SYMPHONY DIRECTOR, LA JOLLA SYMPHONY AND CHORUS ASSOCIATION
THE LA JOLLA SYMPHONY AND CHORUS ASSOCIATION
A 501(c)(3), non-profit corporation, the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus (LJS&C) Association is an ensemble of gifted community instrumentalists and singers affiliated with—though independent from—the University of California, San Diego. Its mission is to enrich and inspire the diverse communities of San Diego by bringing together committed and passionate musicians to perform an imaginative mix of contemporary and traditional music at a high level of excellence. It is guided in this mission by the enduring values of community, diversity, exploration, and, of course, music.
LJS&C seeks an exceptionally talented Symphony Director beginning in July, 2023. Reporting to the Board of Directors, this part-time position will have responsibilities concentrated between September and June, during which period the LJS&C mounts its annual season of adventurous new music and new interpretations of older music in six concert programs per year.
RESPONSIBILITIES1
Summary.
In collaboration with the LJS&C Chorus Director and Executive Director, the Symphony Director is:
1. Responsible and accountable for participating in the collaborative development and delivery of the LJS&C’s artistic program, in alignment with the Association’s Mission and Values <https://www.ljsc.org> and in keeping with its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion <https://www.ljsc.org/about/#mission>.
2. Responsible and accountable for overseeing the musical direction of the Association’s Orchestra, for providing leadership, for rehearsing and conducting its concert programs, for recruitment of musicians, and for engaging with the community.
Specific Responsibilities.
1. Along with the Chorus Director and the Executive Director, serve on the Planning Team established by the Association’s Board of Directors. As a member of that Team, and in collaboration with the other members of the Team:
a. provide overall artistic vision and guidance for the LJS&C, enabling it to continue and extend its long tradition of combining mainline repertory with unusual programming;
b. identify guest artists and, as appropriate, guest conductors for those programs, subject to the constraints of the LJS&C’s budget and the concurrence of its Board of Directors.
2. Plan and conduct rehearsals and performances of the Orchestra and/or the combined Orchestra and Chorus during the Association’s concert season as agreed by the Planning Team. An occasional special event concert (e.g., gala), education concert, or tour may be included from time to time.
3. Audition, select, develop, and, if necessary, terminate members of the Orchestra. Participate in meetings with Orchestra members. Make administrative decisions concerning Orchestra members, including rotation and leave requests.
4. Work with the Executive Director in hiring paid musicians; communicate directly with guest artists regarding artistic considerations, and special/additional rehearsals; confirm budgetary parameters with Executive Director before hiring guest artists.
5. In consultation with the Chorus Director and the Executive Director, work with the UCSD Music Department to fulfill the various aspects of the Association’s UCSD Affiliation Agreement.
6. In collaboration with the Chorus Director and the Executive Director, help seek and obtain new opportunities and venues for performances by the LJS&C’s ensembles.
7. As opportunities arise, work with the LJS&C’s Music Director Emeritus, guest conductors, soloists, and the like.
8. Support LJS&C’s annual Young Artists Competition by attending auditions and performances, programming winners into future concert seasons, and collaborating with the Chorus Director, the Executive Director, and outreach staff to identify community outreach opportunities.
9. Assist the Executive Director in the supervision of Orchestra support staff including, as appropriate, orchestra manager, librarian, interns, and volunteers.
10. Engage in outreach activities (e.g., Young People’s Concert) as arranged by, and in collaboration with, the Executive Director and the Outreach Coordinator and approved by the Board of Directors.
11. Assist in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of key donors and volunteers through attendance at meetings, receptions, benefits, and other social events.
12. Participate in the promotional and public relations activities of the LJS&C.
13. Collaborate in every way possible to make the LJS&C a highly successful endeavor and to provide artistic leadership to it and the community.
14. Participate in meetings of the Board of Directors as an ex officio Director.
DESIRED EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES
1. Superb musicianship.
2. Highly engaging and energetic personality.
3. Broad knowledge and understanding of the traditional and contemporary classical orchestral repertoire.
4. Advanced degree in Music with an emphasis in orchestral conducting.
5. Professional conducting experience (minimum 5-6 years), including the performance of major orchestral and choral-orchestral works.
6. Demonstrated ability to work with a large orchestra comprising musicians from a broad range of ages, a wide variety of backgrounds, and with varied degrees of expertise and experience.
7. Demonstrated ability to teach, motivate, and inspire orchestra members, and to attract and retain musical talent.
8. Demonstrated ability to coordinate the various elements of an orchestral performance.
9. Excellent communication and leadership skills.
10. Demonstrated experience working in a comparable organization.
SALARY
An annual salary of $35,000 is offered for this part-time, 12-month position, with additional compensation for performances scheduled outside of the regular season considered and negotiated on an individual basis. This position is offered without benefits.
Applications should be directed to Stephanie Weaver Yankee, Executive Director, at sweaver@ljsc.org and should include a cover letter and CV; the names of three references; and one example each of rehearsal and performance footage from the last five years, not to exceed 15 minutes apiece. Applications received by July 31, 2022 will receive first consideration
In compliance with federal law, the person hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
La Jolla Symphony and Chorus Association
SYMPHONY DIRECTOR
STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Note: This Statement of Responsibilities is designed to provide detailed information about all of the areas for which the Symphony Director is responsible. In many cases, the Symphony Director will work with one or more La Jolla Symphony and Chorus Association staff members or volunteers to carry out some of these responsibilities, or some parts of them.
