NEWS

The Yamhill Enrichment Society (YES) is proud to announce the hiring of two outstanding music educators, Damián Berdakín and Sarah Barr, to lead the JOY Youth Orchestras beginning in the 2025–2026 school year. Their leadership marks an exciting expansion of YES’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality music education to students across Yamhill County.

Starting in September 2025, JOY Youth Orchestras will offer structured weekly rehearsals and performance opportunities for students in grades 4–12 with at least two years of experience on their instrument. Participation will be open by audition to string, brass, woodwind, and percussion players from across Yamhill County. The program is designed to foster musical growth, collaboration, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Damián Berdakín will serve as conductor of the JOY Symphony Orchestra, which is open to students in grades 7–12 who play strings, brass, woodwind and percussion instruments. Originally from Córdoba, Argentina, Berdakín brings decades of experience as a double bassist, conductor, and music educator. He has held conducting positions with the Pacific Lyric Association and the Santa Cecilia Orchestra in Los Angeles and served as an Artist Teacher for the LA Philharmonic. He also founded the Santa Monica Youth Orchestra and directed youth ensembles in California, Oregon, and Texas.

Sarah Barr will conduct JOY Prelude Strings, a beginning-level youth orchestra for students in grades 4–8. Barr is a dedicated violinist and music teacher with degrees in music education from Missouri State University and the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She has taught orchestra in Newberg, OR, and currently teaches elementary music at Newby Elementary in McMinnville. Her deep belief in the power of music to positively impact young lives makes her a natural fit for the JOY program.

“JOY continues to expand as more students across the county experience the magic of playing music together,” said Amy Brunner, JOY Program Director, “We are thrilled to welcome Damián and Sarah to the JOY team. Their experience, leadership, and passion will help shape a vibrant future for music education in Yamhill County.”

JOY Youth Orchestras are part of YES’s larger vision to support literacy, music, and cultural enrichment county-wide. By creating inclusive, high-impact opportunities like JOY, YES ensures every child has access to experiences that inspire creativity, confidence, and community. For more information about JOY and upcoming auditions, visit https://yamhillenrichmentsociety.org.

The Yamhill Enrichment Society (YES) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children in Yamhill County through literacy and music enrichment. Through initiatives like the Yamhill County Imagination Library, which provides free monthly books to children from birth to age five, and the Junior Orchestra of Yamhill County (JOY), offering music education opportunities to children grades 1-12, YES fosters inclusive programs that inspire learning and creativity. Founded in 2011, YES collaborates with the community to ensure every child has access to opportunities that help them dream more, learn more, and be more. Find out more at: https://yamhillenrichmentsociety.org.

Contracted Stipend: one day of in person rehearsals a week, auditions, prep time prior to auditions and first rehearsal, weekly allotted for planning, occasional program and site meetings, and occasional evenings for performances
Reports to: JOY Program Director, YES Executive Director
Desired Start Date: April 2025
Stipend: Experience and Ensemble Dependent
Two positions available
– JOY Prelude Strings: $3360-$4128
– JOY Symphony: $4445-$5461
No TSPC Licensure required
Closing date: March 27, 2025

Organization Overview
The Junior Orchestra of Yamhill County (JOY) is a collaborative project of the Yamhill Enrichment Society (YES), a 501(3)c organization dedicated to transforming the lives of Yamhill County youth by providing access to music and literacy enrichment. JOY is an El Sistema member organization. JOY is committed to supporting the growth of curricular strings programs in Yamhill County and is currently operating in the Newberg and McMinnville School Districts. JOY consists of in school programming for kindergarten and first grade students during their general music classes, After School learning orchestras for grades 2-5, and, coming fall 2025, are our audition based JOY Youth Orchestra offerings. JOY is currently growing and is adding offerings by grade level at each school.

