CHIME ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO) — Schenectady, NY

Reports to: CHIME Director

Works in artistic consultation with: ESYO Music Director

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Salary: $65,000–$75,000 commensurate with experience

Benefits: Health insurance, 403(b) matching

Start Date: Summer 2026 (flexible)

POSITION OVERVIEW

The CHIME Associate Director is first and foremost an experienced music educator — someone who

brings deep pedagogical knowledge, strong ensemble instincts, and a genuine commitment to

community-centered music learning. This is a substantive artistic and educational leadership role, working

closely alongside the CHIME Director and in ongoing artistic consultation with the ESYO Music Director.

The Associate Director conducts CHIME's primary ensembles, mentors and supports Teaching Artists,

and contributes to curriculum development and repertoire planning. This role is focused on musical

leadership, pedagogical depth, and ensemble culture — program operations, school partnerships, and

staff supervision rest with the CHIME Director.

We are specifically seeking candidates with strong experience in winds, brass, and/or percussion — as

players, conductors, and educators. A background in public school band programs, Sistema-inspired

settings, or community music organizations is highly valued.

Applicants must be willing to reside in the Capital Region.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Educational Leadership & Pedagogy

Serve as a collaborative artistic and pedagogical thought partner to the CHIME Director and ESYO Music Director
Provide substantive mentorship and instructional support to CHIME faculty, with particular depth in winds, brass, and percussion
Contribute to curriculum development, instructional sequencing, and student progression in collaboration with the CHIME Director
Support repertoire selection and ensemble balance aligned with program goals
Assist CHIME faculty with rehearsal technique, sectional work, and student engagement strategies

Ensemble Leadership

Conduct and prepare two CHIME ensembles for performances throughout the season: a full symphony orchestra drawing from a wide range of experience levels, and a chamber orchestra of advanced high school students
Select repertoire for both ensembles in close collaboration with the CHIME Director and ESYO Music Director
Lead rehearsals and sectionals with energy, clarity, musical rigor, and the flexibility that mixed-level ensemble work requires
Conduct public performances, concerts, and community showcases

Student Development

Foster an inclusive, joyful, and musically ambitious ensemble culture
Build meaningful relationships with students and families
Facilitate student-centered/-led instructional environments with intention and skill, cultivating authentic student leadership across CHIME and nurturing the agency of young musicians at all stages in their musical trajectory and ensemble community.
Support pathways for students transitioning from CHIME into ESYO's broader ensemble ecosystem

Cross-Program Collaboration

Contribute to CHIME's summer program and organization-wide programs and events as appropriate

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum 5 years of experience conducting and teaching youth in school, community, or ensemble settings
Strong instrumental pedagogy expertise in winds, brass, and/or percussion
Demonstrated ability to mentor colleagues or support instructional staff
Deep commitment to equitable access to music education and student-centered practice
Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds using inclusive, culturally responsive approaches
Collaborative by nature, with strong communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred

Background in public school band programs
Experience with Sistema-inspired or community-based music programs
Longitudinal curriculum development experience for mixed-level ensembles
Ability to arrange or adapt music for developing players
Master's degree in music education, conducting, or performance (or equivalent experience)

HOW TO APPLY

Submit a cover letter, résumé, and video links demonstrating conducting or teaching to

chimeadsearch@esyo.org, with the subject line: CHIME Associate Director – [Your Name]. Applications

reviewed on a rolling basis.

ESYO is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment

without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or

veteran status.

ABOUT ESYO and CHIME

Empire State Youth Orchestra serves more than 600 young musicians each season through 14

ensembles and CHIME — an intensive, after-school music program in partnership with the Schenectady

City School District that cultivates long-term, holistic student development through high-quality,

ensemble-based instruction. At ESYO, music is a tool for connection, transformation, and empowerment.

Located in New York's Capital Region, ESYO is part of a thriving arts ecosystem with access to

professional orchestras, cultural institutions, and easy connections to New York City, Boston, and

Montreal. The region offers an affordable cost of living and a genuinely engaged arts community. Learn

more at esyo.org.

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