JOB TITLE: Symphony Director
REPORTS TO: La Jolla Symphony and Chorus Association Board of Directors
SUPERVISES: Assistant Symphony Conductor
DIRECTS THE
WORK OF: Orchestra Manager
Orchestra Librarian
GENERAL FRAMEWORK:
The Symphony Director, the Chorus Director, and the Executive Director work as collaborative partners. Together they are responsible for envisioning, designing, and delivering an artistic program that continues and extends the dynamic programming tradition that is the trademark of the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus Association (LJSCA, or the Association), as well as providing the leadership, vision, and information needed to enable the Board of Directors to adopt sound and practical plans for the continued development of the LJSCA and its enrichment of the musical life of the community.
The Symphony Director is responsible for overseeing the musical activities of the Association’s Orchestra, as detailed below. In addition, she or he is responsible for implementing and abiding by the policies established by the Association’s Board of Directors, to which the Symphony Director, the Chorus Director, and the Executive Director report. The Association’s President is responsible for coordinating an annual review for each of these Directors.
PROFILE:
The Symphony Director will demonstrate superb musicianship, will thrive on collaboration, will possess a highly engaging and energetic personality, and will enjoy working with musicians from a broad range of ages and a wide variety of backgrounds.
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
Summary.
- Responsible and accountable for participating in the collaborative development and delivery of the LJSCA’s artistic program, in alignment with the Association’s Mission and Values <https://www.ljsc.org> and in keeping with its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion <https://www.ljsc.org/about/#mission>.
- Responsible and accountable for overseeing the musical direction of the Association’s Orchestra, for providing leadership, for rehearsing and conducting its concert programs, for recruitment of musicians, and for engaging with the community.
Specific Duties.
- Serve on the Planning Team established by the Association’s Board of Directors. As a member of that Team, and in collaboration with the other members of the Team:
- provide overall artistic vision and guidance for the LJSCA, enabling it to continue and extend its long tradition of combining mainline repertory with unusual programming;
- identify guest artists and, as appropriate, guest conductors for those programs, subject to the constraints of the LJSCA’s budget and the concurrence of its Board of Directors, such concurrence not to be unreasonably withheld.
- Regularly meet with the Chorus Director and the Executive Director—and/or other staff or volunteers as needed—in order to accomplish the business of the Association effectively and efficiently.
- Plan and conduct rehearsals and performances of the Orchestra and/or the combined Orchestra and Chorus during the Association’s concert season as agreed by the Planning Team. An occasional special event concert (e.g., gala), education concert, or tour may be included from time to time.
- Audition, select, develop, and, if necessary, terminate members of the Orchestra. Participate in meetings with Orchestra members. Make administrative decisions concerning Orchestra members, including rotation and leave requests.
- Work with the Executive Director in hiring paid musicians; communicate directly with guest artists regarding artistic considerations, and special/additional rehearsals; confirm budgetary parameters with Executive Director before hiring guest artists.
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- In consultation with the Chorus Director and the Executive Director, work with the UCSD Music Department to fulfill the various aspects of the Association’s UCSD Affiliation Agreement, including:
- Participating in the selection of the recipients of LJSCA’s awards, commissions, prizes, etc.;
- Recruiting students to the ensembles;
- Ensuring the transmission of grading information to the UCSD Faculty Member of Record;
- Other activities as appropriate.
- In collaboration with the Chorus Director and the Executive Director, help seek and obtain new opportunities and venues for performances by the LJSCA’s ensembles.
- As opportunities arise, work with the LJSCA’s Music Director Emeritus, guest conductors, soloists, and the like.
- Support LJSCA’s annual Young Artists Competition by attending auditions and performances, programming winners into future concert seasons, and collaborating with the Chorus Director, the Executive Director, and outreach staff to identify community outreach opportunities.
- Work collaboratively with the Chorus Director and the Executive Director to manage communications with and among the Orchestra and Chorus Managers and the Orchestra and Chorus Librarians in order to ensure successful rehearsals and concerts, including coordinating production needs; obtaining required equipment and musical instruments; and securing music rentals, performance licenses, and applicable permits.
- Assist the Executive Director in the supervision of Orchestra support staff including, as appropriate, orchestra manager, librarian, interns, and volunteers.
- Engage in outreach activities (e.g., Young People’s Concert) as arranged by, and in collaboration with, the Executive Director and the Outreach Coordinator and approved by the Board of Directors.
- Assist in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of key donors and volunteers through attendance at meetings, receptions, benefits, and other social events.
- Participate in the promotional and public relations activities of the LJSCA, including for example:
- print and electronic media interviews both in person, by telephone, or electronically;
- meetings with support organizations and community, civic, and student groups;
- pre-concert lectures;
- conductors’ notes in the concert programs;
- articles for publication in newspapers; and
- development of promotional materials and strategies.
- Supply relevant information for the development of collateral materials in a timely fashion.
- Collaborate in every way possible to make the LJSCA a highly successful endeavor and to provide artistic leadership to it and the community.
- Participate in meetings of the Board of Directors as an ex officio Director.
- Other duties as may arise and be mutually agreed.