Position Overview
The JOY Prelude Strings and JOY Symphony are new youth orchestra programming being offered for the first time in the fall of 2025. JOY Prelude Strings is meant for 4-8 string students and the JOY Symphony is meant for 7-12 grade students. All students must be enrolled in their school’s orchestral offering and must live in Yamhill County. Homeschool, private school, and public school students are welcome. There are two conducting positions open; one for JOY Prelude Strings and one for the JOY Symphony.

Schedule
This is a contracted stipend position. Auditions will take place in late May with a chance to audition again in the fall. Prep time for auditions, first rehearsal, and rehearsals following suite have been included in the stipend. Rehearsals would potentially 5:45-7:00 for JOY Prelude Strings and 6:00-7:45 for JOY Symphony and could potentially be on Wednesday nights. The JOY Preludes and Symphony ensembles will meet eleven times a semester before their concert.

Final schedules are determined after auditions in May. Other opportunities such as teaching K-1 violin, substitute teaching, and teaching in the after school orchestra for grades 2-5 may also be available. Additional hours could be available or added based on program needs. Examples include staff and student recruiting, summer camp, concerts, public performances, and special events.

Position Overview
Functions and responsibilities may include the following and are subject to review. 

REHEARSALS/PERFORMANCES 

• Looking for two conductors, one for JOY Prelude Strings and one for JOY Symphony 
• Conduct JOY Prelude Strings or JOY Symphony during weekly rehearsals from mid September to May/June 
• Prepare for two concerts and one special event, such as outreach, per year. The special event and concert dates are set by the JOY Program Director, JOY Prelude Strings and JOY Symphony directors.  
• Create a plan for effective and efficient rehearsals and concerts, assessing capabilities of individual members and the orchestra as a whole. 
• Develop and lead rehearsals that incorporate both established best practices and innovative methods, applying effective orchestral techniques while imparting musical knowledge and appropriate performance practices in preparation for upcoming performances. 
• JOY Prelude Strings rehearses 1.25 hours a week and JOY Symphony rehearses 1.5 hours a week. 

COMMUNITY/COLLABORATION 

• Develop strong working relationships with volunteers, parents, staff, board members, and community partners for special events that benefit JOY 
• Cultivate relationships with district teachers, private instructors, and professional musicians in Yamhill County to foster collaborative partnerships. 
• Collaborate with the YES Executive Director, YES Board, and JOY Program Director to determine strategic program evolution that enhances the JOY mission, while also working together to create new avenues for community outreach. 
• Available for marketing and promotional activities for JOY and YES 
• Participate in quarterly JOY Subcommittee Meetings 
• Collaborate with staff to develop and implement an active and robust recruitment program for our youth ensembles and programs, targeting student musicians from Yamhill County. 
• Serve as a community ambassador for JOY 

RECRUITING/RETENTION 

• Conduct on-site visits to schools and music departments to build connections with community arts partners. 
• Attend all auditions in the fall, mid-season, and spring. 
• Collaborate with fellow ensemble conductors, judges, and music education staff to create audition rubrics and criteria for the acceptance and placement of musicians that reflect accepted practices. 
• Vision of professional and program growth with multi-year goals within JOY Prelude Strings or JOY Symphony. 

LITERATURE 

• Coordinate with the JOY Program Director to borrow, purchase, or rent scores, ensuring that all bowings and markings are clear and consistent. 
• Balance well-known repertoire with compositions from underrepresented composers, to ignite new talent and expand the breadth of musical genres. 
• In consultation with ensemble directors, select repertoire appropriate to the performance level of ensemble: 
• Ensures effective engagement of all orchestra members. 
• Is suitable for the available instrumentation within the ensembles. 
• Provides an enjoyable and rewarding experience that enhances students’ performance skills, musicianship, and growth. 

Opportunities for professional development through El Sistema USA, OMEA, and other state and national music education organizations may be offered and encouraged as part of this role. 

