MCYO Operations and Production Coordinator

ABOUT US

We are a dedicated team of professionals who believe the arts are as primal as nature and essential as love. They reflect our humanity and help us understand, connect, empathize, and grow. We believe the most compelling contemplations of our world are created by artists, and amplifying these creative voices is at the heart of our work. The Strathmore experience awakens the creativity within us, blurring the line between artist and audience fusing a dynamic community.

Though we are best known for presenting world-class arts programming, Strathmore is also fiercely committed to supporting ascending artists, providing abundant education opportunities, and expanding access to the arts for everyone. Additionally, Strathmore’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (I.D.E.A.) initiative prioritizes access and representation, centers inclusion, and builds equity for all. We are learning how inequities impact our organization’s work and are committed to resolving those inequities to create a greater sense of belonging for our entire community.

Strathmore is a multidimensional creative anchor in the community, where everyone can connect with the arts and artists can explore their full potential. We present nearly 400 performances, exhibitions, and education programs annually for diverse audiences on our Montgomery County Maryland campus and throughout the community. 

Based one-half mile outside the Capital Beltway in North Bethesda, Maryland, we serve the entire Washington, DC region and the state of Maryland with exceptional artistic experiences and opportunities to learn and connect. Our work is based on our mission to amplify distinctive and diverse artistic voices and curate experiences to enrich every life and shape stronger communities.

We are actively assessing how systemic inequities impact our organization’s work at all levels and how best to address those inequities in a way that is consistent with our mission. This commitment is made within the broad context of Strathmore’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) goals to expand access and diversity, promote inclusion, and build equity for all.? With these daily actions, Strathmore intends to become an actively anti-racist, anti-discriminatory, and inclusive organization.?You can read more about Strathmore on?our?website, including information about?our?mission and values.?

ABOUT THE ROLE

Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras (MCYO) of Strathmore strives to create a seamless connection between the artistic and the educational experience. The mission of MCYO is to nurture, develop, and advance young talented musicians in a quality orchestral program.  It is highly regarded regionally and nationally as one of the country’s most accomplished youth orchestra programs. Founded in 1946 as the Montgomery County Youth Orchestra, MCYO is the oldest and most established youth orchestra program in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and one of the oldest in the country. 

Under the direction of MCYO Artistic Director Kristofer Sanz, MCYO proudly ushers in its 81st season of providing a quality orchestra program for the area’s young talented musicians.  MCYO offers three full orchestras, a chamber ensemble, four string orchestras, small ensembles, and chamber groups to over 600 talented musicians in grades 2-12.

As one of three full-time admin staff members, the Operations and Production Coordinator (OPC) is part of a small and dedicated team of colleagues who support the MCYO artistic staff in the preparation and performance of the events of Strathmore’s Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras. The OPC’s primary responsibilities are centered on the production of performing arts events and rehearsals, stage management, and logistics planning required for successful implementation of MCYO programs. 40 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends.

The Operations and Production Coordinator position is essential to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all our members. It is vital that the individual in this position shares our core values of equity and inclusion, ensuring that every young musician, regardless of background, feels valued and empowered. The coordinator will play a key role in promoting a culture where diversity is celebrated, and every voice is heard, reinforcing our commitment to nurturing both musical talent and a strong sense of community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to):

Production and Auditions– 40%

• Assisting the Managing and Artistic Directors as well as other MCYO staff and artistic team with all planning and preparation for the successful execution of events both on and off the Strathmore campus (including performances, rehearsals, parent orientation meetings, community outreach, auditions, and others as assigned.)
• Identifying, reserving, and preparing spaces for auditions, performances, and rehearsals in partnership with Operations on and off campus. This includes preparing all Event Booking Sheets for MCYO programs.
• Stage managing performances, dress rehearsals, and other events.
• In coordination with the Artistic Team, liaising with performance partners and a professional, unionized backstage production crew.
• Preparing and providing students with requirements for warm-up/rehearsal schedules, concert essentials, stage plots, and production sheets.
• Assembling back-of-house volunteers for concerts, auditions, rehearsals, and events. Ensuring that all events are properly staffed.
• In collaboration with the MCYO team, coordinating the logistical aspects of all recording, videography, and technology projects.
• Collect and format excerpts and sight-reading for each ensemble
• Managing online audition registration and enrollment process, including the setup and execution of online audition management system with the outside vendor.
• Coordinating and overseeing the yearly audition schedule
• In coordination with Strathmore Marketing and Advancement colleagues, developing and communicating details about the audition process, requirements, and selection deadlines; including the preparation of materials for website posting.
• Handling audition/enrollment queries, troubleshooting problems, and communicating regularly with staff about issues.

Ensemble Coordination/Operation 25%

• The role does not have individual ensemble management responsibilities for MCYO but must be present at weekly rehearsals to provide general support on Rehearsal evenings (Currently, just on Wednesdays).
• Ensuring that the MCYO orchestra and small ensembles’ operational needs are met. Specifically, assisting the Managing Director, Artistic Director and conductors with:
• Rehearsal set up and break down, chairs, stands, podiums & sound requirements
• Music purchases, copying, distribution
• Up-to-date rosters, attendance charts, copying and distribution of important memos, flyers, sign-ups
• Maintaining inventory records for equipment and instruments; monitoring instrument loans, rentals, and repairs.
• Preparing and emailing student evaluations
• Coordinating any travel or out-of-town performances.
• Serving as the first point of contact for MCYO’s nine orchestra managers
• Assisting with logistical needs of the managers
   

General – 25%

• Assisting the Managing Director in maintaining the MCYO office space and files and ordering supplies.
• In conjunction with the Managing Director and administrative staff, assisting in timely response to incoming office emails/calls from families, coaches, and requests from colleagues.
• In coordination with the Strathmore Marketing department, assisting with the preparation of concert programs for orchestras and Small Ensemble concerts (includes coordinating with Artistic Staff for concert, repertoire, and roster information)
• Collecting and tracking all merchandise payments and distribution of the items (Using platforms Acceptd, BigCommerce, and Spreadshirt).
• Maintaining and digitizing the music library and database
• Attending MCYO and Strathmore staff meetings as well as other potential meetings involving operations and production planning
• Assisting in planning and executing Strathmore’s Off Campus Bloom Programs with duties ranging from preparing materials to site visits.
• Acting as the in-office liaison with Strathmore Operations and Marketing/Communication
• Monitor and manage Momentus Elite, Booking Sheets, and partner activities

Other duties as assigned – 10%