Band & Orchestra Coach Intern

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid/In-Person Opportunities Available)

Job Type: Part-Time Internship

Compensation: paid opportunities within 6–12 months, based on performance, organizational growth, and funding.

About Us
We are building a high-impact nonprofit that empowers youth through STEM, education, performance arts, film, and media, giving them real opportunities to grow, create, and lead. Led by a touring hip-hop dancer, model, and performance artist, La’Aurora connects young people to mentorship, hands-on learning, and creative outlets that prepare them for successful futures.
La’Aurora is becoming a premier Youth Innovation, Education, Performing Arts, Film & Media Institute, creating pathways into higher education, entrepreneurship, entertainment, technology, and the creative industries.

Our music program is designed to help young musicians develop technical skills, musical confidence, leadership, and performance experience through band, orchestra, and contemporary music education.

Built for Impact. Driven by Youth.

Where Hustle Meets Opportunity.

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Position Overview
La’Aurora is seeking passionate and knowledgeable Band & Orchestra Coach Interns to provide specialized, instrument-specific instruction, sectional rehearsals, ensemble coaching, and music education for youth musicians.
The ideal candidate has experience performing in or directing a band, orchestra, marching band, concert band, jazz band, chamber ensemble, or similar music program and enjoys mentoring young musicians.

Interns will help students strengthen their musicianship while learning how to rehearse ensembles, coach individual instrument sections, and prepare musicians for concerts, recitals, showcases, competitions, and community performances.

Exceptional interns may transition into paid coaching opportunities within 6–12 months.

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Key Responsibilities

Coach and mentor youth musicians in individual and sectional rehearsals.
Provide specialized instruction for one or more instrument families.
Teach proper playing techniques, posture, breathing, tone production, articulation, rhythm, intonation, and ensemble performance.
Read, interpret, and teach standard sheet music and musical notation.
Assist students with sight-reading, music theory, scales, rhythm exercises, dynamics, phrasing, and musical expression.
Prepare students for concerts, showcases, competitions, auditions, recitals, and community performances.
Lead warm-ups and technical exercises.
Collaborate with music directors and instructors during rehearsals.
Provide constructive feedback to improve musicianship and confidence.
Foster teamwork, discipline, leadership, professionalism, and creativity.
Support rehearsals for concert band, orchestra, chamber ensembles, jazz ensembles, and contemporary music groups.

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Understanding the Four Instrument Families
Applicants should have knowledge of one or more of the four major instrument families and understand how each functions within an ensemble.

Woodwinds
Examples include

Flute
Clarinet
Oboe
Bassoon
Saxophone

Brass
Examples include

Trumpet
Trombone
French Horn
Euphonium
Tuba

Strings
Examples include

Violin
Viola
Cello
Double Bass
Harp

Percussion
Examples include

Snare Drum
Bass Drum
Timpani
Xylophone
Marimba
Drum Set
Auxiliary Percussion

Applicants do not need to master every instrument but should have expertise in at least one family and the ability to coach students within their specialty while collaborating with coaches from other sections.
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Orchestra vs. Band: Key Differences

Candidates should understand the differences between orchestral and band ensembles.

Orchestra

Primarily features string instruments supported by woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
Performs classical, film, contemporary, and symphonic repertoire.
Requires strong attention to dynamics, phrasing, and ensemble blend.

Concert Band

Consists primarily of woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
Does not typically include string instruments.
Performs concert literature, marches, film music, and contemporary works.

Jazz Band

Focuses on improvisation, swing, jazz harmony, and commercial music styles.
Typically includes saxophones, trumpets, trombones, rhythm section, and vocals.

Marching Band

Performs while marching and incorporates visual performance, choreography, precision movement, and musical execution.

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