Desired Qualifications and Experience

Required 

• Bachelor’s Degree in music performance, music education, or conducting 
• Minimum of 3 years of similar ensemble conducting experience. 
• Knowledge of level-appropriate string technique and sound pedagogy 
• If applying for the JOY Symphony: knowledge of level-appropriate woodwind, brass, and percussive techniques. 
• Extensive knowledge of orchestral repertoire and practices along with an appreciation for a wide variety of genres of music. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• Ability to meet deadlines and work within an allocated budget. 
• Working knowledge of risk management issues. 
• Ability to establish an inclusive, supportive, and safe rehearsal environment that fosters musical excellence in developing musicians 
• Must pass a Newberg and McMinnville School District background checks 

 Preferred 

• Graduate Degree in music performance, music education, or conducting 
• Prior work within El Sistema program 
• Minimum of 5 years of similar ensemble conducting experience 
• Bilingual (Spanish and English) 

 To Apply

Please submit the following electronically to JOY Program Director Amy Brunner (amy@yamhillenrichmentsociety.org)  

• Cover Letter 
• Resume 
• 3 professional references 
• Video of applicant conducting 3-5 contrasting works (no longer than 20 minutes) 

Interview Process 

• Finalists may be asked to work with a youth ensemble for observation. 

 Work Setting 

This job is primarily performed in a classroom environment where most of the time will require ambulating around the room. There is some stationary (desk) work when needed or for at-home planning; regular computer work and work with other office equipment; regular communication with teachers, staff and students, and occasional lifting and/or moving up to 40-45 pounds.  

 Yamhill Enrichment Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value, honor and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our employment and education programs. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are enthusiastically encouraged to apply. 

You may have heard the great news from Governor Kotek’s office announcing the statewide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The announcement means that the state will work toward its goal to make books from the program available to all children ages 0-5 in every Oregon county, and the state will fund one-half (50%) of the book fees moving forward.

YES is SO EXCITED that all children in Oregon will now have access to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

In Yamhill County, YES has been the local program partner since 2013. We have mailed over 600,000 books to almost 10,000 children in the last 11 years.

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library model requires a local program partner for the program to be available in the area. These 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations create meaningful partnerships with local hospitals, libraries, preschools, and various community resources to grow the Imagination Library program and its impact. Additionally, local program partners are responsible for the remaining one-half (50%) of the cost of Imagination Library books in their assigned county. 

After School Orchestra Site Director
McMinnville, Oregon 

Hours: Up to 22 total hours per week, following the school district calendar, program and site meetings, and occasional evenings or weekends for performances, 10 months per year
Reports to: JOY Program Director, YES Executive Director
Desired Start Date: August 2024
Wage: Up to $35 an hour
Opened until filled

No TSPC Licensure required

Organization Overview
The Junior Orchestra of Yamhill County (JOY) is a collaborative project of the Yamhill Enrichment Society (YES), a 501(3)c organization dedicated to transforming the lives of Yamhill County youth by providing access to music and literacy enrichment. JOY is an El Sistema member organization, which is aimed towards using music as a tool for social change. JOY is committed to supporting the growth of curricular strings programs in Yamhill County.

The mission of JOY is to transform the lives of underserved youth in Yamhill County through high-caliber, intensive orchestral music instruction through emphasizing teamwork and collaboration, promoting student creativity, and engaging the community. JOY is currently operating in the Newberg and McMinnville School Districts. The program consists of In-School programming for kindergarten and first grade students during their general music classes and After-School orchestras for grades 2-5. JOY is currently growing and is adding offerings by grade level at each school.

Position Overview
Functions and responsibilities may include the following and are subject to review and revision. The JOY Site Director is the onsite lead position for the JOY program within a school building. The position consists of both teaching and administrative components. Teaching roles include the lead Teaching Artist for the After- School Orchestra program, co- teaching with the district general music specialist for the In-school program for Kinder and First grade and administrative duties associated with the Site Director position. This position requires flexibility as responsibilities may change from week to week, season to season.

