815 Fruitvale Blvd., Yakima, Washington 98902
P: (509) 237 – 4724 | E: s.hsu@yvoic.org
NEVER PLACE LIMITS ON WHAT A CHILD CAN DO.
Yakima Music en Acción (YAMA)—an El Sistema-inspired program beginning this January in Yakima,
WA—seeks dedicated musicians and music educators, passionate for their art and social change, to join
its dynamic team of staff for our winter and spring sessions. YAMA Teaching & Learning Internship
opportunities are being offered to Central Washington University (CWU) Music Education and Music
Performance students for academic credit through CWU’s Cooperative Education Program.
POSITION: Yakima Music en Acción (YAMA) Teaching & Learning Intern
POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 5 x String Teaching Artists (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Conductor)
DEPARTMENTS: Central Washington University Music Department | YAMA at OIC of Washington
SUPERVISOR: YAMA Director, CWU Academic Advisor
SESSION I: January 7, 2013 – March 28, 2013
SESSION II: April 9, 2013 – June 7, 2013
PROGRAM HOURS: Mon: 2:15-4:30pm | Tues – Fri: 3:15-5:30pm
COURSE LISTING: MUS 490 from CWU Music Department and Cooperative Education Program
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: (1) YAMA/OIC Letter of Application; (2) Learning Agreement to the
Cooperative Education Department and YAMA Director; (3) In-person interview; and (4) Washington
State Patrol Background Check Form. All forms should be received by s.hsu@yvoic.org and
career@cwu.edu no later than December 12 at 5pm PST.
VISION: Yakima Music en Acciٕón (YAMA) will serve as a model throughout the Yakima Valley and
Washington state as both a music program and a social program that fosters educational innovation and
musical creativity. YAMA strives to be accessible to all children, regardless of their families’ financial
means, so that all of Yakima’s children can have the opportunity to develop their passions and talents and
to play alongside one another—across socioeconomic and cultural divides—in harmony and in unison.
MISSION: YAMA fosters the essential cognitive and social skill development of Yakima’s children and
youth through intensive, ensemble-based musical programming. Through high-quality music learning and
regular performance opportunities, Yakima children and youth develop skills to promote and sustain their
own academic and social success, while simultaneously enhancing community vibrancy and civic
engagement through their positive community participation.
POSITION SUMMARY: YAMA Teaching & Learning Interns will work as part of YAMA’s dynamic team
of Teaching Artists to design and run a high-quality, socially-driven music program in Yakima, inspired
by Venezuela’s internationally-acclaimed El Sistema. Interns will support student’s musical and social
development by teaching in YAMA’s 40-piece String Orchestra (3rd through 5th graders in pilot year).
Curriculum and workshops will be collaboratively designed by staff, and will include string sectionals,
music theory, full ensemble rehearsals, and bucket drumming.
WEEKLY COMMITMENT: Interns will commit to two 2-hour music workshops per week and a one-hour
administrative practicum to learn about the strategic operations of YAMA through OIC of Washington—
a state-wide social service agency whose services are designed to disrupt cycles of unemployment,
poverty, and illiteracy to promote greater human dignity for those in need—and its partner organizations,
the Yakima Symphony Orchestra and the Yakima School District. Interns’ weekly schedules will be
determined at the start of the session through discussion with YAMA’s Director and student’s academic
advisor at CWU.
LOCATION & TRANSIT: Daily music workshops will be held on Monday afternoons (2:15-4:30pm) and
Tuesday through Friday afternoons (3:15-5:30pm) at Garfield Elementary School, 612 North Sixth
Avenue in Yakima. YAMA’s central office is located just a few blocks away from Garfield, at OIC of
Washington’s Yakima headquarters, 815 Fruitvale Blvd. Yakima is a 37-mile drive (45 min.) from
CWU’s Ellensburg campus. Upon request, interns can receive free transit passes for rides on the YakimaEllensburg Commuter, through gifts of public funds provided by Yakima Transit and HopeSource.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in music-related study in progress.
Characteristics: Creative, adaptive, energetic, and proactive individuals sought, with demonstrated
commitment to peer teaching and collaborative learning, as well as willingness and desire to design,
innovate, and take creative risks as an educator.
Experience: Experience with group music teaching preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Required: Fluency in one string instrument or orchestral conducting
needed. Knowledge of and experience with music pedagogy preferred. Spanish language capability a
plus.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Participate in 1-day staff retreat and training (January 2013) prior to launch of program.
2. Collaboratively design lesson plans with YAMA staff, with emphasis on collaborative learning, joy
of playing, persistence in practice, and literacy as essential.
3. Teach in YAMA music workshops (two sessions per week, two hours per session) on primary
instrument. Determine specific learning goals per session in discussion with YAMA’s Director and
CWU academic advisor.
4. Participate in 30-minute weekly staff meetings (virtually if travel does not permit) and professional
development opportunities as facilitated and provided by YAMA.
5. Play in or conduct for two YAMA community celebrations and performances per session.
6. Initiate other learning and teaching opportunities as desired (e.g., conducting full ensemble rehearsals,
arranging new pieces for beginner orchestra, designing new performance opportunities, etc.)
7. Support in YAMA marketing efforts (e.g., photographs, videos, Facebook activity, etc.).
8. Champion and embody the values of El Sistema (collaboration, excellence, passion, joy, generosity of
spirit, and intensity), both in and out of rehearsals.
The statements contained in this internship description reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential
functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, the scope of responsibilities, and the
physical demands, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of internship requirements. Individuals may
perform other duties as assigned and desired. Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and working conditions
may change as needs evolve. This internship description does not constitute a contract as internship is at will.