North Sound Youth Symphony (NSYS) was founded in 1993 to offer a fun and inspirational experience to aspiring young musicians, nurturing musical expression and culture for life. Students audition to play in one of two full orchestra ensembles: the introductory Philharmonia (for students in 5th grade level and up), and advanced Symphony (through high school). Both ensembles offer professional instruction and social opportunities for young people to connect across cultural, educational, and economic differences through their shared discipline and love of music. NSYS students are public-schooled, private-schooled, and home-schooled. They come from urban and rural communities throughout the North Sound area. Through our programming, NSYS encourages a love of music that may take many future directions, including pursuing a professional career, playing for pleasure, or supporting community ensembles. www.northsoundyouthsymphony.org.
The Bellingham Symphony Orchestra is an enthusiastic and thriving community-based orchestra that features an extraordinary level of talent in its ~80 players, and attracts soloists of international stature such as Yo-Yo Ma, Gil Shaham, Jennifer Koh, Anthony McGill, and James Ehnes. It is financially stable, with healthy reserves and an annual operating budget of approximately $900,000. The BSO is the resident orchestra of the historic Mount Baker Theatre in Bellingham, WA.
Bellingham is located between the Vancouver B.C. and Seattle metropolitan areas, nestled on the shores of Puget Sound and in the shadow of majestic Mount Baker (Kulshan). It offers a rich variety of recreational, cultural, and educational activities, as well as natural beauty and exceptional schools. Bellingham regularly tops lists of “Best Places to Live,” and is ranked the second best arts community in the country (based on the number of active arts businesses per capita).
The current season is the 51st for the orchestra, and the 13th with Yaniv Attar as Music Director. Juilliard-trained, Attar is beloved by audiences and players alike for his engaging podium style and programming that honors the classical canon while celebrating contemporary works and commissioned pieces. The 2026-2027 season also features the eleventh year of the Harmony from Discord program, honoring the works of those who composed in the face of oppression, and celebrating the power of music to overcome adversity. The BSO’s Youth and Community Engagement program, including the Bellingham Youth Chamber Players, extends outside of the concert hall and into local schools and the broader community.
We have a great team that is enthusiastic about sharing fine orchestral music with our community. We strive to put forth high quality work with innovative strategies. The mission of the Symphony is, “The BSO engages, connects, and uplifts our community by performing powerful, beautiful, and inspiring music.” For more information on the orchestra's Mission, Vision, DEI statement, and history, please visit www.bellinghamsymphony.org/about-us-home.
NSYS and BSO are excited to partner and collaborate.
bellinghamsymphony.org
northsoundyouthsymphony.org
Youth Symphony Program Coordinator
The Youth Symphony Program Coordinator supports the North Sound Youth Symphony (NSYS) Board and artistic staff in the operational and logistical aspects of NSYS.
Position is in Bellingham, WA with work done at various venues (including the Mount Baker Theatre, WWU, Bellingham High School), at the BSO Office (316 W Champion St, Bellingham, WA), and the possibility of remote.
This is an hourly position estimated at 8-10 hours per week and may vary. Evening/weekend hours are required for concerts, events, and rehearsals. There is some lifting of up to 30 pounds involved for concert, event, and rehearsal production.
Applications are open now, will remain open until filled, but priority will be given to submissions as they come in.
Salary range is $20-25/hour DOE.
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to jobs@bellinghamsymphony.org. Resume review and interviews are scheduled on an ongoing basis. The Bellingham Symphony Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer.