Admin:
Communications and relationship management with building principal, staff, and school community
Curriculum and lesson planning for in school and after school programs

• Communications and relationship management with building principal, staff, and school community
• Curriculum and lesson planning for in school and after school programs
• Parent communication including registration and registration fees, rental agreements, flyers for concerts and program announcements
• Attendance tracking and data management
• Update building music and instrument inventory and instrument repairs (inputting and uploading information to data bases)
• Onboarding of new teaching artists, hiring and on boarding of teaching assistants Communication with Program Director, Executive Director, Board of Directors
• Attending training meetings and collaboration opportunities
• Schedule, coordinate, and attend concerts (including set up, supervision of students, etc.)
• Work with Parent group, attend parent meetings
• Coordinate building supply orders with PD
• Welcoming guest artists and volunteers into the program
• Fundraising – set goals for the school community, coordinate, process and handle money

Teaching:

• Curriculum implementation and revisions to meet student levels and share age-appropriate lessons
• Communication with parents, Teaching Artists, JOY Program Director
• Age-appropriate classroom management systems and implementation
  Instrument repair, concert planning and conducting, parent communications, attendance tracking

Schedule
JOY follows the school district calendar from late August-June with performances throughout the year. The Site Director position hours will grow with the program eventually becoming a full time, on average, 35 hours a week in future years.

Classes:
K-1: We work with the local school districts to determine the JOY in-school K-1 instructional schedule. Each week, TAs meet with K-1 students during one of the general music times for 30 minutes. The district’s general music teacher is also present to help with classroom management and student engagement. Hours are determined after enrollment and school schedules are set/confirmed in the fall.
After School Orchestra: Students have chosen to learn the violin, viola, or cello. There will be up to three levels of orchestra that meet over four days each week.

Growth:
Year 1 (2024-2025): Up to 22 hours a week with K-1, after school orchestra, and admin time.

Year 2 (2025-2026): Up to 30 hours a week with K-1, after school orchestra, and admin time.

Year 3 (2026-2027 and beyond): Up to 35 hours a week with K-1, after school orchestra, and admin time.

The weekly number of hours grows annually, as more grades are added to the program.

As part of onboarding and prep, JOY Staff take part in training days before the start of the academic year in August. Additional hours may be available or added based on program needs. Examples include staff and student recruiting, summer camp, concerts, public performances, fundraisers, and special events. Additional hours may be added based on opportunities for professional development through El Sistema USA, OR-ASTA, and other state and national music education organizations may be provided. Future school years may include additional grade levels and hours.

Qualifications and Experience

Required

• Completed undergraduate degree in music discipline (music education preferred)
• Demonstrated mastery of your primary instrument.
• Ability to teach foundational violin skills in both group and individual settings.
• Passion for impacting students’ lives through music, especially primary age students and underserved youth.
• Ability to work well in a racially and culturally diverse community.
• Commitment to creating a nurturing atmosphere with evident mutual respect for students, parents/guardians, volunteers, and co-workers.
• Effective and equity-driven classroom management.
• Prior experience teaching school-age, elementary children.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Creativity and excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Ability to work well on a team and collaboratively-minded.
• Punctuality, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.
• Attendance at August meetings.
• Must pass a Newberg and McMinnville School District background check

Preferred

• Bilingual (Spanish and English)
• Basic knowledge of lower string (cello) posture and technique.
• Masters degree in music education or other music related field
• Two years teaching experience (applied studio, group/classroom instruction, or both)
• Suzuki (or comparable) Method Certification and/or training.
• Conducting experience, especially with beginning ensembles.

To Apply

Please submit the following electronically to JOY Program Director Amy Brunner (amy@yamhillenrichmentsociety.org)

• Resume and cover letter
• Contact Information and Names of 3 professional references
• Performance sample on your primary instrument.

Guidelines for theperformance sample are indicated below.

• Please keep Performance Sample video a maximum of 10 minutes in length and minimum of 3 minutes.
• Clips need to have been recorded within the last 12 months to be considered valid submissions.
• One selection must be a work by Johann Sebastian Bach (excerpts-repeats omitted-are fine)
• One selection of your choice preferably in a contrasting style (popular, jazz, folk, contemporary, etc…)
• Include with your performance clip submission the title and composer of your selection.
• Candidate’s video must be of professional quality. The performer and their instrument must be clearly seen and audible. Do not record in a space where a TV/phone/computer/device is on and can be heard– your submission may be disregarded if this is the case.
• Accompanists are not required for this video submission.
  Please upload videos to YouTube (unpublished) and submit links with your materials.

