MacPhail Northside Youth Orchestra; MNYO Conductor & Coordinator

Title: Mac Phail Northside Youth Orchestra (MNYO) Conductor & Coordinator

Reports to: School Partnerships Director

Department: School Partnerships

Status: Exempt;
Part Time (12 Hours/week for 24 weeks)

Location: Twin Cities & Surrounding Area, On-Site

Compensation: $24,000/Annual

The Mac Phail Northside Youth Orchestra (MNYO) Conductor & Coordinator provides artistic, educational, and operational onsite leadership for the Orchestra. This role is responsible for conducting, K-12 music education, and program administration, all of which support students’ musical growth within a structured ensemble experience.

The Mac Phail Northside Youth Orchestra (MNYO) Conductor & Coordinator is responsible for the day‑to‑day success of the orchestra, including rehearsals, performances, student engagement, and program coordination.

• Lead weekly orchestra rehearsals on Saturdays from 1:00–3:00 pm along with an additional hour for setup and teardown.
• Foster a supportive, high‑expectation learning environment aligned with strong K-12 pedagogical practices.
• Audition and interview prospective students to ensure appropriate ensemble placement.
• Lead sectionals within areas of musical expertise and coordinate additional sectionals with coaches.
• Oversee rehearsal and concert logistics, including equipment management, setup, and teardown.
• Contract additional musicians when repertoire or performances require expanded instrumentation.
• Support student musicianship, ensemble skills, and artistic confidence through thoughtful repertoire selection and rehearsal planning.

• Select, prepare, and arrange repertoire appropriate to the ensemble’s instrumentation and skill level.
• Maintain the orchestra library, including copying, distributing, and tracking parts.
• Provide music to sectional coaches and collaborating faculty in a timely manner.
• Prepare concert programs in coordination with staff.
• Record and edit performances for archival and promotional use.

• Develop the annual program budget under the direction of the School Partnerships Director.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the host site.
• Hire and supervise sectional coaches and interns under the direction of the School Partnerships Director.
• Track attendance for students, interns, and coaches, including reporting additional hours related to performances.
• Create and distribute the annual rehearsal and performance calendar.
• Lead program communications with students, families, and staff.
• Schedule and coordinate a minimum of three concerts annually, along with additional performance opportunities.
• Partner with the Minnesota Orchestra and other organizations to coordinate educational outreach and pre‑concert performances.
• Organize community‑building events for students and families as appropriate.

• Foster an inclusive, student-centered environment that supports risk‑taking, mutual respect, and creative expression.
• Support outreach and communication efforts to help raise awareness, engage new participants, and connect the work of Mac Phail Center for Music to the broader community.
• Model curiosity, openness, and professionalism in all interactions with students, families, and colleagues.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, Conducting, Music Performance, or a related field, required.
• Master’s Degree in Music Education, Conducting, Music Performance, or a related field, preferred.

• 3+ years of demonstrated experience working with K‑12 students in an ensemble setting, required.
• Experience with student-centered teaching practices, required.
• Experience managing programs and/or ensembles with operational independence, preferred.

• Strong conducting skills.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively while leading.
• Ability to lead with initiative and accountability.