The West Valley Symphony, Surprise, AZ is actively searching for an enthusiastic and highly qualified individual to fill the role of Music Director beginning in the 2025-2026 season.

We are currently seeking a Music Director to replace Cal Stewart Kellogg, as he will be retiring at the end of our 2023-2024 season.

Music Director Job Description:

The West Valley Symphony, Surprise, AZ is actively searching for an enthusiastic and highly qualified individual to fill the role of Music Director beginning in the 2025-2026 season. The Music Director is a key artistic role within the orchestra, responsible for selecting programming, conducting rehearsals and performances, and engaging audiences. The Music Director works closely with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees to lead the organization. The ideal candidate will possess a deep passion for symphonic music, a keen understanding of musical expression and interpretation, and the ability to shape and elevate the orchestra’s artistic direction.

The West Valley Symphony is a highly esteemed regional orchestra that performs at The Vista Center for the Arts in Surprise, Arizona. The WVS performs a 6-concert season from November through April, with opportunities for additional performances. The WVS rehearses the Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday before each concert; additional rehearsals may be added with Board approval. Weekday rehearsals are currently located at Workpliciti in Chandler, Arizona with a Saturday dress rehearsal at The Vista.

Responsibilities:

• Artistic Vision

o Develop and communicate a compelling artistic vision for the orchestra, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and goals

• Repertoire Selection:

o Curate diverse and engaging repertoire, demonstrating a profound understanding of classical and contemporary compositions, while taking into account the musical interests of the core audience

• Conductor Leadership:

o Direct and conduct performances with precision, passion and a commitment to musical excellence

• Collaboration:

o Foster positive relationships with musicians, guest artists and staff to create a collaborative and inspiring artistic environment

• Innovation:

o Introduce innovative programming ideas, incorporating new trends to captivate and attract a broader audience

• Audition and Recruitment:

o Work with Personnel Manager to run audition processes for new musicians ensuring the orchestra maintains high standards of musical proficiency

• Community Engagement:

o Act as a public face for the orchestra, engaging with the community, donors and stakeholders to enhance the organization’s visibility and support

o Engage with the audience on stage in a way that both entertains and builds rappor

Qualifications:

• A master’s or doctoral degree in instrumental conducting is preferred

• Proven experience as a conductor and artistic leader with a strong portfolio of successful performance

• In-depth knowledge of symphonic music, its history and contemporary trends

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to inspire and motive musicians and audience alike

• Must demonstrate the ability to successfully manage relationships with guest artists, musicians, staff and the Board of Trustees

• Visionary thinking and a commitment to expanding artistic boundaries

• Demonstrated experience with community engagement

• Strong organizational and leadership abilities

Deadline to apply: March 1, 2024 5:00 p.m.

Interested candidates should send the following to Mona Myhre, Executive Director at mmyhre@westvalleysymphony.org:

• Cover letter

• CV

• 3 professional letters of reference (at least one should be familiar with your conducting). Please include contact information for references with letters

• Links to 2-3 videos of contrasting style, showing the candidate from the perspective of the orchestra (not to exceed 20 minutes)

• Three 60-90 minute draft programs for a West Valley Symphony concert

• Optional: Samples of 2-3 past programs that demonstrate your work

A select number of qualified candidates will be invited to rehearse and conduct one of the 5 concerts of the 6-concert cycle in the 2024-2025 season. The winning candidate will assume their role at the start of the 2025-2026 season.

Download the Music Director Job Description: https://www.westvalleysymphony.org/music-director-position

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