Finalists may be asked to demonstrate a sample lesson with students for observation.

Work Setting
This job is primarily performed in a classroom environment where most of the time will require ambulating around the room. There is some stationary (desk) work when needed or for at-home planning; regular computer work and work with other office equipment; regular communication with teachers, staff and students, and occasional lifting and/or moving up to 40-45 pounds.

Yamhill Enrichment Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value, honor and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our employment and education programs. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are enthusiastically encouraged to apply.

JOY After School Orchestra
Violin, Viola or Cello Teaching Artist

Edwards Elementary School
Newberg, Oregon

Hours (Part Time Contracted): Up to 14 total hours per week, 4 days a week for the school year with additional time for program and site meetings, and occasional evenings or weekends for performances

Reports to: JOY Program Director, JOY Site Director (Edwards Elementary)

Desired Start Date: August 2024

Pay Rate:  Up to $35 per hour teaching and up to $20 per hour admin rate

Opened until filled

No TSPC Licensure required

Organization Overview
The Junior Orchestra of Yamhill County (JOY) is a collaborative project of the Yamhill Enrichment Society (YES), a 501(3)c organization dedicated to transforming the lives of Yamhill County youth by providing access to music and literacy enrichment. JOY is an El Sistema member organization, which is aimed towards using music as a tool for social change. JOY is committed to supporting the growth of curricular strings programs in Yamhill County.  

The mission of JOY is to transform the lives of underserved youth in Yamhill County through high-caliber, intensive orchestral music instruction through emphasizing teamwork and collaboration, promoting student creativity, and engaging the community. JOY is currently operating in the Newberg and McMinnville School Districts. The program consists of In-School programming for kindergarten and first grade students during their general music classes and After-School orchestras for grades 2-5. JOY is currently growing and is adding offerings by grade level at each school. 

Position Overview
Functions and responsibilities may include the following and are subject to review. 

The JOY Teaching Artist’s (TA) primary responsibility will be to lead and co-teach rehearsals in the After-School orchestra program. Collaborating with other members of the instructional team, the TA will be directly involved in developing, implementing, and carrying out the curriculum and defined teaching objectives at the guidance of the Edwards Site Director. As a TA, the candidate must be able to demonstrate proficient performance technique, communication skills, and equitable classroom management strategies. Knowledge of orchestral instrumental performance and pedagogical practices and their implementation are a must.

As TA, the candidate would be working with violin, viola, and cello students in grades 2-5 on basic string and orchestra technique and providing specialized feedback and assistance with your main instrument to students in both group rehearsal, sectionals, and the occasional one-on-one lessons. The ideal candidate would demonstrate proficiency in teaching and playing the violin, viola, or cello. TAs are also expected to participate in and lead concerts with the teaching team.

Schedule
This is a part-time contracted position. The JOY Edwards After School Orchestra is held 4 days a week for 2.5 hours a day. 2nd-5th grade students have chosen to learn the violin, viola, or cello. There are three levels of orchestras that meet twice a week. JOY runs during the school year from September-June with performances throughout the year. 

As part of onboarding and prep, JOY Staff take part in training days before the start of the academic year in August. Additional hours may be available or added based on program needs. Examples include staff and student recruiting, summer camp, concerts, public performances, fundraisers, and special events. Additional hours may be added based on opportunities for professional development through El Sistema USA, OR-ASTA, and other state and national music education organizations may be provided.

