MUSIC DIRECTOR

Huntsville Youth Orchestra (HYO)

Reports to: Board of Directors
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
PositionType: Part-time, salaried (20-25 hours per week) with benefits

Huntsville Youth Orchestra (HYO) is an equal opportunity employer. HYO is a drug- and alcohol-free workplace.

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Founded in 1961, the Huntsville Youth Orchestra has a long-standing tradition of musical excellence and youth development. HYO serves more than 200 students annually through a comprehensive pathway that includes six orchestras ranging from beginner strings to advanced full symphony, a chamber music program, and its summer intensive, Tennessee Valley Music Festival.

Located in Huntsville, Alabama—one of the fastest-growing cities in the Southeast—HYO benefits from a community known for its innovation, cultural investment, and high quality of life. Huntsville offers a vibrant arts scene, strong public and private education systems, and access to outdoor recreation in nearby mountains, rivers, and greenways. Candidates relocating for this position may find additional professional opportunities within the region’s active performing arts and music education communities.

While musical excellence is central to our work, HYO is committed to educating, guiding, and supporting the whole child. We are a fiscally stable organization with a dedicated Board of Directors actively engaged in advancing HYO’s mission.

Mission:
The Huntsville Youth Orchestra (HYO) is dedicated to providing children and youth with a fun, musical experience and benefits/rewards that will last a lifetime. The program instills cooperation, discipline and patience, developing young musicians into appreciative listeners and participants.

Learn more about the Huntsville Youth Orchestra at www.hsvyo.org

THE POSITION

The Music Director is HYO’s chief artistic leader, serving as the primary conductor, educator, and artist who provides vision and oversight for all programming. Reporting to the Board of Directors and partnering closely with the Executive Director. The role leads artistic planning and execution across all HYO programs; supervises all artistic staff; ensures high-quality musical and educational experiences; advances HYO’s mission through strategic initiatives; leads recruitment and retention; and builds strong relationships with schools, instructors, and the broader community.

The Music Director will conduct the Huntsville Youth Symphony and either Sinfonia or Philharmonia, and various ensembles at the Tennessee Valley Music Festival.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Five (5)+ years of orchestral conducting experience with student, professional, or community orchestras
Degree in music, music education, or equivalent experience required
Ability to plan and lead artistic and educational development of ensembles
Broad knowledge of youth orchestra repertoire
Ability to work with youth in a caring and supportive manner
Thorough understanding of adolescent musical development
Effective leadership, supervision, and mentorship, with a commitment to collaboration, transparency, and inclusivity
Strong written, verbal, and public speaking communication skills
Commitment to HYO’s mission, strategic goals, and “whole child” philosophy
Must be eligible to work in the United States

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary Range: $28,000–$38,000, commensurate with experience
Medical, dental, and vision benefits (fixed employer contribution)

TO APPLY

Applicants should submit the following materials:

Cover letter
Resume or curriculum vitae
Three to five (3–5) professional references
Repertoire List: list of select performances conducted (with dates and repertoire)
Conducting Videos:
- One rehearsal excerpt (with date indicated)
- Two recent concert performance excerpts (with dates indicated)

Conducting videos should be included as unlisted YouTube links on the Repertoire List. Videos should demonstrate at least two contrasting musical styles and a range of conducting abilities. Videos should be recent and, ideally, filmed from the orchestra’s perspective. If a single video includes multiple works, please provide time stamps indicating the start of each selection.

Applications must be submitted via this Google Form.

For questions regarding the position or application process, please contact:
Taylor Barlow, Executive Director | taylor@hsvyo.org

TIMELINE

Application Deadline: Priority consideration by February 16, 2026
Initial Interviews: March 2026
Finalist In-person Interview & Audition: March–April 2026
Anticipated Offer: May 2026
Anticipated Start Date:
- Tennessee Valley Music Festival (June 7–13, if available)
- July 1, 2026

Huntsville Youth Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer. HYO considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, military status, physical or mental disability, or any legally protected status.

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