The Mid-Columbia Symphony

The Position:

The Music Director is responsible for overall fulfillment of the orchestra’s artistic potential. Specifically, this individual is responsible for the programming, educational outreach to community partners, and artistic production. As the artistic leader, you will work in a collaborative and respectful environment with the Board of Trustees and Musicians to realize the vision and heighten the symphony’s visibility in our community, establish new partnerships, and build new audiences with a educational growth mindset for all.

Our Organization:

The Mid-Columbia Symphony is a growing organization of 70 enthusiastic rostered musicians. Since 1945, the orchestra has reached over 4,000 residents annually through our various programs. Our season typically includes five subscription concerts during the months of October, December, February, March, and May/June. Currently, the orchestra rehearses on Thursday and Friday evenings and Saturday mid-mornings preceding each concert. Concerts are held at local area high school auditoriums on Saturday evenings or Sunday afternoons.

A ten member, active volunteer Board of Trustees manages the Mid-Columbia Symphony. We also have a very dedicated part-time paid office manager and orchestra manager. (Our orchestra manager is also a seated member of the orchestra). Additionally, we have a vibrant Youth Symphony with a paid music director/conductor who is also the assistant conductor of the Mid-Columbia Symphony. Most recently, the board of trustees developed a mission and vision statement which will assist in guiding the future growth of the organization. Our core values are: Commitment to Excellence, Community, Education, Inclusion, Passion, Longevity, and Accountability.

Candidate Profile:

The ideal candidate will serve as conductor, artistic director, and community arts leader. Successful candidate will be an exceptional musician, and conductor with a knowledge of a broad range of repertoire. Strong interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills are required to sustain the vision and passion of the orchestra, ensuring that symphonic music is relevant and exciting to our audiences. Active service and participation in our fundraising activities and outreach events will be expected. Active participation can take a number of forms, whether it be face-to-face, remote, recorded, or written.

Compensation:

The annual compensation and travel package will be up to $25,000.00.

Application Process:

Please submit your application using Acceptd. The application portal will be open on Feb. 13, 2025.

Each candidate must include:

1. A personal letter or video of interest
2. A professional resume.
3. Three sample programs you have conducted or wish to
4. Names and phone numbers of at least five professional references (three musicians and two administrators or governing board members with whom you have worked, and their relationship notated).
5. Three or four videos showing recent examples of your work with an orchestra. One must be of a rehearsal preferably filmed from the orchestra’s viewpoint. Please edit these submissions to be no more than five minutes each.

For best consideration, applications are due April 2, 2025. Application materials will not be returned.

Each of the four finalists will be invited to conduct one concert session during the 2025-2026 season. Finalists must be able to conduct rehearsals on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday preceeding the concert. The successful candidate will be chosen from among the four finalists.

If you have any questions, please reach out to adm@midcolumbiasymphony.org.

For more information, visit our website at www.midcolumbiasymphony.org