Qualifications and Experience

Required 

• Completed undergraduate degree in music discipline (music education preferred)  
• Demonstrated mastery of your primary instrument. 
• Ability to teach foundational violin, viola, or cello skills in both group and individual settings. 
• Passion for impacting students’ lives through music, especially primary age students and underserved youth. 
• Ability to work well in a racially and culturally diverse community.  
• Commitment to creating a nurturing atmosphere with evident mutual respect for students, parents/guardians, volunteers, and co-workers. 
• Effective and equity-driven classroom management. 
• Prior experience teaching school-age, elementary children. 
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.  
• Creativity and excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work well on a team and collaboratively-minded.  
• Punctuality, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence. 
• Attendance at Summer Camp and other August meetings and events.  
• Must pass a Newberg and McMinnville School District background check 

 Preferred 

• Bilingual (Spanish and English) 
• Basic knowledge of upper and lower string posture and technique. 
• Masters degree in music education or other music related field 
• Two years teaching experience (applied studio, group/classroom instruction, or both) 
• Suzuki (or comparable) Method Certification and/or training. 
• Conducting experience, especially with beginning ensembles.  

 To Apply 

Please submit the following electronically to JOY Program Director Amy Brunner (amy@yamhillenrichmentsociety.org)  

• Resume and cover letter 
• Contact Information and Names of 3 professional references 
• Performance sample on your primary instrument. Guidelines for the performance sample are indicated below. 

 Performance Sample 

• Please keep Performance Sample video a maximum of 10 minutes in length and minimum of 3 minutes.  
• Clips need to have been recorded within the last 12 months to be considered valid submissions. 
• One selection must be a work by Johann Sebastian Bach (excerpts-repeats omitted-are fine) 
• One selection of your choice preferably in a contrasting style (popular, jazz, folk, contemporary, etc…)  
• Include with your performance clip submission the title and composer of your selection. 
• Candidate’s video must be of professional quality. The performer and their instrument must be clearly seen and audible. Do not record in a space where a TV/phone/computer/device is on and can be heard– your submission may be disregarded if this is the case.  
• Accompanists are not required for this video submission. 
• Please upload videos to YouTube (unpublished) and submit links with your materials. 

 Finalists may be asked to demonstrate a sample lesson with students for observation. 

Work Setting
This job is primarily performed in a classroom environment where most of the time will require ambulating around the room. There is some stationary (desk) work when needed or for at-home planning; regular computer work and work with other office equipment; regular communication with teachers, staff and students, and occasional lifting and/or moving up to 40-45 pounds.  

Yamhill Enrichment Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value, honor and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our employment and education programs. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are enthusiastically encouraged to apply. 

JOY After School Orchestra Teaching Artist
Violin – Edwards Elementary
Newberg, Oregon

JOY After School Orchestra Teaching Artist
Violin – Edwards Elementary
Newberg, Oregon

Hours (Part Time): Up to 10 total hours per week, 2 to 4 days each week, for the school year with additional time for program and site meetings, and occasional evenings or weekends for performances
Reports to: JOY Program Director, JOY Site Director (Edwards Elementary) Desired Start Date: August 1, 2023
Pay Rate: $40 per hour
Opened until filled

Organization Overview
JOY (the Junior Orchestra of Yamhill County) is a collaborative project of the Yamhill Enrichment Society (YES), a 501(3)c organization dedicated to transforming the lives of Yamhill County youth by providing access to music and literacy enrichment. JOY is an El Sistema member organization, which is aimed towards using music as a tool for social change, and is committed to supporting the growth of curricular strings programs in Yamhill County.

The mission of JOY is to transform the lives of underserved youth in Yamhill County through high-caliber, intensive orchestral music instruction through emphasizing teamwork and collaboration, promoting student creativity, and engaging the community. JOY is currently operating in the Newberg and McMinnville School Districts. The program consists of In-School programming for kindergarten and first grade students during their general music classes and After-School orchestras for grades 2-5. JOY is currently growing and is adding offerings by grade level at each school.

