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Position Available:
Conductor/Artistic Director
Rockbridge Symphony Orchestra
Lexington, VA
The Rockbridge Symphony Orchestra is currently accepting applications for a Conductor/Artistic Director. Applications will be reviewed and interviews requested upon receipt and approval of the Rockbridge Symphony Orchestra Steering Committee.
We are a small orchestra in a rural area. We hold weekly rehearsals and expect our conductor to be able to drive from home, a reasonable distance, with some assistance for the cost of gas, each week. We cannot support long-distance travel.
Position will be filled when an outstanding candidate has submitted all requested materials,
completed a successful interview, agreed to compensation and other negotiables, and received
the recommendation of the Rockbridge Symphony Orchestra Steering Committee.
Organization Description:
Active since 1975, the Rockbridge Symphony is a Community Symphony Orchestra with approximately 50 active musicians. Some members are professional musicians; all of the musicians are dedicated to the ensemble which is highly respected by a supportive regional community. Performing three public concerts plus an area school concert annually, the group takes pride in sharing the joy of music by occasionally adapting our concerts to include a sensory-friendly event; a winter dance; partnered selections with local dance studios and instrumental ensembles from nearby universities. The Rockbridge Symphony is supported by many generous patrons, concert admission proceeds, and local businesses. As needed per concert, professional musicians are contracted to supplement the ensemble.
Responsibilities of the Artistic Director:
- Coordinating and scheduling rehearsals and performances
- Selecting repertoire and obtaining music or licenses (assisted by the orchestra’s librarian)
- Assisted by the Steering Committee the Artistic Director will contract soloists, principals, and additional musicians as needed
- Rehearsing the ensemble weekly and conducting all performances
- Assisting the Steering Committee in developing and implementing a concept for the orchestra’s upcoming Fiftieth Anniversary, and a vision for future growth
The Successful Candidate:
- Holds a degree in Music Education, Performance, or a related area of expertise (Master/Doctorate preferred)
- Has experience conducting/performing with a full orchestra
- Expresses knowledge of orchestral repertoire
- Guides innovative collaboration through community outreach
- Exhibits an understanding of Adult Learning Theory & Pedagogy
- Welcomes the opportunity to conduct volunteers as well as professionals
Logistics:
Performances are held at local historic churches or at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. The ensemble rehearses once weekly (currently Tuesday evenings) August through May. We benefit from the use of large equipment and rehearsal space at a local middle school.
Compensation:
Compensation will be negotiated based upon the successful applicant’s resume and creative vision as expressed in the interview. This is a ten month part-time position with a proposed salary of $7,000 annually with some assistance for the cost of gas each week for driving to and from rehearsal.
Application Procedure
- Submit a resume and/or CV
- Submit contact information (email) for three references
- Submit a digital sample of a conducted rehearsal segment (YouTube or similar link acceptable)
- Submit a digital sample of a conducted concert segment (optional)
- Submit materials to the Rockbridge Symphony Steering Committee President, Mr. Jack Bissett at [email protected]
2023-24 Repertoire Included:
- Capriccio Italien, Tchaikovsky
- Hungarian Dance No. 5, Brahms
- Symphony Suite from Lord of the Rings, Shore
- Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Tchaikovsky
Previous Conductor/Artistic Directors:
Dr. Yi-Ping Chen, 2020-2024
Mark Tylor, DMA, 2005-2020