Posted: November 2023
The Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, a community orchestra in Montgomery County, Maryland, seeks a music director and conductor beginning as soon as March 2024.
About the MSO
The Montgomery Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is dedicated to providing classical music programs of the highest quality to the community. Our mission is to give local amateur and volunteer professional musicians the opportunity to play and grow as musicians; to support young musicians of the community through collaboration and inclusion in our concerts and activities; and to enhance and develop the appreciation of classical music in the community.
The MSO is a community orchestra of about sixty amateur adult musicians. We rehearse from September-June at 7:30 PM for 2 hours on Monday evenings at Sligo Seventh Day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland. We typically perform four concerts a year, usually in October, December, March, and June. We often collaborate with local organizations to host youth soloists, and for the past seven years have hosted our own youth concerto competition. Founded in 1946, the MSO incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in 2006. Learn more about our orchestra at: http://msomd.org
Duties and Responsibilities
The Music Director and Conductor:
- Is responsible for selecting repertoire and developing the program for each concert, consistent with the interests and skills of orchestra membership
- Works with MSO members in the preparation and staging of concerts, and will conduct those concerts
- Provides input in selecting guest artists, guest conductors, and youth soloists, and assists with orchestra membership as needed
- Assists in the general promotion of the orchestra within the larger local and musical community
- Works with the MSO Board to direct the vision, goals, and objectives for the group consistent with the MSO’s Bylaws
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will:
- Be a skilled conductor, teacher, and leader
- Have proven experience to provide for a high-quality performance experience
- Hold both the group and individuals to high musical standards while rehearsing patiently and with humor
- Be able to work with amateur musicians, both adults and youth, with a wide range of talent and experience
- Be able to foster a community environment where all musicians feel welcome and encouraged
- Foster relationships with others in the local musical community
- Have a basic knowledge of the functioning of a non-profit organization
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send a letter of interest/cover letter, a resume, and three references with contact details to both Bernice DeMarco at [email protected] and Mary Linn at [email protected]. The cover letter should include an overview of your education and professional experience, including your instrument(s), your approach and motivations for working with a community orchestra, and how you would attract and continue to engage and educate a diverse community of musicians. Additional materials may be requested at a later date. Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis, but applications are preferred by December 15. Pay is negotiable; however, please note that this is not a full-time position.