Description

Job Opportunity: Music Director, SOGO

Organization: Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia

Location: Olympia, Washington

Reports to and works with: Board of Directors, working with Executive Director and Artistic Director

Status: Full-time preferred, we may consider candidates for a part-time position with reduced scope/compensation

Salary Range: Full-time $55,000-$80,000.  Full-time benefits including health insurance and paid time off.  Specifics will be discussed during the hiring process.

Benefits: Medical/Vacation/Sick Leave

Start Date: By summer 2026

Requirements

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Music Director of the Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia (SOGO) is responsible, in coordination with the Artistic Director, for the overall success of SOGO’s music program. This full-time position combines conducting, recruitment, supervision, planning, and public engagement. The Music Director leads SOGO’s top-level Conservatory Orchestra and supervises other conductors, focusing on student development, artistic excellence, collaboration, and community outreach. Along with the Artistic Director, they play a central role in working with music educators to expand access to high-quality music education in our community.  They also work closely with the Executive Director to coordinate administration, budgeting, and to provide development support.  The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic and skilled conductor-educator with high musical standards, empathy for youth in development, and a passion for the role of music education in young lives. 

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES / JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

• Conducts rehearsals, concerts, and selects musical programming for our top-level  Conservatory Orchestra, working with other SOGO orchestras as needed.
• Ensures productive rehearsals and supports student development through  score study and rehearsal preparation.
• Coordinates auditions of student musicians. Along with other staff, determines membership in the orchestras and seating of musicians.
• Fosters collaboration with other artistic/educational organizations.
• Collaborates with the Artistic Director to recruit conductors and teaching artists; jointly developing hiring recommendations and assignments.
• Supervises conductors of the other orchestras to ensure student musicians are developing in line with organizational standards and policies.
• Leads student recruiting in coordination with the Artistic Director and teaching artists.
• Networks with music educators, coordinating programs to support music education in the community and increase participation in music.
• Provides input to the Executive Director and SOGO Board on budget development and management.
• Identifies and organizes special opportunities (e.g., tours, community outreach events, special performances). 
  Coordinates student leadership development.
• Assists in support of fundraising events, helps promote public awareness of SOGO, its vision, and the importance of music education for youth.
• Other duties as assigned.

 
KEY SKILLS, ATTRIBUTES, AND COMPETENCIES

• Enthusiasm and energy for working effectively with active music students.
• Ability to use humor and other appropriate tools to maintain student engagement.
• Skill in supporting student learning and improvement through developmentally appropriate techniques.
• Commitment to setting high artistic standards, balanced with empathy for students’ physical, musical, and emotional growth.
• Strong written, verbal, and public speaking skills in English.  Fluency in Spanish is desirable.

 
MUSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Proven success as a conductor and music teacher.
• Extensive knowledge of orchestral literature at all levels:
  • Familiarity with standard repertoire; offers appropriate interpretations of various styles of music.
  • Capacity to identify and address technical and artistic challenges in selected works.
• Perform or have performed at a high level (professional preferred) on an instrument.
• Understanding of orchestral bowings and instrumental techniques across all sections.

 
OTHER REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Primary work environment includes: rehearsal spaces, performance venues and office settings.
• Physical requirements include: physical activity consistent with orchestral conducting, occasional lifting up to 20 lbs. driving to local venues and schools.
• Education: Bachelor's Degree in music education or related field, Master’s Degree in Orchestra Conducting preferred.
• Maintain residency within the local community.

COMPENSATIONS & BENEFITS

(Full-time benefits including health insurance and paid time off.  Specifics will be discussed during the hiring process.)

• Salary: Full-time $55,000 - $80,000.
• Benefits include:
  • Medical
  • Vacation
  • Sick time and PFML in accordance with WA law

ABOUT SOGO and Greater Olympia

Founded in 2000, SOGO has grown to over 180 students participating in 4 orchestras, brass choir, and small chamber ensembles.  While mostly from the immediate Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater area, students are drawn from a five county region including Thurston, Mason, Lewis, Grays Harbor, and Pierce Counties.  Our orchestras perform three concerts each season, the Conservatory Orchestra hosts an annual Messiah sing-a-long, and the Brass Choir performs an annual holiday program.  The Brass Choir toured in Italy in 2010 and Croatia in 2025.  Performances involve regular collaborations with other groups, including the Olympia Symphony and Ballet Northwest.  SOGO chamber ensembles regularly perform concerts throughout the community.  

Students played a leadership role in our founding and have been part of the board of directors ever since.  Beginning in 2022 when it was allowed by state law, SOGO has had up to 3 students as voting members on the board, providing a strong voice for our mission.  Student leaders also organize student activities to promote social connections and support for our orchestras.

More than just a youth orchestra, SOGO works extensively with music educators and community members to expand music awareness and access to high-quality music education.  This includes hosting instrument petting zoos for younger children, summer music classes, and orchestra tours to local schools.  SOGO 2 Schools is an innovative program that supports school music programs with free sectional rehearsals led by SOGO staff, and free private lessons for students who need additional support.  We continue to explore additional ways to reach more students with music.  Partly as a result of these efforts, SOGO scholarship participation has grown to about 20%.  Our membership is growing in diversity along with our community.

Greater Olympia has a vibrant performing arts/education community including a professional symphony, chamber orchestra, ballet, and theater.  The successful candidate may find additional professional opportunities in the community for conducting or instrumental performance.  The Washington Center for the Performing Arts and the Mineart Center at South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) provide outstanding performance venues.  

Seattle, with its top-tier symphony, opera, and other performing arts, is just 65 miles north on I-5, while Portland is about 2 hours south.  The great outdoor offerings of the pacific northwest are close at hand.

 
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please email the following materials to [email protected] with the subject line: Music Director – [Your Name]:

• Cover Letter
• Resume or CV
• Names and contact information for three references
• Links to conducting footage in performance and/or rehearsal from the last 2-3 years, preferably with youth orchestra (no more than 15 minutes each)

No references will be contacted without first getting the permission of the candidate.  Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

SOGO 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.

Applications due: October 31, 2025