About POP
Play On Philly (POP) is a non-profit organization that provides daily, after-school music instruction to over 300 K-12 students. We work in communities that historically have had little or no access to formal music education. POP offers a transformative music education experience that develops and inspires the behaviors and personal skills needed for a successful life.
Job Description
Reporting to the Director of Education, the String Ensemble Conductor is responsible for collaborating with Program leadership to align repertoire selections and determine POP curriculum learning objectives, serving as the conductor for ensembles in rehearsals and performances, and ensuring that the Teaching Artists in their division are instructing students toward consistent, successful outcomes.
Essential Functions
- Collaborate with Music Director and Director of Education to align repertoire selections with POP curriculum learning standards and objectives.
- Serve as the conductor for the String Ensembles in rehearsals and performances.
- Develop and train students’ reading, rehearsal, and performance skills in ensemble playing and performance.
- Ensure Division Teaching Artists plan and teach musical instruction that follows POP’s learning objectives and standards and repertoire guidelines, as set by Music Director and Director of Education.
- Schedule, prepare for, and lead bi-weekly Division meetings to assess progress toward goals and readjust, as needed.
- Meet with the Music Director and Director of Education regularly to ensure cross-orchestra alignment.
A Successful Candidate
- Has strong classroom management skills and organizational skills
- Is proficient in all String instruments
- Is knowledgeable about a variety of method books, pedagogical approaches, and repertoire
- Has experience with El Sistema-inspired programs and awareness of their vision and pedagogical approach
- Has a growth mindset and welcomes feedback
- Minimum of 1-3 years of experience leading large ensembles.
- Bachelor’s degree in Music or Music Education required; Masters in Orchestral Conducting or equivalent professional experience preferred.
- Ability to articulate and demonstrate a deep appreciation for, understanding of, and sensitivity to the needs of high performing young musicians.
- Broad knowledge of repertoire suitable for children’s String Ensemble.
- Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed for events.
- Ability to work collaboratively with others to achieve team and organizational goals.
Compensation
Hourly Teaching Rate: $45 Hourly Admin Rate: $20
This position will have an average of 20 hours per week: 11 teaching hours and 9 admin hours, with the possibility of additional compensation for concerts or special events.
On-Site Work Commitment
String Ensembles will be on Tuesday – Friday mornings, 7:30-9:00am at Independence Charter School West, and Monday – Thursday afternoons between 2:45 – 5:15pm at St. Francis de Sales School. The String Ensemble Conductor will work 20 hours per week: 11 teaching hours, 9 admin hours. This schedule is a best estimate based on program planning and may be subject to change.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
POP is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is actively trying to attract a wide pool of candidates. Discrimination against race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability or genetic information is both illegal and against our organization’s values. As part of our Commitment to Cultural Equity and Anti-Racism, POP is working to understand who is applying to our open positions. Your responses will help us to evaluate and improve our current practices. If you feel comfortable volunteering your demographic details strictly for informational purposes, you will be invited to respond to the optional section in the job application.
Our Community
POP is rooted in the community of Philadelphia. We welcome all applicants and invite our local community members to apply. We want to hear from you!
Application Requirements
Candidates must submit a resumé or Curriculum Vitae, cover letter, and links for 3-5 recent conducting videos totaling a maximum of 20 minutes. Rehearsal video is required; performance video is optional.