JOB OPENINGS

Music Director and Conductor

The Indiana Wind Symphony (IWS), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, volunteer music organization, seeks to fill the position of music director and conductor for the 2024-2025 concert season. There will be some overlap with the 2023-2024 concert season for development and planning purposes, or as otherwise determined. The music director may receive an honorarium for the season, which runs from July 1 to June 30 of the following year. 

This position would start in Fall 2024; if feasible, opportunities to conduct the ensemble and begin work on planning for the 2024-2025 season may exist as early as June 2023. The hours of availability and time commitment can be discussed at the time of the interview. 

The IWS is currently in its 26th season under the leadership of its founding music director, Dr. Charles Conrad. Maestro Conrad has recently announced he will retire at the end of the 2023-2024 concert season.

ABOUT THE IWS

The IWS is an amateur, volunteer wind ensemble, drawing professional musicians with global performing experience, as well as accomplished current and retired band directors representing highly-acclaimed programs within the Indiana State School Music Association. The IWS exists to shape the cultural life of our region by delivering exceptional, inclusive musical experiences that enrich, entertain and educate our audiences. 

The IWS is a resident company at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, and it performs in the world-class Palladium. Seating more than 1,600 patrons, the hall plays host to hundreds of events each year. 

The IWS is poised to set a new, strategic vision for the organization, and is seeking a music director with innovative ideas within our mission that will attract new audiences. This position collaborates with the executive director and board of directors.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The music director reports to the board of directors and is responsible for the fulfillment of the ensemble’s artistic potential, as well as its image in the community. The duties include but are not limited to the development of the repertoire, programming and artistic production.

As the IWS’ artistic leader, the music director routinely builds and sustains its visibility and involvement in the community. The director is expected to work closely with the executive director, board president and staff in carrying out these responsibilities and to participate actively in the wind ensemble’s fundraising and educational activities.

QUALIFICATIONS 

The ideal candidate possesses exceptional musicianship and conducting skills, as well as significant podium experience. Other qualifications include experience working with professional musicians, knowledge of a broad range of repertoire, strong interpersonal/leadership/communication skills, vision, passion and the ability to make symphonic music relevant and exciting for existing and new audiences.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

Subscription Concert Programming: Season programming includes a nine-concert subscription series, with five regular concerts and two holiday concerts (same-day) at the Palladium, and two chamber concerts in the Studio Theater. Additionally, the IWS traditionally hosts two to three guests artists per season. 

Naturalization Ceremony: Each year, the IWS performs for a USCIS Naturalization Ceremony held at the Palladium. Immigrants are here because they want a chance at the American dream. In performing for them, we extend the hand of friendship and unity, which reflects the ideals upon which our country was founded. 

Summer Outreach Programming: Our community concert series supports multiple free events annually across central Indiana, and it has assisted the IWS in attracting new audiences. The Carmel Gazebo Series performances have become one of the most highly-anticipated attractions of the year, attracting an audience of more than 1,500. 

Specifically, duties and responsibilities include: 

  • Music director

    • Develop and propose enticing concert programs to build audiences

    • Recommend the engagement of guest artist/guest conductors for approval by the Board of Directors

    • Develop and adhere to the annual budget regarding all artistic costs

    • Recruit, select and artistically engage musicians

    • Serve ex-officio on the board 

    • Attend meetings of the board of directors and executive committee

    • Consult with various board committees as needed

    • Collaborate with the executive director and marketing committee as needed and for the development of the annual marketing plan

    • Provide copy for the website and print materials, including season brochure, program book and program inserts

    • Coordinate season program notes creation or acquisition for each concert

  • Principal conductor

    • Plan and schedule the IWS concert activities, including rehearsals for the contracted seasons

    • Work with soloists in preparation for both rehearsals and performances

    • Consult with the music librarian and staff to ensure proper execution of artistic vision for concerts and rehearsals, as well as logisitical production

    • Participate in social events, public fundraising activities, and other promotional events, including receptions and board gatherings

    • Serve as the face of the organization alongside the executive director

    • Implement educational initiatives after collaboration with the board

    • Other duties as deemed appropriate

APPLICATION PROCESS

The deadline to apply is April 26, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. 

Applicants must submit the following information by email to Linda Moore at lmoore7989@gmail.com with the subject line “Music Director and Conductor Position.” 

  1. One-page letter of interest (PDF)

  2. CV/Resume (PDF)

  3. Two letters of recommendation (PDF)

  4. 2-3 sample programs/concerts with liner notes (PDF)

  5. Video links of no more than 30 minutes of conducting footage

    1. Preference is for a recent concert or rehearsal footage, from a band point of view, in a variety of conducting styles, tempi, historical periods and repertoire.

    2. Preference for YouTube links. If protected, please provide the password in your application. 

  6. Written interview question answers (PDF)

    1. Questions are below

Candidates for in-person auditions will be notified by May 5, 2023.

IWS WRITTEN INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

  1. Why have you applied for the IWS music director position, and how would you approach the role if chosen? 

  2. What would your vision for the IWS be regarding: 

    1. Programming

    2. Building an audience

    3. Fundraising/development

    4. School/education outreach

    5. Concert venues

    6. Concerts and rehearsal space

    7. Budgeting

    8. The role of the board of directors

    9. Other needs

  3. Describe your rehearsal format. 

    1. Sight reading, mid concert cycle, dress rehearsal

  4. How do you unify a group of musicians? 

  5. What are your expectations in regard to volunteer musicians? 

    1. Amount of personal practice time

    2. Attendance at rehearsals

    3. Holding sectionals as needed

    4. Dealing with conflict between musicians or the music director

    5. Principal players’ responsibilities

  6. What are you most proud of in your music career?

  7. How would you evaluate success of the IWS under your leadership, and what changes do you see as important? 

Posted: March 6, 2023

Location: Carmel, Indiana

Deadline to Apply: April 26, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.