Position Overview
The JOY Teaching Artist’s primary responsibility will be to lead and co-teach rehearsals in the After-School orchestra program. Collaborating with other members of the instructional team, the Teaching Artist will be directly involved in developing, implementing, and carrying out the curriculum and defined teaching objectives at the guidance of the Edwards Site Director. As a Teaching Artist (TA), the candidate must be able to demonstrate proficient performance technique, communication skills, and equitable classroom management strategies. Knowledge of orchestral instrumental performance and pedagogical practices and their implementation are a must.

As Violin TA, the candidate would be working with students in grades 2-5 in both group rehearsals on basic string and orchestra technique and providing specialized feedback and assistance with violin students in both group rehearsal, violin sectionals, and the occasional one-on-one lesson. The ideal candidate would demonstrate proficiency in teaching and playing the violin. Teaching Artists are also expected to participate in and lead concerts with the teaching team.

Schedule
This is a part-time contracted position. The JOY Edwards After-School Orchestra runs on Tuesdays-Fridays from 2:10-4:30pm. 2nd-5th grade students have chosen to learn the violin, viola, or cello. Sinfonia Orchestra (2nd year orchestral players) and Chamber Orchestra (3rd-4th year orchestral players) meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Concert Orchestra (1st year orchestra players) meet on Wednesdays and Fridays. JOY runs during the school year from September-June with performances throughout the year. There may be additional opportunity to assist with the annual JOY Summer Day Camp for two weeks in August. Additional hours could be added based on program needs, and opportunities for professional development through El Sistema USA, OR-ASTA, and other state and national music education organizations may be provided.

Qualifications and Experience

Required

• Completed undergraduate degree in music discipline (music education preferred)
• Demonstrated mastery of your primary instrument.
• Ability to teach foundational violin skills in both group and individual settings.
• Passion for impacting students’ lives through music, especially primary age students and underserved youth.
• Ability to work well in a racially and culturally diverse community.
• Commitment to creating a nurturing atmosphere with evident mutual respect for students, parents/guardians, volunteers, and co-workers.
• Effective and equity-driven classroom management.
• Prior experience teaching school-age, elementary children.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Creativity and excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Masters degree in music education or other music related field
• Two years teaching experience (applied studio, group/classroom instruction, or both)
• Suzuki (or comparable) Method Certification and/or training.
• Ability to work well on a team and collaboratively-minded.
• Punctuality, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.
• Attendance at Summer Camp and other August meetings and events.
• Must pass a Newberg and McMinnville School District background check

 Preferred

• Bilingual (Spanish and English)
• Basic knowledge of lower string (cello) posture and technique.
• Conducting experience, especially with beginning ensembles.

To Apply

Please submit the following electronically to JOY Program Director Amy Brunner (amy@yamhillenrichmentsociety.org)

• Resume and cover letter
• Contact Information and Names of 3 professional references
• Performance sample on your primary instrument. Guidelines for the performance sample are indicated below.

Performance Sample

1. Please keep Performance Sample video a maximum of 10 minutes in length and minimum of 3 minutes.
2. Clips need to have been recorded within the last 12 months to be considered valid submissions.
3. One selection must be a work by Johann Sebastian Bach (excerpts-repeats omitted-are fine)
4. One selection of your choice preferably in a contrasting style (popular, jazz, folk, contemporary, etc…)
5. Include with your performance clip submission the title and composer of your selection.
6. Candidate’s video must be of professional quality. The performer and their instrument must be clearly seen and audible. Do not record in a space where a TV/phone/computer/device is on and can be heard– your submission may be disregarded if this is the case.
7. Accompanists are not required for this video submission.
8. Please upload videos to YouTube (unpublished) and submit links with your materials.
9. Finalists may be asked to demonstrate a sample lesson with students for observation.

Finalists may be asked to demonstrate a sample lesson with students for observation

Work Setting
This job is primarily performed in a classroom environment where most of the time will require ambulating around the room. There is some stationary (desk) work when needed or for at-home planning; regular computer work and work with other office equipment; regular communication with teachers, staff and students, and occasional lifting and/or moving up to 40-45 pounds.

Yamhill Enrichment Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value, honor and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our employment and education programs. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are enthusiastically encouraged to apply.