Assistant Conductor

Position Role:
Pacific Symphony is actively searching for a highly talented and musical individual to fill the role of
Assistant Conductor, Pacific Symphony/Music Director, Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra (Assistant
Conductor) beginning in the 2026-27 season. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication
skills on and off the podium. This position offers an exciting opportunity for a conductor to contribute
their skills, working with the Pacific Symphony’s Music Director and Guest Conductors in rehearsals, in
concerts to ensure that Pacific Symphony performs at the highest possible artistic levels. In this integral
role, the Assistant Conductor will act as additional eyes and ears, playing a pivotal role in the
orchestra’s artistic outcomes. Responsibilities include closely observing rehearsals and performances,
providing insightful feedback about balance and interpretation, and effectively communicating artistic
improvements and suggestions as directed. The Assistant Conductor will collaborate closely with the
Conductor to ensure the musical vision for each performance is realized to its fullest potential. The
Assistant Conductor’s day-to-day duties are assigned by the Symphony’s Senior Vice President of
Artistic Planning. The Assistant Conductor serves as the primary artistic support staff to the Music
Director and assists them with the musical preparation of the orchestra at all rehearsals and concerts,
while also preparing for the potential substitute for ailing or indisposed conductors. The Assistant
Conductor is the Host and Conductor for Family and Youth concerts of Pacific Symphony. Additionally,
the Assistant Conductor is the Music Director of Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra which provides
100+ string, wind and percussion musicians in grades 9 through 12 with intense orchestral training.
Alexander Shelley will be Pacific Symphony’s Artistic and Music Director beginning in the 2026-27
Season and will be overseeing this audition process.
Position compensation is $72,000-$75,000 for the 2026-27 Season.
Position Responsibilities:
• Assist and support the Music Director or Guest Conductors as cover conductor for all
rehearsals and concerts for the Classical Subscription Series, Classical Specials, Chamber
Orchestra cycles, Lunar New Year, Symphonic Soul, Nowruz, Messiah, Summer, and
Symphony in the Cities rehearsals and concerts. This includes performance-ready preparation
of all scores for the potential substitution of an indisposed or cancelled Conductor with
minimal notice.
• Assistance with communication with Symphony Musicians including the delivery of notes to
musicians between rehearsals, between performances, and around recording sessions, in a
timely manner and as instructed by the Conductor.
• Serve as Music Director of Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra. Select programs, conduct all
weekly rehearsals and concerts during the season. Lead an annual retreat for the students
and listen to annual auditions in conjunction with other members of the Pacific Symphony
Youth Ensemble team.
• Host and Conduct Family and Youth concerts. Work with Family and Youth concert planning
teams to plan and execute each program.
• As assigned by Senior Vice President of Artistic Planning or Music Director, conduct Pacific
Symphony for non-subscription concerts, including but not limited to education or
community engagement concerts, runout concerts, holiday concerts, Summer concerts.
• Mark musical scores for use by the video director for concerts that include Image
Magnification.
• Assist the Music Director, guest conductors, artistic planning team and library as requested on
artistic matters.
• Assist in concert logistics such as media cues, supertitles, artist calls and other elements
for designated programs.
• Act as a spokesperson for Pacific Symphony and attend community activities and
fundraising events as requested.
• Act as Host for pre-concert previews as requested.
Key Relationships:
• Reports to Artistic and Music Director
• Schedule Managed by Senior Vice President of Artistic Planning
• Works with Artistic and Music Director, Guest Conductors, Guest Artists, Pacific
Symphony Musicians, Symphony Artistic, Youth Ensembles, Library, Personnel,
Operations & Production teams
Qualifications:
• Minimum of 2 years professional experience conducting a symphony orchestra (or
equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 2 years experience conducting a youth orchestra (or equivalent experience).
• Knowledge of symphony orchestra structures and practices, symphonic repertoire
required.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to successfully manage relationships with other conductors, guest artists, staff
members, musicians and other constituents.
• Must be able to work days, evenings and weekends as required.
• Ability to motivate others.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and to handle calmly and efficiently
situations ranging from routine to emergency.
• Assistant Conductor shall reside in Southern California for the duration of the appointment.
• Applicants must legally be able to work in the United States.
Application Process:
• Candidates are requested to submit the following materials no later than March 15, 2026 to:
Eileen Jeanette, Senior Vice-President of Artistic Planning and Production
ejeanette@pacificsymphony.org
• All materials must be submitted electronically, with written materials sent as either PDF or MS
Word files. Candidates will be notified once their application has been received.
• Cover Letter and Résumé
• References and/or letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation are strongly
encouraged.
• Videos
o Videos must show recent conducting experience and would ideally include a varied
selection of repertoire. Performance and/or rehearsal videos are acceptable.
o Videos must be of the conductor from the orchestra’s vantage point.
o Videos must submitted via YouTube, Vimeo, or similar online video hosting services.
Do not send videos as files attached to emails. If videos are password protected, please
be sure to include password information. If using YouTube, videos may be marked as
“unlisted” but please DO NOT mark videos as “private.” Online video submission must
be easily accessible by multiple users.
In Person Auditions:
In person auditions will take place on May 31, 2026 in Costa Mesa, CA. Auditions are by invitation and
invitations will be extended to Conductors no later than April 8, 2026
For more information about Pacific Symphony: https://www.pacificsymphony.org/