for engaging young audiences and youth musicians with a diverse range of orchestral experiences. The Associate Conductor will collaborate closely with ASO administrative teams, orchestra musicians, ASYO student musicians, and community stakeholders. This position reports to the Vice President of Artistic Planning and works in daily collaboration with the Vice President of Education and Community Engagement.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Associate Conductor and ASYO Music Director will demonstrate the following qualities:

1. Advanced conducting technique.
2. Rehearsal efficiency aimed at producing superior artistic performances.
3. Positive rapport and effective communication with both professional and student musicians on and off the podium.
4. Effective communication with audiences from the podium.
5. A commitment to fostering a culture aligned with the ASO’s mission in education and community engagement.
6. Collaborative planning and communication skills with key ASO departments (Education and Community Engagement, Artistic Planning, Operations/Production, Personnel, Library).
7. A drive for professional growth in music education pedagogy, community connection, and musicianship. This includes score study, musical interpretation, and a deep understanding of the classical orchestral canon, with a commitment to representation across genres, time periods, and underrepresented composers.
8. A demonstrated interest in building relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including ASYO parents, ASO board members, donors, and the metro Atlanta community.

The Associate Conductor and ASYO Music Director will be responsible for the following:

ASO Family Concert Series
Conduct three programs per season

1. Approximately 15 hours of administration collaboration per program.
2. Three weekends per season: Saturday rehearsal and Sunday back-to-back concerts.

ASO Students at the Symphony Concerts
Conduct 1-3 programs per season

1. Approximately 20 hours of collaboration per program.
2. Performances include up to 18 weekdays per season; 1-3 rehearsal days, and 10-15 back-to-back performance days.

ASYO Music Director

1. Conduct three cycle performances per year, typically held on weekends in November, February, and May.
2. Lead approximately 30 Saturday rehearsals from August to May (about 10 per cycle), plus weekday dress rehearsals as scheduled.
3. Lead retreat weekends in August and January.
4. Conduct additional performances as scheduled (e.g., tours, conferences, special events).
5. Oversee the ASYO Concerto Competition judging panel.
6. Collaborate with the ASYO Manager, Vice President of Education, ASO musician coaching staff, and broader ASYO team for administration and long-term planning (approximately 5 hours per week year-round).

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Minimum of 3 years of professional conducting experience in a symphony orchestra setting (or equivalent experience).
2. Strong knowledge of symphony orchestra structures and practices.
3. Strong knowledge of the symphonic and educational repertoire, demonstrating a deep understanding of both the classical orchestral canon and evolving repertoire trends.
4. A demonstrated commitment to supporting the ASO’s mission to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture.
5. Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
6. Proven ability to successfully manage relationships with orchestra staff, professional and student musicians, the music director, and other key constituents.
7. Flexibility to work days, evenings, and weekends as required.
8. Demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire others.
9. Ability to communicate effectively and to handle calmly and efficiently situations ranging from routine to emergency.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply for the ASO Associate Conductor position, please complete the online application form and upload the following:

1. A cover letter that includes links to an introductory video of yourself (maximum 2 minutes, starting by stating your name) and links to videos of yourself conducting rehearsals and performances, with a preference for contrasting musical styles. All videos should be linked to a platform that does not require downloading (i.e. YouTube).
2. Current résumé/CV.
3. A personal statement outlining your philosophy of education and community engagement through the lens of this role.

Application Timeline: Applications will be closed on January 10, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Finalists will be notified by January 20, 2025, and provided with the repertoire list for the audition with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Audition Date: February 4, 2025, at Atlanta Symphony Hall, Atlanta, GA. Finalists will be provided with round-trip transportation and hotel accommodation.

Visit www.aso.org/education-community for more information on youth, family, and education initiatives.

ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive culture where everyone feels valued, appreciated, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. We strive for intentional growth in our understanding and support of others.

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, class, religion, country of origin, political belief, (dis)ability, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or any other factor protected by law. Members of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

ABOUT THE ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Under the leadership of Music Director Nathalie Stutzmann, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) offers live performances, media initiatives, and learning programs that unite, educate, and enrich our community through the transformative power of orchestral music.

Now in its 79th season, the ASO engages Atlanta’s diverse international community by bringing people together through music. Signature education programs celebrate major milestones this season: the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra marks its 50th anniversary, and the Talent Development Program—one of the longest-running musical education diversity initiatives in the nation—celebrates 30 years.

The ASO presents more than 150 concerts annually, including the Delta Classical Series, Movies in Concert, Family Concerts, the Coca-Cola Holiday Series, and numerous community and educational performances. The Orchestra also extends its reach globally through its "Behind the Curtain" video concert series.

The ASO performs with the acclaimed ASO Chorus, a 200+ voice all-volunteer ensemble founded in 1970 by Robert Shaw and currently led by Norman Mackenzie. The Chorus is featured on nine of the ASO’s 27 Grammy Award-winning recordings.

ABOUT THE WOODRUFF ARTS CENTER

The Woodruff Arts Center is one of the largest arts centers in the world, encompassing the Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre, the Grammy Award-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and the High Museum of Art, the leading art museum in the Southeast. Each year, over 800,000 patrons visit the Center for its outstanding theater productions, musical performances, and visual art exhibitions.