Conductor, Oklahoma City University Symphony Orchestra Artistic Director and Conductor, Oklahoma Youth Orchestras, Associate Professor or Professor of Music

VP Area: Music School

Department: Music School

FLSA Status: Exempt

Benefit Eligibility:  Yes

The Wanda L. Bass School of Music at Oklahoma City University (OCU) and The Oklahoma Youth Orchestras (​OKYO​) invite applications for the 12-month position of Conductor of the University Symphony Orchestra and Artistic Director of the Oklahoma Youth Orchestras. This is a tenure track, Associate Professor/Professor of Music appointment. The successful candidate will conduct the OCU Symphony Orchestra, serve as the Artistic Director for the Oklahoma Youth Orchestras, and conduct the Oklahoma Youth Orchestra, the flagship ensemble of the organization.  

The University seeks a dynamic professional to lead a vibrant orchestra program preparing student musician​s​ for careers as educators and performers. In addition to conducting the Symphony Orchestra, the successful candidate will also teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses in area of specialty. Additionally, the successful candidate will advise students, participate in faculty meetings and take part in university service endeavors. Effective teaching, scholarship and service are required for retention and promotion.  

The Oklahoma Youth Orchestras seeks a dynamic professional to assume artistic leadership for the largest youth orchestra program in the state, guiding the artistic vision, staff development, and educational outcomes for students throughout the program. They will conduct the Oklahoma Youth Orchestra, an auditioned ensemble consisting mainly of high school​ students.​ 

Oklahoma City University and The Oklahoma Youth Orchestras have a long partnership history, and this joint position is designed to ​continue to ​strengthen this relationship. Together we seek a team member to advance the mission of both organizations. The successful candidate will be expected to lead student recruiting and retention efforts. 

​​Qualifications:  Master‘s degree, significant university teaching experience and evidence of successful work with pre-college age students required.  Knowledge and experience in program development including but not limited to recruiting, ​repertoire and programming, ​concert planning, and artistic leadership.​​  Fundraising experience is a plus.​ 

Inclusion and Diversity: OCU and OKYO are equally committed to building a diverse and inclusive faculty, staff, and student body.  We welcome applications from members of traditionally underrepresented groups. The organizations are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and are aligned with our organizations’ overarching vision and mission. Further, we aspire to engage in our work in equitable and inclusive ways, and desire to work with a team member who is committed to OCU’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s strategic goals. 

About the Wanda L. Bass School of Music:   The Wanda L. Bass School of Music, an all-Steinway school, is a fully accredited institutional member of NASM with 28 full-time and 30 adjunct faculty members, 300 undergraduate and 60 graduate students. The 75-member student Symphony Orchestra performs four major concerts each year with repertoire representing a variety of style periods. The OCU Symphony Orchestra has been honored with an ASCAP Adventurous Programming Award and represented the United States at the "Meet in Beijing" Arts Festival. Recently performed repertoire has included masterworks by Beethoven, Debussy, Mahler, Shostakovich, Stravinsky, and many others. Orchestra members also serve as the pit orchestra for two fully staged operas and two fully staged musicals each year, and the orchestra performs in the annual Christmas Vespers Concert.