Music Director Position

The music director reports directly to the board and is responsible for the fulfillment of the orchestra’s artistic potential and its image in the community. This responsibility is borne out in a range of activities beginning with planning and programming the season to rehearsal planning and orchestra preparation, to performance and post-performance learning. 

With input from a music selection committee and the board, the music director creates the theme and programs for each subscription season, ensuring an appropriate level of challenge and interesting mix of composers, periods, and representation. The music director sets the tone for rehearsals and concerts, helping the orchestra grow musically while providing high quality concerts that audiences enjoy and return to. The music director nurtures relationships with the orchestra, board, audience, and donors, helping to retain and grow membership, patrons, and funding sources for the future. As the orchestra’s artistic leader, the music director must build and sustain the orchestra’s visibility and involvement in the community. The music director is expected to work closely with the board in carrying out these responsibilities. We would like the next music director to commit to a minimum of 3 years with the orchestra. 

Compensation

This music director position is funded at $2,800 per concert cycle. Guest conductors/auditioners will be paid at this rate for the 2025-2026 season. 

Music Director Responsibilities

• Programming

• Create program for upcoming season at least 8 months in advance

• Lead annual music planning meeting to gather orchestra input on repertoire

• Help source soloists and additional paid musicians when necessary

• Create program notes for each concert

• Rehearsals and Performances

• Organize and lead 6-7 rehearsals in preparation for performance for each of 4 concert cycles

• Provide rehearsal schedule no later than Monday of each week for distribution to the orchestra.

• Organize and lead 2 rehearsals in preparation for the holiday concert (2 performances on the same day). Note the holiday concert is not included in the audition group for the 2025-2026 season.

• Coach individuals and sections during rehearsals to improve quality of performance

• Collaborate with section leads for more efficient rehearsals, seat assignment, etc.

• Relationships and Collaboration

• Create meaningful relationships with orchestra members, board, and audience to foster patronage and retention

• Collaborate with board on strategic initiatives including fundraising, community engagement, collaboration with other organizations, and collaboration with composers to introduce new works

• Attend monthly virtual board meetings as needed and annual membership meeting

Desired Music Director Qualifications

• At least 10 years continuously conducting collegiate, community, and/or professional orchestras, with knowledge of and experience with a broad range of repertoire demonstrated in the conducting CV.

• Programming experience that demonstrates creativity, imagination, inclusiveness, and innovation. The LFCO is already preparing for its next big project work - we want a music director who will collaborate and enable performances that draw new or different audiences without alienating existing patrons.

• Deep musical knowledge that helps contextualize historical works both in the time they were written and in our contemporary society. It’s not just about what we are playing, but why, and the ability to communicate those ideas meaningfully to musicians and audience members alike. 

• Ability to motivate and elicit the best efforts of musicians; to hold the orchestra accountable to principles of good musicianship and the music itself, while at the same time making the experience of making music together engaging and challenging, in all the positive ways possible.  A podium presence sufficient to enhance the quality of music-making and support the musicians’ physical and emotional well-being.

• Practical knowledge and understanding of all instruments used in orchestral performance so that relevant, helpful suggestions for technique, alternate approaches to a difficult passage, etc., can advance the orchestra’s abilities.

• An effective baton technique that maintains the continuity of the overall performance of a work while evoking and controlling response by gesture at all levels of musical detail.

• An effective and efficient rehearsal technique that balances attention to technical details with communication of overall interpretive goals that advances the orchestra through the rehearsal cycle in preparation for the concert.

• Proven ability to partner with orchestra leadership and other performing arts organizations to advance the ensemble musically, organizationally, and financially.

• Track record of successful contribution to strategic goals including audience growth, funding, musical growth, and orchestra member engagement & retention and ability to operate within established budgetary limits.

• Ability to inspire and communicate musically and verbally with audiences of all ages, both on and  off the stage and a commitment to fulfilling the orchestra’s potential as an artistic and community resource; willingness to become involved in the life of the community.

• Ability to commit to at least three years in this role.