Music Director / Conductor
Position Overview
The Music Director serves as the artistic and musical leader of the ensemble, responsible for shaping the band’s artistic vision, elevating musical excellence, and fostering a positive, inclusive, and engaging experience for adult volunteer musicians. This role combines artistic leadership, rehearsal technique, community engagement, and collaboration with the Board of Directors to ensure the continued growth, visibility, and impact of the band.
The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of concert band repertoire, strong rehearsal and conducting skills, and the ability to inspire musicians while building community through music. The Music Director also plays a key role in supporting the band’s culture of social connection.
Key Responsibilities
Artistic Leadership
Plan, program, and conduct high-quality concerts that are engaging for both performers and audiences.
Select repertoire across a wide range of styles, genres, and difficulty levels, ensuring variety, challenge, and audience appeal.
Interpret musical scores with clarity and intention, guiding tempo, phrasing, balance, and expression to honor the composer’s intent.
Maintain high artistic standards while creating an environment that supports growth, camaraderie, and enjoyment.
Rehearsal Direction
Prepare scores and lead weekly rehearsals that are well-organized and enjoyable.
Manage rehearsals that optimize musical progress and use time effectively.
Provide constructive feedback to improve musicianship and ensemble cohesion.
Work effectively with all sections, demonstrating strong knowledge of instrument capabilities, ensemble balance, and high performance standards.
Organizational Partnership
Collaborate with the Board of Directors on concert planning, season programming, potential guest artists, and organizational needs.
Attend board or advisory committee meetings as requested and communicate proactively about band needs, schedules, and artistic considerations.
Coordinate with Section Leaders on musician development, section needs, auditions, and musical standards.
Work with librarians to ensure timely preparation and distribution of music.
Leadership Responsibilities
Participate in recruitment strategies to attract and retain musician members.
Assist with contingency planning for schedule changes or operational needs.
Contribute to marketing, outreach, and fundraising efforts, as appropriate.
Engage with community stakeholders to build partnerships and strengthen the band’s presence.
Supports the band’s dual purpose as a place of musical expression and meaningful connection.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Music, Conducting, Music Education, or related field.
Minimum 3 years of conducting experience with large ensembles; experience with adult community bands strongly preferred.
Proven rehearsal and conducting skills, with the ability to coach musicians with varied abilities and hold the ensemble to strong musical standards.
Comprehensive knowledge of concert band repertoire, including both classic and contemporary works.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to connect with people of different backgrounds.
Demonstrated ability to foster a positive, inclusive, respectful environment for adult volunteer musicians.
Ability to collaborate, build consensus, and work effectively with Section Leaders and Board members.
Commitment to ongoing musical growth, both personal and ensemble-wide.
Experience collaborating with community organizations, volunteers, or nonprofit boards preferred but not required.
Candidate Attributes
Person-centered, empathetic, and respectful.
Appreciates the culture, dynamics, and needs of adult community ensembles.
Organized, prepared, dependable, and committed.
Creative vision in programming for audience engagement.
Skilled at balancing musical excellence with an enjoyable member experience.
Comfortable serving as the public face of the ensemble.
Approaches leadership with humility, humanity, and a collaborative spirit.
Updated September 2026