What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wind Coach position at Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras?
Location: Fairfield, CT
Position Type: Part-Time Employee
Start Date: December 13, 2025
Application Deadline: November 15, 2025
Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras is a dynamic, thriving youth music organization committed to nurturing young musicians through high-quality music education and performance experiences. We are currently seeking a passionate and dedicated Wind Coach to lead the wind section for Virtuosi Orchestra, GCTYO’s first full orchestra experience.
Coaches work closely with the Music Director and Conductors of the orchestras to support students both musically and technically during each of our three concert cycles. The Wind Coach will be responsible for teaching sectionals and conducting one or two pieces on each of three regular season concerts with Virtuosi Orchestra.
- Coach weekly Saturday morning sectional rehearsals from September through mid-May (9:00-11:30 AM)
- 2 ½ hours of intensive woodwind and brass instruction on primarily classical style music for intermediate-level middle and high school students
- Attend, assist, and perform with the kids as needed at 3 concerts per year
- Communicate with conductors and Music Director and establish effective rehearsal plans
- Conduct Virtuosi Wind section on concerts
- Foster a positive and inclusive environment that promotes musical growth and teamwork
- Communicate with families and staff regarding schedules, expectations, and student progress
- Bachelor’s degree in Music or Music Education is required
- Ability to establish the highest standards of music performance, while being supportive, understanding, and approachable
- Demonstrated appreciation for and understanding of the needs of intermediate-level brass and woodwind musicians in both middle school and high school. Experience with beginning band, while not required, is preferred.
- Demonstrated appreciation for and understanding of the needs of high-performing students
- Demonstrated success in teaching wind techniques and methods
- Commitment to youth development and music education
Other duties:
- Attendance at staff meetings and some summer work
- Attendance at dress rehearsals, concerts, and occasional other student events
- Occasional committee work
- Attendance at professional development workshops
Teaching Artists are compensated (hourly rate) for attending scheduled professional development sessions and other additional activities that benefit the organization.
Salary: $5,000-$6,500 (annual), depending on experience and qualifications
- Cover letter addressing your interest, experience, and desire to work with youth orchestras
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Contact information for 3 professional references.
Send applications to Chris Hisey, Music Director (musicdirector@gctyo.org) by November 15, 2025.
Qualified individuals from backgrounds traditionally under-represented in the arts are strongly encouraged to apply. Read our DEI and Mission Statements at https://gctyo.org/. We are also on Facebook and Instagram.
Join a thriving organization and teach students who are eager to learn and dedicated to making music!
Salary : $5,000 - $6,500