Student Jobs

WYSO was established in 1966 by Professor Marvin Rabin of the University of Wisconsin-Extension Music Department. More than 5,000 young musicians from communities throughout southern Wisconsin have participated in WYSO during its 50+ years of existence. Under the artistic direction of Kyle Knox, WYSO includes three full orchestras, two string orchestras, a chamber music program, a harp program, a percussion ensemble, a brass choir program and the WYSO Music Makers program.

This is a seasonal part-time position. Regular hours are in two shifts on Saturday, generally 7:30am-2:30pm, or 9:00am-4:00pm throughout the school year, and optional weeknight shifts from roughly 4:00pm-7:30pm. There are also times outside of that window for special rehearsals and performances. Most rehearsal shifts take place at the WYSO Center for Music while performances and dress rehearsals take place in venues in the greater Madison area. This position reports to and is under the direct supervision of the Librarian & Operations Manager.

Job Title & Details:

WYSO Program Assistant

Compensation: $18.00 per hour

Reports to: Operations Manager/Librarian

Position Overview

The Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras (WYSO) seeks a flexible and organized professional with a self-starting and motivated mindset to join the operations staff of one of the most highly respected youth orchestra programs in the country. This is a 7-15 hour per week seasonal part-time position.

The Program Assistant’s responsibilities will be supporting the activities of five youth orchestras, the Music Makers program, the Chamber Music program, and multiple ensembles in collaboration with other Program Assistants, the Librarian & Operations Manager, the Director of Operations and the Music Makers administrative staff. General duties include properties assistance, administrative staff and member assistance, and music library help. 

Key Responsibilities

• Provide support for all aspects of Saturday or Sunday rehearsals as needed
• Set-up and take down of properties for WYSO large ensembles, chamber groups, orchestra sectionals, Music Makers classes
• Assist with stage managing during dress rehearsals and concerts as assigned
• Assist with loading/transporting musical instruments to and from performance venues
• Assist with recital activities for Ensembles, and the Chamber Music and Music Makers programs
• Understand and execute assigned role in evacuation/safety procedures
• Monitor hallways, common areas, and classrooms during programming as assigned
• Help maintain a safe, orderly, and positive environment for students and families
• Additional optional hours for programming possible (as needed)

How to Apply

All interested parties please send a one-page résumé to Joseph Greer at greer@wysomusic.org.

Must be able to pass a background check to be hired for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to self-start, quickly adapt to change, tolerate ambiguity, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to work independently and recognize when help is needed without being asked
• Comfortable interacting with elementary to high school aged students and their parents
• A commitment to providing an extremely high level of customer service.
• Bachelor’s Degree or 4+ years of equivalent practical experience
• Basic knowledge of music performance and orchestra operations
• Ability to lift (50lbs), move, and load equipment into venues or onto stages
• Valid driver’s license
• Willingness to work Saturdays and some Sundays during the academic year for WYSO concerts and events

Please send a résumé to Joseph Greer at greer@wysomusic.org