Youth Philharmonic Conductor

The Charleston Symphony seeks an inspiring educator and experienced conductor to lead the Charleston Symphony Youth Philharmonic (CSYP), the intermediate full symphonic ensemble within the Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestras (CSYO) program. Serving as the bridge between the Charleston Symphony Youth Sinfonietta and the Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra, the Youth Philharmonic prepares advancing students for the artistic and technical demands of advanced orchestral study and performance.

The conductor will combine high artistic standards with strong teaching instincts, guiding students through increasingly challenging repertoire while building ensemble precision, musical independence, leadership, and artistic expression. The successful candidate will create an inclusive, disciplined, and encouraging environment and collaborate with CSO artistic and education staff, students, families, educators, and community partners to support a cohesive educational pathway and strengthen the program's impact throughout the region.

Core Responsibilities

Prepare and conduct weekly rehearsals and schedule Youth Philharmonic performances throughout the season.
Select developmentally appropriate symphonic repertoire aligned with the ensemble's artistic and educational goals, in collaboration with the Youth Orchestra Conductor and CSO Artistic Director.
Develop students' ensemble skills, orchestral listening, stylistic understanding, musical independence, leadership, and artistic expression.
Establish an engaging, inclusive, and appropriately challenging environment that promotes high standards, accountability, curiosity, and collaboration.
Coordinate with the Youth Orchestra and Youth Sinfonietta Conductors to create a cohesive artistic and educational progression across the three ensembles.
Develop audition requirements in collaboration with the Youth Orchestra Conductor and participate in student auditions and ensemble placement decisions.
Communicate promptly and effectively revise with the Chief Operations and Impact Officer, Education and Community Engagement Coordinator, and fellow conductors regarding scheduling, student progress, and program needs.
Support program development, student recruitment and retention, community visibility, and advocacy for the Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestras.
Model professional conduct and comply with CSO policies and procedures, including those governing work with minors.

Qualifications

Bachelor's or Master's degree in music performance, conducting, music education, or equivalent professional experience.
At least three years of conducting experience with youth or collegiate orchestras.
Experience conducting full symphonic ensembles.
Strong knowledge of orchestral repertoire, rehearsal techniques, and instrumental pedagogy.
Demonstrated success in teaching, mentoring, and developing young musicians.
Strong communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with students, families, educators, colleagues, and community supporters.
Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative and team-oriented approach.
Availability to work evenings and weekends as required by the rehearsal and performance schedule.
A strong commitment to music education, youth development, community engagement, and the Charleston Symphony's mission.
Passion for the arts.

Compensation

$250 per service. Each rehearsal and performance constitutes one service.

Youth Philharmonic Conductor

Core Responsibilities

Prepare and conduct weekly rehearsals and schedule Youth Philharmonic performances throughout the season.
Select developmentally appropriate symphonic repertoire aligned with the ensemble's artistic and educational goals, in collaboration with the Youth Orchestra Conductor and CSO Artistic Director.
Develop students' ensemble skills, orchestral listening, stylistic understanding, musical independence, leadership, and artistic expression.
Establish an engaging, inclusive, and appropriately challenging environment that promotes high standards, accountability, curiosity, and collaboration.
Coordinate with the Youth Orchestra and Youth Sinfonietta Conductors to create a cohesive artistic and educational progression across the three ensembles.
Develop audition requirements in collaboration with the Youth Orchestra Conductor and participate in student auditions and ensemble placement decisions.
Communicate promptly and effectively revise with the Chief Operations and Impact Officer, Education and Community Engagement Coordinator, and fellow conductors regarding scheduling, student progress, and program needs.
Support program development, student recruitment and retention, community visibility, and advocacy for the Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestras.
Model professional conduct and comply with CSO policies and procedures, including those governing work with minors.

Qualifications

Bachelor's or Master's degree in music performance, conducting, music education, or equivalent professional experience.
At least three years of conducting experience with youth or collegiate orchestras.
Experience conducting full symphonic ensembles.
Strong knowledge of orchestral repertoire, rehearsal techniques, and instrumental pedagogy.
Demonstrated success in teaching, mentoring, and developing young musicians.
Strong communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with students, families, educators, colleagues, and community supporters.
Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative and team-oriented approach.
Availability to work evenings and weekends as required by the rehearsal and performance schedule.
A strong commitment to music education, youth development, community engagement, and the Charleston Symphony's mission.
Passion for the arts.

Compensation

$250 per service. Each rehearsal and performance constitutes one service.