Director, University Chamber Orchestra University of Chicago $1,500 - $1,700 per

For students in the Music Department, it serves as a meaningful complement to their academic studies.Job SummaryThe University Chamber Orchestra (UChO) is an intergral component of the instrumental wing of the Performance Program, which includes the University Symphony Orchestra, University Chamber Orchestra, University Wind Ensemble, and UChicago Percussion Ensemble. In addition, the UChO Director provides relevant technical and musical feedback to individual student musicians, as well as advice on supplemental opportunities and advanced musical studies, as appropriate. The UChO Director assists with recruitment for substitute or supplemental musicians as needed throughout the course of the season.Selection ProcessScreening and phone interviews to be completed by early July.In-person interviews and conducting auditions, with student ensemble, will be scheduled during the second half of July.ResponsibilitiesPrograms well-balanced and engaging concert programs for the University Chamber Orchestra, featuring repertoire that is both suitable for the available instrumental forces and appropriate for the technical level of the musicians. Arranges additional sectional rehearsals, workshops, and individual coaching sessions as needed to promote the maximum artistic growth of the ensemble and its members.Creates and distributes supplemental instructional materials to members of the ensemble, in order to help build their basic musical skills, broaden their musical understanding, and promote their enthusiasm for the repertoire at hand.Offers individual musical coaching sessions to ensemble members as needed throughout the academic year.Recruits additional musicians to the ensemble as needed, from within the UChicago student body and the Hyde Park community, in cooperation with the Director of Performance Programs.Advices performers on planning and scheduling recitals, supplemental performances, community engagement activities, and advanced musical study as requested, very occasionally.Meets with prospective students interested in pursuing musical opportunities in the College, as requested, very occasionally.Tracks student attendance and engagement; submits grades (Pass/Fail) to the Registrar at the end of each academic quarter via the Faculty Access portal, in accordance with specified deadlines.Follows all specified steps and format guidelines for working with the Music Department’s Director of Communications, Graphic Designer, Operations Manager, and other Performance Program staff members in submitting concert information, program materials, personnel lists, and other relevant materials in accordance with specified deadlines.Works within a modest operating budget available for the program. Fulfills all deadlines as specified.Has a moderate/high level of authority to participate in staff meetings, individual planning meetings, and parent-student staffings.Helps staff to plan and execute events.Performs other related work as needed.Minimum QualificationsEducation:Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.Work Experience:Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.Preferred QualificationsEducationMaster of arts or music degree in musical performance from an accredited conservatory.ExperienceSubstantive formal training in orchestral conducting.Background serving as an ensemble conductor, assistant conductor, or cover conductor for an established ensemble on the community orchestra level, at another educational institution, or in a professional setting.Training and experience in conducting opera, operetta, or musical theater.Familiarity at working with solo and choral singers as well as with orchestral musicians.Technical Skills or KnowledgeBroad knowledge of chamber orchestra repertoire from within the Western canon of orchestral music.Working knowledge of effective pedagogical approaches for teaching post-high-school orchestral musicians.Preferred CompetenciesStrong verbal and written communication skills.Work successfully with students at various technical and musical levels.Strong organizational skills.Dependability and accountability.Work within a well-established and broad-ranging Performance Program, and cooperate both with the Director of Performance Programs and the other PP Directors.Working ConditionsMake regular weekly commitment to on-campus teaching and coaching during the regular academic year, which consists of three nine-week quarters, October through May.