Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid/In-Person Opportunities Available)
Job Type: Part-Time Internship
Compensation: paid opportunities within 6–12 months, based on performance, organizational growth, and funding.
About Us
We are building a high-impact nonprofit that empowers youth through STEM, education, performance arts, film, and media, giving them real opportunities to grow, create, and lead. Led by a touring hip-hop dancer, model, and performance artist, La’Aurora connects young people to mentorship, hands-on learning, and creative outlets that prepare them for successful futures.
La’Aurora is becoming a premier Youth Innovation, Education, Performing Arts, Film & Media Institute, creating pathways into higher education, entrepreneurship, entertainment, technology, and the creative industries.
Our music program is designed to help young musicians develop technical skills, musical confidence, leadership, and performance experience through band, orchestra, and contemporary music education.
Built for Impact. Driven by Youth.
Where Hustle Meets Opportunity.
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Position Overview
La’Aurora is seeking passionate and knowledgeable Band & Orchestra Coach Interns to provide specialized, instrument-specific instruction, sectional rehearsals, ensemble coaching, and music education for youth musicians.
The ideal candidate has experience performing in or directing a band, orchestra, marching band, concert band, jazz band, chamber ensemble, or similar music program and enjoys mentoring young musicians.
Interns will help students strengthen their musicianship while learning how to rehearse ensembles, coach individual instrument sections, and prepare musicians for concerts, recitals, showcases, competitions, and community performances.
Exceptional interns may transition into paid coaching opportunities within 6–12 months.
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Key Responsibilities
- Coach and mentor youth musicians in individual and sectional rehearsals.
- Provide specialized instruction for one or more instrument families.
- Teach proper playing techniques, posture, breathing, tone production, articulation, rhythm, intonation, and ensemble performance.
- Read, interpret, and teach standard sheet music and musical notation.
- Assist students with sight-reading, music theory, scales, rhythm exercises, dynamics, phrasing, and musical expression.
- Prepare students for concerts, showcases, competitions, auditions, recitals, and community performances.
- Lead warm-ups and technical exercises.
- Collaborate with music directors and instructors during rehearsals.
- Provide constructive feedback to improve musicianship and confidence.
- Foster teamwork, discipline, leadership, professionalism, and creativity.
- Support rehearsals for concert band, orchestra, chamber ensembles, jazz ensembles, and contemporary music groups.
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Understanding the Four Instrument Families
Applicants should have knowledge of one or more of the four major instrument families and understand how each functions within an ensemble.
Woodwinds
Examples include:
- Flute
- Clarinet
- Oboe
- Bassoon
- Saxophone
Brass
Examples include:
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- French Horn
- Euphonium
- Tuba
Strings
Examples include:
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Double Bass
- Harp
Percussion
Examples include:
- Snare Drum
- Bass Drum
- Timpani
- Xylophone
- Marimba
- Drum Set
- Auxiliary Percussion
Applicants do not need to master every instrument but should have expertise in at least one family and the ability to coach students within their specialty while collaborating with coaches from other sections.
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Orchestra vs. Band: Key Differences
Candidates should understand the differences between orchestral and band ensembles.
Orchestra
- Primarily features string instruments supported by woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
- Performs classical, film, contemporary, and symphonic repertoire.
- Requires strong attention to dynamics, phrasing, and ensemble blend.
Concert Band
- Consists primarily of woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
- Does not typically include string instruments.
- Performs concert literature, marches, film music, and contemporary works.
Jazz Band
- Focuses on improvisation, swing, jazz harmony, and commercial music styles.
- Typically includes saxophones, trumpets, trombones, rhythm section, and vocals.
Marching Band
- Performs while marching and incorporates visual performance, choreography, precision movement, and musical execution.
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Understanding the Rhythm Section
Applicants should understand the role of the rhythm section and how it supports an ensemble.
The rhythm section may include:
- Drum Set
- Bass Guitar
- Upright Bass
- Electric Bass
- Piano
- Keyboard
- Guitar
- Auxiliary Percussion
Responsibilities include:
- Maintaining tempo and groove.
- Supporting harmonic structure.
- Locking in with other musicians.
- Supporting soloists and vocalists.
- Creating musical energy during performances.
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Qualifications
- Experience performing in a band, orchestra, marching band, jazz band, or similar ensemble.
- Ability to read and write standard sheet music.
- Strong understanding of music theory and rhythm.
- Experience coaching or teaching musicians is preferred.
- Strong communication and leadership skills.
- Passion for youth development and mentorship.
- Reliable, organized, professional, and collaborative.
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Preferred Qualifications
- Degree or coursework in Music Education, Performance, Conducting, or a related field.
- Experience directing rehearsals or sectional instruction.
- Knowledge of orchestral, concert band, marching band, jazz, gospel, or contemporary ensembles.
- Experience preparing students for performances, auditions, or competitions.
- Familiarity with music notation software such as Finale, Sibelius, MuseScore, or Dorico.
- Experience arranging or composing music is a plus.
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What You’ll Gain
- Hands-on experience coaching youth musicians.
- Leadership and conducting experience.
- Experience working with live ensembles and performances.
- Opportunities to build a professional teaching portfolio.
- Mentorship from experienced music educators and performing artists.
- Professional networking within music education, nonprofit arts, and entertainment.
- Eligibility for paid coaching opportunities within 6–12 months based on performance, reliability, leadership, and organizational growth.
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Ideal Candidate
We’re looking for someone who believes music has the power to inspire, educate, and transform lives. Whether your background is in orchestra, concert band, marching band, jazz, or commercial music, you’ll play a vital role in helping young musicians build confidence, discipline, creativity, and lifelong performance skills while growing with an organization committed to developing the next generation of artists and leaders.
Join La’Aurora and help shape the next generation of musicians, performers, composers, educators, and community leaders.
Pay: Up to $50,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
