Job Posting: Music Director/Conductor
About the Georgian Bay Symphony
The Georgian Bay Symphony was founded in 1972. It is a regional orchestra whose primary location is Owen Sound, 2 1/2 hours north west of the Greater Toronto Area. The GBS is a community orchestra, with 55 volunteer musicians and 5 professional principal string players, serving the City of Owen Sound and the Counties of Grey and Bruce. The players in the orchestra form a teaching base for the area, both in schools and on a private/individual level. The musicians are also involved in a wide variety of other organizations in an area with a particularly rich artistic environment.
The orchestra rehearses Wednesday nights from September to May and performs 5 main concerts per season on Saturdays at the 761 seat Regional Auditorium located in the East Ridge Community School.
The Symphony’s annual operating budget is $180,000. To supplement ticket sales, sponsorships donations, foundation grants and some government funding are important sources of funding. The Georgian Bay Symphony is considered an important contributor to the region’s cultural quality of life. The GBS collaborates with many other regional organizations: SweetWater Music Festival, Georgian Bay Concert Choir, Owen Sound Little Theatre, Tom Thomson Art Gallery, Summerfolk Music Festival, the Kincardine Music Festival, the Ontario Hockey League Jr. “A” Owen Sound Attack.
Position Profile: Music Director
Scope: The Music Director provides leadership through conducting, programming, planning, and community involvement. He or she works closely with the Business Manager and reports to the Georgian Bay Symphony’s Board of Directors or designee.
Education, Skills and Experience: The successful candidate will demonstrate high artistic standards including:
Knowledge of significant symphony orchestra repertoire
Strong understanding of musical techniques and instruments
Experience in conducting and/or planning classics, pops and chamber music in a variety of venues
Evidence of exemplary leadership and communication skills; personable, approachable team player
Demonstrated ability to bring out the best in the musicians and inspire audiences
Preferred minimum Master’s degree in music or equivalent
Roles and Responsibilities: The Music Director performs the duties normally expected of a conductor/music director.
On-podium Performance and Preparation:
Present compelling performances that connect with a variety of audiences
Assure high standards through inspiration of musician abilities, critical evaluation, and optimization of the Georgian Bay Symphony’s creative potential
Provide clear interpretation of music while encouraging individual expression of musicians
Identify special production needs and coordinate with appropriate personnel in a timely fashion.
Off-podium:
Manage artistic projects; develop the season’s program and long range artistic plans in collaboration with the Business Manager and Board of Directors
Build relationships with musicians, patrons, donors, volunteers, and government leaders
Serve as an important community ambassador and work in partnership with the Business Manager and Board leaders in representing and promoting the Georgian Bay Symphony
Meet regularly with the President or designee to review input from musicians, audience feedback, performance and programming success
Oversee the musical administration responsibilities of the operation including management of Librarian, Personnel Manager and Stage Director.
Application:
Must be submitted electronically, by email to
gbs@bmts.com
Subject: Music Director Search
Deadline to receive applications is midnight on Saturday April 29th 2023. Applications should be accompanied by
a letter of interest
one, 1 page summery vitae and one full resume
additional evidence of artistic work
3 sample programs relevant to the Georgian Bay Symphony
3 orchestral programs outside of the traditional Overture/Concerto/Symphony format that were successful in your career
3 references
Applications will be kept in confidence; however, professional references will be contacted for candidates to be considered among the finalists.
Short listed candidates will be asked to be available for six rehearsals and one performance during the 2023-24 concert season. Tentative concert dates are Saturdays: October 28th 2023, Dec 2nd 2023, February1 7th 2024, April 6th 2024, and May 25th 2024.
David Adair
Business Manager
Georgian Bay Symphony
P.O. Box 133
Owen Sound ON N4K 5P1
519-372-0212
gbs@bmts.com
