Job description

Opportunity

The Butler County Symphony Orchestra invites applications for the position of Music Director, beginning the 2025-26 concert season. The Music Director serves as the orchestra’s artistic director, principal conductor, and performing arts advocate within Butler County, Pennsylvania.

Desired Qualifications

The following list of qualifications includes examples of characteristics that the search committee hopes to find in a successful candidate. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply whether or not all qualifications listed are met. The ideal candidate will:

• Think strategically and curate a creative and holistic vision for both annual and long-term artistic programming.
• Hold an advanced degree and/or equivalent experience conducting musical ensembles, groups, and orchestras in broad-ranging musical performances and repertoire.
• Demonstrate success expanding audiences’ appreciation for new and unfamiliar works.
• Engage with a collaborative spirit and a desire to forge partnerships regionally.
• Speak dynamically with an audience in pre-concert and live concert settings.
• Possess an established track record of excellent musicianship formed by a deep knowledge of orchestral repertoire, historical performance practices, and rehearsal preparation.
• Exhibit strong leadership, organizational, interpersonal, and professional communication skills.
• Maintain relationships with world-class professional artists and instrumentalists.

Position Outline and Responsibilities

The Music Director will work collaboratively with the BCSO Executive Director, Board of Directors, administrative staff, and musicians in carrying out the following duties and responsibilities:

• Help to shape and execute the BCSO vision and mission
• Advance the artistic standard and achievements of the BCSO
• Build positive relationships, and cultivate long-term trust with the BCSO Executive Director, Board of Directors, administrative staff, and musicians
• Curate each season’s subscription concert series including repertoire selections, guest soloist recommendations, desired instrumentation, and preferred score editions
• Lead all rehearsals and performances in the six-concert subscription season, the education outreach concerts, annual summer concert, and provide pre-concert seminars
• Develop, motivate, evaluate, and dismiss/recruit musicians, in the manner that best supports the continued artistic advancement of the orchestra
• Participate in audience growth by promoting the orchestra and learn about the community in order to effectively program music
• Support fundraising initiatives
• Engage in community and education outreach activities
• Serve as the primary artistic ambassador of the BCSO and actively work to advance the BCSO reputation regionally in both the community and media
• Actively work to build positive relationships with Butler County community members, arts organizations, and local educational institutions through mutual support and appropriate collaborations
• Operate within the annual budget guidelines

Commitment and Compensation

Commitment: The Music Director is expected to make a commitment to Butler County’s local identity in concert with the BCSO fundamental objectives, but is not required to maintain full-time residence in Butler County.

Compensation: The annual salary range is $30k-$35K and is dependent on experience and qualifications.

Expected Start Date:Fall of 2025

Application Requirements Submission Deadline

Application Deadline: July 1, 2023

Direct inquiries to boarddevelopment@butlersymphony.org

Application materials must include:

• completed digital application form https://forms.gle/DWr1yaqwfxkZyinG6
• a personal letter of interest from the candidate
• three letters of recommendation (one letter must be from a musician who has performed under the candidate’s direction)
• Optional: Five minutes or less of a conducting performance in the form of a YouTube link

**Please do not send additional materials at this time

**Incomplete and/or late applications will not be accepted

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $30,000.00 - $35,000.00 per year

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Butler, PA 16001: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

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